2026 Participant Biographies

Karla is a compassionate mental health professional who practices from a strength-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive framework. She believes that respect, empathy, and authenticity are foundational conditions for meaningful therapeutic relationships. By nature, Karla is enthusiastic, deeply empathetic, and non-judgmental, and she is committed to creating a welcoming, affirming, and emotionally safe environment—especially for individuals and communities who have historically been marginalized. Karla approaches each individual she works with as inherently valuable and deserving of care. Her primary clinical goal is to support individuals across the lifespan in developing practical, sustainable coping skills that enhance emotional regulation, self-understanding, and overall quality of life. She places particular emphasis on helping clients build insight into how the body communicates distress and resilience, viewing the body as a vital agent in growth, healing, and transformation. With extensive experience developing and directing outpatient programs for high-acuity clients, Karla brings strong clinical leadership and systems-level understanding to her work. Her background also includes nonprofit administration, where she has supported community-based mental health initiatives and program development with an equity-focused lens. In addition, Karla has served as a graduate school and college-level lecturer, contributing to the education and mentorship of emerging mental health professionals. Karla integrates holistic and mindfulness-informed practices into her clinical work. As a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), she incorporates somatic awareness, grounding, and breath-based techniques when clinically appropriate, supporting clients in reconnecting safely with their bodies. Her work reflects a belief that healing is multidimensional—encompassing emotional, physical, relational, and cultural dimensions. Beyond clinical practice, Karla is an experienced keynote speaker and consultant, offering trainings and workshops on trauma-informed care, intersectionality, gender-affirming practice, and clinician wellness. She collaborates with individuals and organizations across diverse intersections of identity, approaching each relationship with humility, cultural awareness, and curiosity. Karla is deeply connected to her family and community. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys reading and writing poetry, cooking for loved ones, and sharing meals as a form of connection and care. She is an avid soccer fan and finds grounding and inspiration in both classical and modern music. Areas of Specialization Individual and Family Therapy Intersectionality and Identity-Affirming Care Culturally Sensitive and Trauma-Informed Therapy Exploration of Gender Identity, Gender Dysphoria, and Social Transition LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy Life and Career Transitions Self-Empowerment and Self-Compassion School-Related and Life Stressors