My Professional Background:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology (Arizona State University) (2023)
- Masters in Social Work (Arizona State University) (2025)
- Registered Associate Social Worker (BBS Reg. #134879)
Treatment Areas:
- 2SLGBTQIA+ and Gender Affirming Care
- Trauma-informed care
- Depression
- Anxiety/Stress
- Life Transitions
- Couples Therapy
- Children/Family Therapy
Treatment Modalities:
- LGBTQ-Affirmative CBT
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
I was born and currently reside in Bakersfield, CA. As a son of Mexican American parents who were migrant farm laborers and helped to march during the United Farm Worker protests, I’m proud of my roots and values of hard work and perseverance. I’m the first of my family to earn a college degree and am very proud to be a role model to others. Over the last 16 years I’ve dedicated myself to working with marginalized and underserved communities at The Bakersfield Homeless Center and Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. I currently volunteer for The Open Door Network as the Supportive Services Manager for their Aftercare department. My work centers on supporting individuals and families navigating homelessness, mental health challenges, and major life transitions, with a focus on long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
In my clinical practice, I take a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and affirming approach. I support clients experiencing depression, anxiety, identity exploration, and relationship challenges, and I’m especially passionate about working with 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and those impacted by trauma. As a proud and out gay man, I strive to create a space where people feel seen, respected, and empowered to move toward healing from minority stress and seek their own coming out journey. My experience ranges from working with children emphasizing play, art, and sand tray therapy modalities to assisting couples and individuals with writing their stories of trauma through narrative therapy and challenging cognitive distortions with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Beyond my clinical work, I serve on the Board of Directors for The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity in Kern County and have created and co-facilitated groups like Shades of Masculinity, which explores identity, vulnerability, and personal growth. I’ve also worked with Safety Alliance Group in Los Angeles County as a volunteer co-facilitator for Batterers Intervention Program virtual court mandated groups. Socially, I helped to admin/moderate for a Facebook group in Kern County that focuses on decreasing rates of social isolation by curating and facilitating fun social events for folks in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Across all areas of my work, I’m committed to fostering connection, resilience, and meaningful change. If you feel that your needs resonate with what I am able to offer, please feel free to call our office to schedule an appointment.
(NOTE: I work under the direct clinical supervision of Guadalupe G. Peña, Lic. #112939)
If you would like to make an appointment or have any questions for us, please click on the Make an Appointment or Contact us buttons below.