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Hi! I'm Vanessa.
Nice to meet you!
Who Am I Personally?
Just like other moms, my world is non-stop: helping my son with homework, driving him to extracurricular activities, and in between trying to cook dinner a few times a week (although that doesn’t always happen). I love spending time with my boys (my husband, son, and goldendoodle) and my family - who all drive me crazy, but who I love very much! I also enjoy slowing down when I can and fitting in self-care... like hopping on the Peloton, salsa dancing, and drinking coffee while it's still hot.
Who Am I Professionally?
I am a caring, warm and enthusiastic educator, counselor and public speaker who has had a variety of positions including tenured teacher, highly effective school counselor, behavioral assistant, in-home clinician, group facilitator, licensed therapist, private practice owner... and my most important role - mom.
My passion is helping kids, mothers and educators through therapeutic services and professional workshops. I thrive on helping mothers find a balance between traditional "old school" parenting vs. modern day styles of parenting, while keeping cultural values in mind. As a first generation Dominican-American mom of a young child, I also understand firsthand the stressors mothers face with balancing cultural expectations and career success.
Free to Be Mindful Mission
Free to Be Mindful's mission is to help kids, mothers and educators
become emotionally healthy, strengthen relationships,
and live life with peace of mind and ease of heart.
Free to Be Mindful focuses on mindful living, mental health and personal growth
helping all to Learn, Grow and Inspire with mindfulness in mind.
Free to Be Mindful Values
Genuine Care | Enthusiasm | Real Talk | Mindful Living | Personal Growth
My Promise
To be an honest, genuine professional who is personable, kid-friendly and easy for all to understand, while delivering exceptional services for impacting change.
Education
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BS in Elementary Education & Psychology
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The College of New Jersey
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- MA in Counselor Education
- The College of New Jersey
- Advanced Counseling Certification
- Montclair State University
- Education Supervisor's Certificate
- New Jersey City University
Certifications
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Licensed Professional Counselor
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NJ 37PC00725200
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National Certified Counselor
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Year-Long Mindful Schools Program
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Director of School Counseling Services
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Supervisor Certificate
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School Counselor
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Elementary Teacher, K-5
Services Offered
Counseling for Moms
Free to Be Mindful Podcast
Speaking Engagements
Professional Affiliations
 The College of New Jersey's Alumni Association Board of Directors |  National Board for Certified Counselors |  Association for Play Therapy |
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 Presented at Annual 2020 Conference |  NJ Association for Multicultural Counseling |  New Jersey School Counselor Association |
 American School Counselor Association |  Executive Board Early Career Professional Chair |  Executive Board K-8 Co-Facilitator BCSCA K-8 Counselor of the Year, 2012 |
 Board of Directors |  Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. Lifetime Member Gamma Chapter Area Supervisor |  Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society for Professional Counselors Alpha Epsilon Chapter |
 Lifetime Member Gold Award Recipient National Delegate |