Cesilia’s journey is one of overcoming barriers and embracing resilience within Milwaukee’s immigrant and Latinx communities. At 11, she arrived in the US, immersing herself in English and the intricate systems of her new home. Like many first-generation college students, Cesilia blended family support with a network of educators, mentors, and programs. Through UW-Madison’s PEOPLE Program, Cesilia earned her undergraduate degree.

As a member of the McNair Scholars Program, Cesilia’s passion for destigmatizing mental health in her community was ignited. Under the guidance of Dr. Alberta Gloria in the Counseling Psychology Department, she served on a research team, contributing to the field of mental health. This experience was a turning point in her journey, solidifying her commitment to advocating for mental health awareness and support.

Cesilia returned to Milwaukee for a Master’s in Community and School Counseling, and work with trauma-focused organizations and a methadone clinic, where her bilingual skills bridged gaps in care. At the same time, she worked with local non-profit organizations providing counseling to survivors of trauma.

Cesilia’s experience opened her eyes to people’s pain and remarkable resilience.

Realizing that rapidly developing somatic therapies were underrepresented in the Latinx community, she started her life-changing Brainspotting journey in 2016. The flexibility, acceptance, and genuine healing Brainspotting offers was a perfect fit for a marginalized community with limited resources.

In 2020, Cesilia took a significant step in her journey by launching her own practice, a testament to the support and trust she has garnered from her community. Her practice is characterized by an inclusive approach, accepting Medicaid and insurance, thereby breaking down financial and mental health stigma barriers. Cesilia’s expertise is further demonstrated through her incorporation of Brainspotting, IFS, and EMDR, maximizing cultural competency to empower healing in her clients.

Cesilia’s impact extends beyond her practice. She educates future therapists through workshops, trainings, and partnerships and is supported by mentors like Martha Jacobi and Glenda Villamarin. She hosts the first bilingual (English/Spanish) free support group for Brainspotting professionals in the US, offering connection and community to other professionals. Cesilia is a former member of MBI (Midwest Brainspotting Institute.

This growth journey, from Theraplay training to understand the developing brain in minors to owning a local group practice, reflects Cesilia’s commitment to community, resilience, and cultural competence in mental health advocacy.

Cesilia is the first Certified Bilingual Latinx Brainspotting Trainer in the United States and a Certified Brainspotting Consultant.