From Translator to Storyteller, Holder of Stories and Hope

I came to this country as a child and became my family’s translator, advocate, paralegal, secretary, parentified child, and holder of hope.

People often ask me why I do what I do. The answer begins long before I became a therapist.

As a young child navigating a new country alongside my family, I quickly learned that language was only one thing that needed translating. There were systems to understand, forms to complete, appointments to navigate, and unfamiliar expectations to make sense of. Along the way, I realized far too young, around four years old, that the many “isms” of our society did, would, and continue to impact our lives as we pursued the American Dream. Like so many immigrant families, we were striving not only to survive, but to find our own version of thriving.

Over time, I became more than a translator. I became a resource person, a guide, an advocate, and a holder of hope. Those experiences shaped who I am today and ultimately led me to become a therapist, community advocate, writer, healer, storyteller, and witness to the resilience that exists within individuals, families, and communities.

Today, I sit at my desk awaiting the arrival of psychotherapy clients while supporting the growing Spanish-speaking immigrant community in New York’s Capital Region. Beyond my professional roles, I am also holding down the fort at home with my small family, including a few beloved fur babies who keep life interesting and full of joy.

As a translator of many kinds, not only of language but also of systems, resources, emotions, experiences, and possibilities, I find myself repeatedly helping people navigate similar questions, challenges, and searches for information. Whether it’s connecting someone with resources, helping them understand mental health, supporting them through difficult life transitions, or simply listening to their story, I have come to understand that sharing knowledge and fostering connection are central to my life’s work.

With that in mind, I have decided to create this space.

This space is an opportunity to bring together the many parts of who I am, what I hold dear, and the ways I show up in community. It is a place for stories, reflection, learning, healing, and hope. My intention is to share resources, insights, and experiences that support mi gente wherever they may find themselves on their journey.

Here, I will share reflections on healing, mental health, wellness, spirituality, community resources, personal growth, and the lessons that emerge from lived experience. Some entries will offer practical information and resources. Others will explore stories, insights, and moments of reflection. I may even share a few personal anecdotes because stories have a unique way of helping us understand ourselves, connect with one another, and recognize our capacity for healing.

I am learning as I go, and I am certain there will be bumps along the way.

My hope is that this space becomes a place where we can learn together, heal together, and explore what it means to build community in a rapidly changing world while remaining rooted in the spirit of comunidad that has carried so many of us through hardship, uncertainty, joy, and transformation. It is that spirit that reminds us, again and again, that we are not alone.

This space is an invitation to walk alongside one another. To learn, grow, heal, advocate, and build meaningful connections. I do not have all the answers, but I believe deeply in the wisdom that emerges when stories are shared, experiences are honored, and people feel seen.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for bringing your story, your resilience, and your hope.

I am honored to walk alongside you on this journey.

En solidaridad,

La Niña Liz 💛