2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Visibility Campaign: Melissa Alvarado

September 15-October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to pay tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. Throughout the month we will also spotlight our Hispanic staff through our Visibility Campaign. Today’s spotlight goes to Melissa Alvarado.

Melissa Alvarado, LMFT, director Behavioral Health Access Team, has been with Wheeler since 2014 starting as an intern, then worked as a Children’s Outpatient Clinician, transitioned to our Congregate Care Department as a Program Manager before returning to the Health and Wellness Centers as a Director over our intake and triage team. Melissa was born in Bogota, Colombia and married a Salvadorean chef so she enjoys pupusas on a weekly basis!

As a Latina woman, I believe that our words and our presence carry power. As a licensed therapist, I believe the act of listening and connecting are powerful and vital to healing generational trauma and internalized shame which can progress the next generations ability to thrive. I am proud to be a part of an organization that strives to serve Latinx communities and considers the culture and traditions that are important to us. I believe for Latinx people to prosper and progress in America we need to honor those who came before us and be bold in standing in our innate power while moving toward the future.

Thank you for sharing, Melissa!