Stephanie holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University (Go Seawolves!) and is a New York State Licensed Master Social Worker LMSW. Stephanie is a seasoned psychotherapist, child welfare expert, and Afro-Latina queer parent of two, dedicated to creating healing spaces that honor identity, resilience, and connection. With over 15 years of experience in the field of child welfare, she brings a deep understanding of family systems, trauma, and the structural inequities that shape lived experiences.

Stephanie is trained in evidence-based practices such as Functional Family Therapy–Child Welfare (FFT-CW), and her clinical approach is trauma-informed and culturally responsive. She acknowledges the impact of racial trauma, systemic racism, and weathering, and centers equity in every aspect of her work.

A graduate of the Ackerman Institute for the Family, Stephanie integrates modalities like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, and person-centered techniques. She specializes in supporting pregnant and parenting individuals, with a particular passion for perinatal mental health and emerging families. As a trained DBT therapist and doula, she offers holistic care that bridges emotional wellness and practical support.

Stephanie’s practice is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and joy. She strives to ensure that every client feels seen, heard, and held. Outside of her clinical work, she loves spending time with her family, cooking, and dancing salsa, bringing the same warmth and rhythm into the spaces she creates for healing.