About Me
Hi, my name is Waleska!
I was born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, where I spent my early years living with my grandparents before entering the foster care system. At age nine, I was adopted into a wonderful multiracial family with six children, five of whom were adopted. My siblings come from diverse backgrounds, and this rich, multicultural upbringing has deeply shaped who I am today.
My life experiences led me to the field of social work, where I’ve found deep fulfillment in helping others navigate life’s challenges. I have over 20 years of experience in the field and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2017 after relocating from Illinois to Florida.
I earned my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Goshen College in 1995 and my Master of Social Work (MSW) from Aurora University in 2001.
Professional Experience
At JFCS, I served as a case manager in Title I public schools, supporting students and families through advocacy and resource coordination.
With Family Resources in Bradenton, I provided mental health counseling to vulnerable children and families, helping them navigate trauma, behavioral challenges, and emotional struggles.
At Bayside Behavioral Health, I worked in an inpatient setting, managing cases and facilitating therapeutic groups for individuals with acute mental health needs.
Most recently, I was the Lower School Counselor at The Out-of-Door Academy, where I taught wellness classes, led small groups, and provided crisis support to elementary-aged students and their families.
Family is incredibly valuable to me and something I often reflect on when working with clients. I believe in practicing what I preach, and many of the tools I share are ones I’ve used with my own children.
I work with children (ages 6+), adolescents, adults, and older adults. My areas of focus include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger management
- Self-esteem
- Bullying
- Grief and loss
- Divorce/Separation
- Academic challenges
- Parent-child relationship challenges
In my free time, I enjoy gardening, cooking, beach walks, and spending time with my dogs. I’m an animal lover at heart.
Starting therapy takes courage, and it’s a powerful first step toward healing and growth. Fear can hold us back, but sometimes, a little fear is all we need to become fearless. I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey to self-discovery and change.
