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“We have to be visible. We are not ashamed of who we are.”
– Sylvia Rivera

Our People, Working In La Cocina

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ANA RAQUEL GOMEZ (SHE/HER/ELLA)

Office Manager

“I am a community connector. 

I listen.  I value, and embrace members of our community as they take that first critical step:  to seek support at La Cocina.  The hospitality of the heart and compassionate listening are always first on my job description”

BUFFY

BUFFY TRENT WOLF

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Associate Director, Parental, Infant, and Early Childhood Mental Health Services

“I am a reflexive collaborator in thoughts and actions.  I am committed to building authentic collaborations with our Latine communities and partners, working diligently to cocreate pathways that result in equitable mental healthcare services”

JANINA E. FARIÑAS (SHE/HER/ELLA)

Founder &

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

“I am a lineage-holder, an elder weaving two threads.  The first thread convenes Latine innovations that transform and heal–us, together.  The second thread propels that healing with the force of change-making potential. My purpose? To remember and tell the stories of how we've healed, in our cocinas, together.”

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KAI SOBRAL

(SHE/HIS/ELLA/EL)

Illustrator &

 Youth Programs Associate

“I am an artist.  I create art that antagonizes, leading the witness-observer to reflect on themselves, their impact, their communities, and their efforts in creating a world where everyone is able to be their whole colorful selves…”

KAI

SARAH MCNAMEE

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Clinical Director

“I am a conspirator and evidence of the power of sharing “el poder.”  I create a safe and inviting environment for community members to engage with their authentic selves.”

PATRICIA DA COSTA

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Lead Mental Health Consultation Specialist

“I am a uniter of all peoples. I strive to co-create a future of empowerment, growth, and peace with our community. I aspire to ensure that every community member understands that they are not alone in their quest…”

MELITA QUANCE

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Bilingual Clinical Training Supervisor

“I am a seeker, and I search for justice every day.  I fight for the kind of justice that leads to the liberation of me and the liberation of you,  which is the only way we will all thrive...”

MARIE ZELEDON

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Bilingual Masters-Level

Clinician Intern

“I am a mind guide; I support community members as they find meaning in their authentic selves and spread healing to others, and my community…”

KATHERYN MEDINA

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Bilingual Masters-Level

Clinician Intern

“I am a caring companion. I walk alongside children and families, accompanying them on their journeys to heal and grow, always in the language of their hearts…”

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JENNIFER LARROTA

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Communications & Marketing Manager

"I am a storyteller.  I blend verbs, nouns, pronouns, images and color and use them to illustrate narratives of liberation that engage and inspire our communities to heal and to grow."  

ALEJANDRA MAGAÑA

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Infancy and Early Childhood Programs Coordinator

"I am a builder of pathways for equitable early childhood support, dedicated to creating spaces where every Latine voice is heard and valued.”

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BRIAN JIMENEZ FRAILE

(HE/HIM/EL)

 Bilingual Masters-Level Intern

"I am an advocate, grounded in cultural knowledge and dedicated to supporting the Latine community on their journey to wellness.”

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LAYNA PADESKY

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Masters-Level Clinical Intern

"Guided by a commitment to equity, I work to break down barriers that impact Latine mental health."

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BRENDA HERRERA

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

 Bilingual Masters-Level Intern

"I am a people person, passionate about listening and learning from each unique story.”

SYDNEY JONES

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Evaluation & Communications Associate

"Guided by a commitment to health equity, I strive to translate data into meaningful stories that empower Latine' communities." 

ABOUT ME

RHIANNA VERGEER

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

 Bilingual Masters-Level Intern

"Dedicated to mental health and immigration rights, I strive to make therapy a space of healing and empowerment for all.” 

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GRACE COOPER

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Masters-Level Clinical Intern

"Driven by a passion for accessible mental health care, I am dedicated to supporting the Latine community with culturally-affirming services."

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