Samantha is a dedicated social work graduate student based in New York, passionate about mental health advocacy. Aspiring to become a therapist or work within a hospital setting, Samantha is driven by the goal of making a profound impact, similar to the therapists who have influenced her life. She proudly serves as the student representative for her program, finding great fulfillment in this leadership role. In addition, Samantha runs an Instagram account documenting her mental health journey and social work experiences. She also coaches cheerleading, bringing joy to young adults, and hosts a podcast called "Life Unedited," where she discusses a wide range of topics.

Samantha joined the podcast to discuss the challenges of being a graduate student and navigating life outside of graduate school and young adulthood. To connect with Samantha, you can follow her at @therapist_in_bloom

For podcast updates follow: @healingcornerwithnat

D'Andrah Almanzar, LMSW (she/her) is a Queer Latinx Social Worker who holds a Master's in Social Work from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. D’Andrah is a Social Worker who works in outpatient care at NYC Health + Hospitals primarily focusing on counseling and care planning for high-risk populations such as HIV+ patients. Additionally, D’Andrah is a Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in Trauma, Grief, Women’s/LGBTQ+ Issues, and Anxiety/Depression. D’Andrah is also the host of her own podcast “Healing Through Advocacy” where she brings in mental health/social work professionals to discuss social justice and mental health related topics that are key in the field. D’Andrah is a board member of Release Wellness NYC, a non-profit organization providing holistic wellness and trauma informed support for survivors. D’Andrah received her Bachelors in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Addiction Studies from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 

D’Andrah joined the podcast to discuss navigating queer identity within the Latinx community, setting boundaries with family members, and finding self-love, pride and acceptance in queer identity.  You can connect with D'Andrah and learn more about her work on instagram @healingspacewithdandrah and listen to her podcast: Healing Through Advocacy | Podcast on Spotify

Jessica Ramirez, LMSW (she/her/ella) is a bilingual Licensed Master Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in trauma-informed care. She has dedicated her career to working within BIPOC communities, particularly in Western Queens, where she has been a strong advocate for equitable mental health resources. Jessica is a clinician with Mount Sinai Hospital’s Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention (SAVI) program, where she specializes in providing trauma informed care to survivors of gender-based violence. She also serves as a clinician at The Sandoval CoLab, offering integrative support to individuals navigating symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression and the impact of generational trauma. Additionally, Jessica cohosts retreats at The Sandoval CoLab that promote mental wellness and holistic healing. Her professional journey was shaped by her early work with HIV/AIDS patients at Elmhurst Hospital Center, extensive volunteer experience, and lived experiences as a first-generation Colombian-American. In addition to her clinical work, Jessica is a contributing author in LatinX Vol. III, where she shares her experiences with trauma, resilience,and healing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from St. John’s University and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University. After completing post-graduate studies in integrative trauma treatment, she is currently working toward her LCSW licensure.

Jessica joined the podcast to discuss her experiences in working with survivors of trauma, and how her own narrative of trauma, resilience and healing, have informed and inspired her work in the field.

To learn more about Jessica you can follow her on Instagram @that_latina_therapist

Vivianna works as an inpatient social worker for OB, ICU, and ER at a hospital in the rural town of Ukiah California. Prior to entering the medical social work field, she worked as a mental health clinician providing therapeutic services in English and Spanish to families where resources are extremely limited. She is an alumnus from Fordham University’s graduate school of social service, recipient of the 2023 Future of Social Work award from the Latino Social Work Coalition and has presented at multiple conferences on Latinx mental health issues. Wanting to positively impact as many lives as possible, Vivianna has also started an annual Toy and Food fundraiser in her mother’s hometown of San Nicolás de Ibarra in Jalisco Mexico providing free food and toys to children during the holidays. She recently became a published co-author of Latinx in Social Work: Vol. 3. In her free time, she enjoys traveling the world to learn about different cultures. Vivianna hopes to use her degrees in business management and social work to build an empire that focuses on helping BIPOC communities reach their greatest potential. 

Vivianna joined the podcast to discuss breaking generational curses and cycles in her life in areas such as finances, relationships, and boundary setting, along with the challenges that come with trying to do things differently. You can follow Vivianna on instagram @lachicanatherapist, additionally you can follow her new collective @allshadesmorena

Sophia Jasmine Dupree, LCSW, PPSC, is a mixed-race Latina therapist treating women of color with anxiety, depression, and OCD. In her 13 years of clinical practice, she has worked with various populations including LGBTQ+, unhoused population, immigrant populations, and her first passion, working with children and adolescents. Sophia is the owner of Chirpy Tree Therapy, a virtual practice serving residents of California. She is a proud LA Native, and lives with her husband, two small children, her two cats, and she is an OCD and depression survivor.

