I was born in Mexico City and grew up in Phoenix, which really shaped how I see the world and gave me a deep appreciation for culture, identity, and the power of community. After serving in the U.S. Army and completing a tour in Iraq from 2000 to 2004, I came back feeling uncertain about my direction in life. That all changed after I took a trip to Peru, where I had the opportunity to work with Indigenous youth, teaching Spanish and life skills. That experience completely shifted my perspective. It was there, in the mountains of Peru, that I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others. I went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies with a minor in Transborder Studies from Arizona State University. My undergraduate degree’s opened doors to jobs where I was able to serve and support others, especially in community and prevention work. But over time, I began to notice a gap, many individuals, especially those from diverse and underserved backgrounds, weren’t getting the mental health care they truly needed. That’s what inspired me to take the next step and pursue my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University. I’m also a proud father and love spending time with my family, they’re my biggest motivation and keep me grounded. Outside of work, I love to travel and have been lucky enough to visit many amazing places around the world. I’m a huge foodie and always excited to explore new cultures through their dishes.