Stephanie Garcia, LPC
My Teachers
I wouldn't be the therapist or person I am without the support and guidance of those who came before me, including my mentors and teachers. I would like to acknowledge some of those here who have contributed to my continued growth as a mental health therapist and healer.
Zelda Madden, Licensed Therapist and Supervisor
Zelda was one of my first supervisors after completing graduate School. She was already a senior clinician working in community mental health in Massachusetts when I was just beginning my career. Her guidance in my work with children and families was pivotal to my growth as a therapist and supported me to understand how child development and family systems impacted the individuals I was working with. Most importantly, through our work together Zelda modeled for me the importance of the therapeutic relationship in the healing process.
Precious Collins
Precious is a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Indian tribe and was my colleague when I was working for the Southern Ute Tribal Government. Precious was my main source of information for gathering the history of the Southern Utes. This information was crucial for me to be able to provide culturally competent mental health care to the tribal members I was working with. Precious's generosity with the information she shared with me about Southern Ute history, culture, and tradition was invaluable and supported me to understand the importance of "culture as prevention". My time at the Southern Ute tribe also supported me to increase my awareness around the importance of practicing from a decolonized lens and one of the catalysts for me to begin my own journey of learning more about Traditional Mexican Medicine and Rebozo healing.
Metzli
During my time in Colorado working for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, I became more curious about my own cultures teachings and traditions. I found a class in San Diego offered by Metzli a Sobadora and body worker who was offering a course on Traditional Mexican Medicine, and have since continued to learn from her. Metzli became my first teacher in these traditions and supported me to discover a component I felt was missing in my training in Western Psychology and in my work with clients.
Irasema Reza Bailey
Irasema became my teacher of Rebozo Healing after studying with Metzli. With Irasema's guidance I continued to learn more about traditional Mexican Medicine and more specifically Rebozo Healing which I now offer in my practice with clients. Irasema continues to be a close mentor and friend to me today and someone that I collaborate closely with in my work with many of my clients.
