Care Specialist

About me:

I have a strong background in healthcare and social services with experience in care coordination, behavioral health, and case management through various public health programs. I earned my Master of Public Health from the University of Arizona, and I am currently completing my Master of Social Work. My work is grounded in a commitment to holistic, person-centered care that promotes stability.

After leaving the military, I worked in the private sector until I continued my education with a bachelors and master's in social work, obtaining my clinical license in social work the following year. I decided to pursue social work after my nephew was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. My family was educated and assisted with my nephew's diagnosis through his medical and educational providers, and I hope to be able to provide the same assistance to the individuals and families at Duke Health.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from UNC Greensboro, earning a Bachelors of Science in Public Health Education with a concentration in community health education. Just one week after graduating college, I started my career in public health as a pediatric health educator and program coordinator for a family-centered health and wellness program that was made possible by a grant from the Duke Healthy Lifestyles program. What I like about the work I do is that I am able to give back to my community by providing resources to those who are going through hardships and are underserved.

I have many years of experience working with patients going through hardships, such as homelessness or lack of healthcare coverage. Within my role, I have been able to lift some burdens off of these patients and assist them with gaining healthcare coverage and connecting them with other agencies and resources that can be beneficial for them. I love working with the community and knowing that the work we do can play a positive part in people's health and well-being.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA). My focus is empowering survivors of abuse and other traumas to take control of their own healing processes through therapeutic support. I have experience working in the healthcare industry, as well as the community and nonprofit sectors, and servicing clients in crisis. My area of expertise is helping individuals with depression, anxiety, life changes, conflict in relationship, and interpersonal issues.

I have extensive experience in patient care, both in mental health and critical care. My interest in the work I do stems from the desire to help individuals obtain quality healthcare while feeling like they are seen throughout the entire process. I want to provide assistance navigating medical care along with showing attention to patient needs.

I was born and raised in Durham, and my passion since graduating from North Carolina Central University has been working with vulnerable populations. I have more than five years of experience working with the homeless population, veterans, child protective services, and pediatrics. I look forward to incorporating health care into care management by addressing social determinants of health to prevent health inequities and assisting patients to reach their goals.

I am originally from Honduras. I am bilingual and a mother of two daughters and a grandmother of two grandbabies. I am certified bilingual through Duke Health and a notary public. I came to the United States when I was seventeen years old with my family. I have been in the medical filed since 2006 with Duke Health, and my goal is to retire from Duke Health. My hobbies are cooking, walking, dancing, fishing, and spending time with my family.