Erica speaks to Dr. Peter Rios, about his upbringing, the importance of authenticity and identity in community and mental health professions.  He talks about his journey with mental health, his childhood, relationship, and struggles that affect his work. Maximizing your potential & authenticity no matter where you came from. The journey to better mental health within cultural beliefs  The importance of family to work toward better mental health How religion, culture and mental health can work together  Madamismo, machismo, and rethinking rolls Guest Bio:  Dr. Peter Ri ..read more

Erica speaks to a panel of social workers (Social Workers for Justice) about what needs to be done to give more opportunities for representation in communities of color in the social work space. Including what can be done to make testing and credentialing more accessible to those representing different cultures.  Importance of creating opportunities for new social workers Social Workers and the “ASWB LMSW Entry Level” exam How the ASWB exam test questions are created The emotional, cultural, and financial hurdles of the test What can be done to restructure the path toward social work car ..read more

Erica talks to Jean Carlos Osorio about his journey to being a mental health professional, a business owner, and author. Check out how Jean Carlos’ journey led him to help the Latinx/a/o/ community and get passed his own doubts to make his dreams come true Immigrant communities entering a new world in the U.S. Therapy through art, sports, and community. Building a practice that works to provide service to those who need How to communicate services while dealing with cultural stigmas Dealing with doubt and finding self worth Importance of training and guidance for new mental health professiona ..read more

Erica talks to Claudia M. Boyle about her journey from Columbia to the U.S. to fulfill her dream of becoming a licensed mental health counselor and the support Claudia’s family and community provided her to succeed and become a CEO at the Hispanic Counseling Center. Making sacrifices for your career Familial support in her goals. The importance of community in life and work Addressing the stigma of mental health How to make mental health help common Different types of mental health careers. Claudia M. Boyle, MS, LMHC, has a broad and comprehensive experience as a clinician, supervisor, and a ..read more

Our special guest interviewer, Pilar O. Bonilla, MSW, has questions for our host Erica Sandoval! Find out all about Erica’s journey to becoming a social worker, creating the “Latinx/e In Social Work” book series, “Sandoval Colab,” and the new non-profit “Siembra Today.” Topics touched upon: Erica’s journey to the mental health space.  Working with and mentoring social workers. Building a group practice. Mental Health stigmas in communities of color. Psychedelic therapy and support in communities of color. Celebrating our “Latinx in Social Work" Authors Pilar O. Bonilla, MSW, graduated ..read more

Erica joins some amazing doctors to have a conversation about “Marianismo”, or the expectation that women have to serve and sacrifice for others before themselves. What is Marianismo Marianismo in Modern Culture Traditional Roles and Expectations for Women Self Validation While Supporting Others Navigating Family While Working Toward a Goal Dr. Damary M. Bonilla-Rodriguez is a national leading authority on leadership development, especially as it pertains to diversity and inclusion. She delivers keynote addresses and presentations drawing upon her experience from roles in the non-profit, pri ..read more

Erica Joins some amazing mental health professionals to have an honest discussion about infertility, family building and mental health.  The emotions you go through trying to build a family Stigma of infertility in cultural communities. Navigating family building with fertility support awareness Dealing with the expectations of motherhood Staying positive during the fertility process Laudy Burgos, LCSW-R, PMH-C is a bilingual English/Spanish licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience in the area of perinatal mood disorders; and family and children’s services. Dr. C ..read more

Erica is catching up with Latinx/e In Social Work Volume 1 authors to find out what has changed since the release of the book, and what they are doing currently. Today we caught up with one of our first guest, Madeline Maldonado, licensed clinical social worker, and Co-founder of Minette LCSW Psychotherapy Services PLLC How life has changed since Latinx/e In Social Work Volume 1  Setting goals to make tangible success Overcoming challenges to start a business First year of starting a new business Building patience and work life balance Mentoring the next generation of social workers Mor ..read more

Erica is catching up with Latinx/e In Social Work Volume 1 authors to find out what has changed since the release of the book, and what they are doing currently. Today we caught up with Paula McMillan-Perez, licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and podcast host about building community with her fellow authors, her new ventures, and more. How life has changed since Latinx/e In Social Work Volume 1 Building community in social work Providing support to clients to find the right therapist Exploring spirituality in life and community New Year Intentions More about  Paula McMill ..read more

Erica is catching up with Latinx/e In Social Work Volume 1 authors to find out what has changed since the release of the book, and what they are doing currently. Today we caught up with Paula McMillan-Perez, licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and podcast host about building community with her fellow authors, her new ventures, and more. How life has changed since Latinx/e In Social Work Volume 1 Building community in social work Providing support to clients to find the right therapist Exploring spirituality in life and community New Year Intentions More about  Paula McMill ..read more