Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

Josselyn is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community that celebrates the unique backgrounds of our staff. During this Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re hearing from some of Josselyn’s staff who are proud members of the Hispanic community, and who share what this month and mental health means to them.

Ericka Contreras, Case Manager

Born and raised in Guatemala, Ericka moved to the U.S. at the age of 14 and lived in New York and Chicago before settling in Highland Park. Ericka’s journey with Josselyn began in May 2023 as a counselor with Josselyn’s therapeutic summer day camp, Camp Neeka.

In January 2024, she joined the intake team as a client access specialist. Her dedication and passion for helping others quickly earned her a promotion to case manager in August 2024.

Ericka’s career is deeply influenced by her cultural background and her lived experiences, including her personal mental health journey. After a serious car accident during college, she found healing through art therapy and the support of her therapist.

Ericka_Contreras - Client Access 1 (Northfield)

Reflecting on her work and heritage, Ericka emphasizes the importance of community and vulnerability in mental health. “Latinos are very community-based. We like to make people feel at home. Josselyn shares that value—creating a safe, welcoming space where everyone is accepted,” she says. However, Ericka also acknowledges the unique challenges within the Hispanic community, where the stigma around discussing struggles often keeps people from seeking help. “We’re quick to share our successes but sometimes may need support in understanding that it’s okay to be vulnerable and admit we need help.”

In and out of work, Ericka honors her heritage by embracing her identity as a first-generation student in the mental health field and as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She advocates for inclusivity and representation, hoping to inspire future generations to challenge stereotypes and embrace their authentic selves.

Justine Fernandez, Clinical Supervisor and Therapist

Justine’s cultural background plays a pivotal role in her approach to mental health care at Josselyn. As a Latina therapist, she understands the importance of representation in breaking down barriers. “I believe representation is critical,” Justine shares. “Latinx clients might view therapy as being more approachable when they see a therapist that has a similar background as them. It reduces stigma for individuals who can now see themselves in their therapists.”

Justine celebrates her heritage both inside and outside of work. At home, she keeps her cultural roots alive by cooking Latin American dishes, creating a taste of home that connects her to her background.

At work, she honors her heritage by striving to understand and support the unique experiences of her Latino clients. She integrates a deep understanding of cultural challenges into her therapeutic approach, ensuring that her clients receive care that respects and acknowledges their cultural identity.

To Justine, Josselyn’s vision of Mental health for all is closely tied to the idea of providing culturally competent care. “It means being a Latina therapist who provides culturally competent care and is familiar with the cultural challenges that some clients face,” she explains.

Gaby Valverde Strobehn, Donor Relations Manager

Gaby’s personal experience as an immigrant from Peru deeply influences her approach to mental health. Upon moving to the U.S., she faced the challenges of navigating a new country, battling anxiety, depression, and the overwhelming sense of isolation that comes with separation from loved ones. Her struggle to find mental health support—due to language barriers and limited access—led her to seek solace in support groups, and eventually, with the help of a therapist, she found the tools to cope and heal.

This personal journey fuels her passion at Josselyn, where she now helps others in the Hispanic community access vital mental health resources. Gaby reflects on the stigma surrounding mental health in the Latino community, explaining how many are taught to suppress their emotions and minimize their struggles. Through her work, she aims to break down these barriers by connecting individuals with trusted therapists and comprehensive services in a safe and supportive environment.

At Josselyn, Gaby sees firsthand how the organization makes an impact by providing bilingual services and a wide range of resources to the Hispanic and Latino community. “People in our community can come to one place they trust and get all the help they need,” Gaby says. “This is huge, especially for those who have faced challenges in finding accessible care in the past.”