Sophia joined the podcast to discuss her journey to private practice, her work with individuals living with OCD, the stigma around OCD especially surrounding BIPOC individuals, and the connection between trauma and OCD. To learn more about Sophia and her work you can follow her on instagram @chirpytreetherapy or visit her website:Home | Chirpy Tree Therapy

For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat

Dr. Martine Laventure is a passionate Social Worker with over 14 years of experience dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities. Dr. Laventure earned her doctorate from Tulane University and began her career as an administrator in non-profit mental health housing programs, creating supportive environments for those in need. As a psychotherapist, Dr. Laventure guides clients towards healing and growth, and as a school social worker helps students & families thrive while advocating for homeless teens. Dr. Laventure is also the founder of Laventure Consulting Services LLC to support individuals, groups and organizations in embracing authenticity and evolving into their best selves.

As a parent of a teenager diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dr. Martine Laventure is committed to advocating for understanding, inclusion and acceptance for individuals on the spectrum. Dr. Laventure joined the podcast to discuss her journey in supporting children with autism spectrum disorder and families and the importance of modeling advocacy as a Social Worker. You can contact Martine @ [email protected] or follow her on instagram @laventurescsllc

For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat

Gary T. Taylor, aka Trey, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Three-Time Published Author, Speaker and Facilitator, Assistant Professor, Doctoral Student (University of Kentucky: College of Social Work), and Deacon. He is from and resides in Caroline County, Virginia with his wife, daughter, and son. He has twelve years of experience in Mental Health and formerly provided individual therapy to Black Men and Women. He also consults businesses and community agencies about racial equity initiatives and is an Assistant Professor in the Social Work Department at Virginia State University. He blends his clinical expertise with lived experience to meet people where they are, via a social and racial justice lens. Trey is also a podcaster, sneakerhead, car enthusiast and coffee lover!

Gary joined the podcast to discuss wearing many hats in Social Work, including being a doctoral student & educator/ professor. Gary discussed his own journey so far in his doctorate program, and how he finds balance between the many roles he holds within Social Work. To learn more about Gary and his work you can follow him on instagram @retro_gt or visit his website: https://www.uphold318.com/

(1) Gary Taylor, LCSW | LinkedIn

For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat on instagram

Shae Chisman is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist based in Canton, GA, specializing in individual, couples, and family therapy with a focus on relational trauma in marginalized communities. She uses an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approach to create brave, safe spaces for healing, self-discovery, and empowerment.

With a background in mindfulness, Shae incorporates yoga and meditation into her work, helping clients reconnect with themselves through self-awareness and grounding techniques. She’s also passionate about advocacy and education, contributing to courses on inclusivity and sharing her expertise on podcasts about relational trauma and anti-oppressive practices.

Shae joined the podcast to discuss what it looks like to be a therapist that practices from an anti-oppressive lens, and shares some of the tools she's learned on her journey to being an inclusive therapist. To learn more about Shae follow her on instagram @sharewithshae or visit her website www.sharewithshae.com

For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat on instagram

Grace Li, owner of Inner Alchemy Wellness, is a licensed therapist and trauma-informed yoga teacher who helps overthinkers and underfeelers heal from trauma and cultivate embodied, fulfilling lives. Her holistic approach is rooted in somatic therapies and Internal Family Systems (IFS), with a focus on relational and body-based healing. She specializes in working with folks who struggle with intellectualizing and avoidant attachment-- often working with people who are struggling to navigate their first healthy romantic relationship or wanting to heal relational wounds from years of complex trauma. 

Grace combines her expertise with a compassionate, down-to-earth presence to support clients in exploring vulnerability, trust, and deepening emotional connection to self and others. When she's not working, you'll find her hiking, reading, dancing, and connecting with nature.

Grace joined the podcast to discuss somatic based approaches to healing, nervous system regulation after trauma, and different somatic based practices that can be incorporated into healing. To learn more about grace you can follow her on instagram @gracekflows

For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat

During the last episode of Tea Time Podcast Season 3, host Natalie discusses the collective grief around election results, and the experiences of fear, fatigue, anxiety and uncertainty amongst a lot of communities. Additionally, Natalie discussed the challenges of holding space as a therapist, and the ways clients and communities may be impacted by proposed policies and agendas. The episode closed with a Q&A with questions from audience members and discussion about shifts in my goals as a Social Worker and DSW student. For podcast updates and for updates on Season 4 follow @healingcornerwithnat