About Me
Introduction / Overview
Welcome to Lumina Psychology and Education Services. I chose the name “Lumina” because it reflects a simple idea I believe in: everyone has potential, and everyone has strengths and insight within them that can guide them through challenges. At Lumina, my goal is to help you access that potential, whether it’s managing anxiety, navigating life transitions, or finding clarity about what’s next.
I work with teens, young adults, and thoughtful individuals of all ages who are open to exploring their experiences and trying new approaches. Many clients come to me feeling anxious, uncertain, or stuck. They are not always sure what they need, but are ready to take steps toward clarity and growth. I also support families with school-related concerns, including special education guidance, home–school collaboration, and IEP or 504 planning.
Therapeutic Approach
My approach to therapy is warm, practical, and collaborative. I aim to create a space where you feel supported, understood, and free to explore your experiences. Sessions balance insight with actionable strategies. I want you to leave with both clarity and tools you can use in daily life.
I draw from evidence-based practices such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Existentialism, and Narrative Therapy, along with elements of psychodynamic perspectives. I provide structure while remaining flexible to what’s most relevant for you in the moment.
I’m also intentional about being real and transparent in sessions. I don’t hide behind formalities, I share perspective when it helps the work, acknowledge mistakes, and bring authenticity to the relationship. My goal is to make therapy feel human, grounded, and meaningful.
Professional Background & Expertise
I’m a dually licensed clinical and school psychologist with a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. My professional work integrates clinical practice, educational systems, and training, allowing me to support individuals, families, and schools in understanding how people think, learn, and function across settings.
My experience spans school-based practice, clinical assessment and intervention, and university-level teaching and supervision. Across these roles, I have developed expertise in psychological and psychoeducational evaluation, individual therapy, and systems-level consultation, with a focus on translating complex clinical and educational information into clear, usable recommendations.
A central part of my work involves helping bridge the gap between clinical understanding and educational application; supporting families and school teams in making sense of assessment findings, accessing appropriate services, and implementing supports that are both practical and sustainable.
I regularly collaborate with educators, multidisciplinary teams, and families to support decision-making within educational systems, including special education processes, intervention planning, and service coordination.
Personal Background & Cultural Identity
I’m originally from Southern California and was raised in a Mexican-American household with immigrant parents. Growing up in that space shaped a lot of how I understand identity, culture, and the experience of moving between different expectations. It also informs how I think about belonging, and how people make sense of themselves within different cultural and social environments.
My identity has always existed in that in-between space, not fully one thing or the other, which helps me connect with others navigating similar experiences. In my work, this shows up in a grounded and authentic way, especially when supporting individuals and families who are reflecting on culture, identity, and the roles they’ve been given. I’m particularly drawn to helping people explore what feels meaningful to keep from their heritage, while also letting go of expectations or stereotypes that may no longer fit, so they can live more fully and authentically.
I played soccer growing up, including in college, and it’s still something I enjoy. Staying active in different ways has always been important to me, whether that’s sports, trying new experiences, or just staying engaged with life outside of work. I value being connected to friends, staying curious, and keeping a balanced and flexible approach to life.
Before becoming a psychologist, I served in the United States Marine Corps. That experience was both meaningful and challenging. It exposed me to structure, discipline, and a wide range of people navigating pressure, uncertainty, and transition in different ways. It also shaped how I think about resilience and effort, not just individually, but in relation to others, and what it means to keep moving forward even in difficult circumstances. At the same time, it helped clarify my longer-term path and ultimately supported my transition into graduate training and psychology.
Looking back, each part of my background has shaped how I show up in my work today: with a focus on adaptability, groundedness, and a realistic understanding of people’s strengths, struggles, and potential.