Gerardo has developed his Social Work profession to serve youth and families in the Mid-Willamette Valley. He has devoted the last 10 years to working with students mostly focused on primary education. Mr. Jimenez has also begun his private practice in Salem, Grace Wellness Center, providing mental health support and services to youth and families. He understands the importance of supporting the social-emotional development and well-being of all families. He is especially passionate about building partnerships to address important needs for Latinos in our communities. “Healing begins with providing and holding space that is culturally relevant to tell our stories, this is essential to breaking generational trauma.”

He completed his degree in Master of Social Work from Portland State University in 2015. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He integrates techniques based on Mindfulness, Cognitive-Behavior, Solution Focus and Play Therapy that are client-centered as tools. He has an extensive background based in grassroots organizing and Latino leadership contributions since 1999. His current areas of interest are concentrating on holistic approaches to include aspects of spiritual, emotional, physical and mental well-being in the healing process. Gerardo’s professional position was as a board member for Oregon Associations for Play Therapy (ORAPT) 2018-2022. Currently, he serves children in primary education k-5th and at-risk youth on probation involved in the Juvenile department. Recently, Gerardo has also started his journey in spirituality practices, a recent healing circle was facilitated for rapid responders in the local community of Salem. He is also a part of the Latine Mental Health Consultation Group as he continues his collaborative work with mental health providers and therapists serving families in the Willamette Mid-Valley.