Born in Azogues, Ecuador, Paola immigrated to New York City at age 4 and has called it home since 2005. She is deeply proud of her Hispanic heritage and committed to serving immigrant and Spanish-speaking communities. Paola earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Student and Personal Counseling from Queens College, where she was awarded The DreamUS National Scholarship. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at Brooklyn College.

Paola’s therapeutic approach is psychodynamic, integrating mindfulness, and focusing on helping clients explore past experiences and emotions. With experience in crisis intervention and goal-oriented therapy, she has worked with diverse populations, including students at Queens College and residents of homeless shelters across NYC. Paola is fluent in Spanish and committed to making mental health services accessible to those who face language and cultural barriers.

Her clinical interests include trauma-focused care and integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with psychodynamic techniques. Outside of her work, Paola enjoys yoga, dance, and exploring the cultural diversity of NYC. As a self-proclaimed iced latte connoisseur, she enjoys a good cup in any season and embraces all the vibrant experiences the city offers.