Meet Maria

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Hello! I’m Maria, a Mental Health Counselor in training with nine years of experience supporting individuals and families as a school psychologist. My mission is to create a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals.

I am a compassionate and skilled professional with experience as a bilingual school psychologist. This has deepened my desire to collaborate with individuals, families, and multidisciplinary teams to implement effective solutions to influence personal growth and learning. I have worked extensively with multilingual and multicultural communities, building trust and providing culturally responsive support to students and their families.

My experience spans both direct services for children and adolescents and research contributions, including co-authoring a publication addressing the lack of diversity in school psychology. My research reflects a commitment to inclusivity and an understanding of systemic challenges in mental health and education.

I am passionate about early intervention and reflective counseling practices. I seek to leverage my skills and experiences as a bilingual school psychologist to further my impact on the lives of individuals and families. I aim to contribute meaningfully to mental health counseling through empathetic care, evidence-based strategies, and a dedication to fostering resilience and self-efficacy in my clients.

In our sessions, you can expect a warm, empathetic, and personalized approach. I focus on creating a partnership where you feel heard and empowered. Whether you’re looking to manage daily stressors or work through deeper challenges, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Taking the first step can be daunting, but it’s also a powerful act of self-care. Let’s connect to discuss how I can support you on your journey to well-being. I look forward to working with you.

Expertise with School-Age Children with Classifications of 

• Learning disabilities 
• ADHD  
• Autism  
• Other Health Impairment

• Designing and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs)  
• Conducting assessments to identify learning and behavioral needs (IQ tests and academic testing)
• Collaborating with teachers and parents to support students' success 

• Humanistic Approach: Focusing on empathy and the potential for self-growth
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and modifying unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Cultivating present-moment awareness to reduce stress and enhance well-being
• Person-Centered Therapy: Empowering clients by creating a supportive environment for personal growth

CUNY Queens College

M.S. Ed and Permanent Certification in Bilingual School Psychology

B.S. in Psychology

Proctor, S. L., & Romano, M. (2016). School psychology recruitment research characteristics and implications for increasing racial and ethnic diversity. School Psychology Quarterly, 31(3), 311–326.

English

Spanish