Hello, I'm Mary
A life long learner, passionate Latina advocating for mental health, dedicated mother, recovering perfectionist, and Disney & Coffee enthusiast.
Mary as a person...
I was born in Colombia and moved to the United States when I was 9 years old. Adapting to life here was a challenging journey. While a part of me felt grateful to chase the "American Dream" we all heard about growing up, another part of me was afraid of not fitting in. I felt embarrassed not knowing the language, sad about leaving everyone I loved behind, and often lonely while my single mom tirelessly worked to make ends meet.
The journey of acculturation and adaptation continues to shape my life today. With the passage of time, I have gained valuable experience, undergone therapy, and learned through trial and error. These experiences have led me to discover the invaluable gifts of self-acceptance and self-compassion, making it significantly easier to navigate my identity as a cultural being.
My upbringing as an immigrant, and being surrounded by diverse individuals, ignited a passion within me for understanding immigrant trauma, acculturation challenges, and identity-based counseling. These experiences have not only shaped my professional aspirations but have also enriched my personal growth journey.
Mary & relationships...
As someone who has survived trauma, navigating relationships has been a significant challenge for me.
From childhood onward, I have been on a journey to heal deep wounds and cultivate inner safety. The most daunting aspect of my healing process has been learning to trust others to accept my authentic self and embrace vulnerability once more.
In my Latinx family, I learned the importance of connection and community — these values were my pillars of motivation, urging me to persist in my healing even after facing disappointment with therapists who weren't the right fit for me at those times.
Today, I am filled with immense gratitude for the love and support that enriches my life. I am blessed with a loving and supportive partner who is also my best friend. My four-year-old daughter teaches me valuable lessons every day, helping me heal my inner child through our bond. I am surrounded by a wonderful group of family and friends who accept me unconditionally, allowing me to embrace my true self — a drama queen at heart, brimming with passion, love, and an unbridled excitement for life.
The Start of Contigo ...
I founded Contigo because my personal journey taught me to cherish the importance of relationships and healing, and because I deeply believe in the transformative power of therapy — especially therapy that recognizes the uniqueness of each individual.
At Contigo, we hold the belief that every person we encounter possesses their own internal wisdom, which guides their healing journey. I am keenly aware of how Eurocentric, individualistic, and capitalist ideals have permeated various aspects of our lives, including mental health.
Our mission is to provide personalized, trauma-informed, and holistic healing to each client, honoring both their ancestral and personal wisdom. We prioritize fostering a connection with one's ideal self and promote community healing as integral parts of our approach.