Biography

M.S.Ed., Learning and Developmental Sciences: Educational Psychology, Indiana University
M.A., Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education: Student Affairs Concentration, University of Maryland
B.A., Psychology, University of Maryland
B.A., Criminology/Criminal Justice, University of Maryland

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Paola embraces a holistic multicultural and developmental lens integrating student development, identity development, and intersectionality. Her framework is founded in person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, feminist, relational, and emotion-focused theories. She aims to establish a collaborative therapeutic relationship in which clients feel safe, heard, valued, and empowered.

Paola is trained as a generalist and has experience working with a broad range of clients and presenting concerns, including identity development, interpersonal concerns, family/relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, and adjustment/life transitions. Paola has a special interest in working with marginalized and underrepresented populations, including Latin(x, o/a) and LGBTQ+, as well as military-affiliated individuals. Paola has worked in college counseling centers and community mental health settings. She is Spanish-speaking and offers services both in Spanish and English.