In this episode, Erica and guest Madeline Maldonado, LCSW explore how the protective walls we build—often out of survival—can unintentionally distance us from empathy, connection, and self healing. They talk about the real, often uncomfortable work required to move toward wholeness, and how meeting the parts of ourselves we’ve tucked away with honesty and compassion is essential for growth. They also discussed why doing our own healing is not optional in this field. People cannot guide others through terrain they are unwilling to walk ourselves. This Café y Charla conversation dives into the intersections of healing, empathy, and the responsibility we carry as helpers in our communities.

Bio:

Bilingual clinical social worker, leader, and advocate, dedicated to transforming mental health care through culturally competent practices. With over 20 years of experience, she is the founder of Madeline Maldonado, LCSW Consulting P.C., offering impactful workshops, staff training, and diagnostic evaluations for children, and cofounder of Minette LCSW Psychotherapy Services PLLC, a clinic addressing the unique needs of Latino and BIPOC communities.

Madeline has spearheaded life-saving programs like Life is Precious and the Bronx Latina Suicide Prevention Program. At Fordham Law, she has helped develop mental health wellness initiatives and provides counseling for underrepresented students. She is a co-author of the Amazon-bestselling Latinx/e in Social Work series, a sought-after speaker, and a trusted voice featured on podcasts, national conferences, and media outlets like Telemundo, where she tackles mental health stigma and disparities with expertise and empathy. As a dedicated mentor and educator, Madeline empowers professionals through trainings on combating burnout, fostering resilience, and improving client care. 

This week Erica talks to Matt Sandoval, M.Ed., M.S.W., LMSW, about his work as the CEO of Free Arts Arizona. They talk about how his background in social work helps create an honest place for social justice in in his organization, the effects of politics for organizations in purple states, and how his experiences influence his choices.  

Bio:

Matt Sandoval, M.Ed., M.S.W., LMSW, is a widely sought after speaker, workshop facilitator, and mental health clinician. He holds a master’s degree in education from Northern Arizona University, as well as a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University.  He is the CEO of Free Arts Arizona. 

About Free Arts: Through talented staff and volunteers, Free Arts transforms trauma into resilience through the arts by creating meaningful mentoring relationships. We serve children, teens, young adults, and families who have experienced abuse, neglect, and homelessness. We apply a simple relational formula, Art + Mentors = Resilience. We serve Arizona and provide thought leadership to child welfare, arts and culture, mentoring, and nonprofit spaces. We serve with an understanding of social justice, trauma-informed care, and equity commitments that recognize that care for each other and our environment is a loving act of self-care.  

Reach Matt at www.freeartsaz.org  or via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-sandoval-94765b5/

Follow Free Arts Arizona on IG at @freeartsaz 

For social media sharing, contact me or Barry at [email protected] 

I have attached his headshot down below as well!

We are bringing our inspirational and thought provoking series Cafè y Charla to the podcast. On today’s episode Erica talks about school social work with Michelle Ribadeneira, MSW, M.S.Ed.

Guest Information:

In Latinx/e in Social Work Vol. III, Michelle Ribadeneira, MSW, M.S.Ed shares her story “Falling Into Social Work” about her unconventional path to the profession. Now a school social worker, Michelle discusses the importance of making schools safe and supportive places, especially for students dealing with challenges at home.

In this webinar, we will explore the field of school social work and how Michelle’s experiences shaped her into the social worker she is today. We will discuss how societally perceived “weaknesses” can actually become strengths, the value of finding community, and the power of redirection. The webinar will examine particular struggles that Michelle faced as a first-generation Latina, and how she channeled her challenges into a passion for helping others. 

Michelle is a passionate social worker focused on working for troubled youth and their families by conducting sessions on improved behavior, academic achievement, maintaining effective communication, and understanding personality. 

Follow LatinX in Social Work on the web:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-priscilla-sandoval-lcsw-483928ba/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinxinsocialwork/

Website: https://www.latinxinsocialwork.com/

Get the best selling book Latinx in Social Work: Stories that heal, inspire, and connect communities on Amazon today:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779766

Erica is talking to the authors of with Latinx/e In Social Work Volume 3 along with their Madrinas/Padrinos (mentors) for a look into the process of what it takes to build community in the social work field. She is joined by Vol. 3 Author Elizabeth Amadiz, MSW and her Madrina for her chapter, and social work mentor, Madeline Maldonado, LCSW-R. They are talking about what it takes to find, work with and become a mentor in your business community.

More about our guest::

Madeline Maldonado is a bilingual clinical social worker, leader, and advocate, dedicated to transforming mental health care through culturally competent practices. With over 20 years of experience, she is the founder of Madeline Maldonado, LCSW Consulting P.C., offering impactful workshops, staff training, and diagnostic evaluations for children, and cofounder of Minette LCSW Psychotherapy Services PLLC, a clinic addressing the unique needs of Latino and BIPOC communities.

Elizabeth Amadiz is a social worker and a passionate community educator focused on mental health awareness. She actively participates in community events, providing education to normalize conversations about mental health and encourage seeking care. On social media, Elizabeth engages her audience by discussing crucial topics like self-care and self-awareness. Born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Elizabeth witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by disproportionate communities, which inspired her to dedicate over a decade to serving primarily Latinx populations. Her mission is to change the perception of mental health, advocating for it to be recognized as an integral part of overall health. 

Follow LatinX in Social Work on the web:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-priscilla-sandoval-lcsw-483928ba/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinxinsocialwork/

Website: https://www.latinxinsocialwork.com/

Get the best selling book Latinx in Social Work: Stories that heal, inspire, and connect communities on Amazon today:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779766

We celebrate 2025 Hispanic Heritage month’s theme "Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future" with great conversation between mentors and Mentees. Erica is talking to the authors of with Latinx/e In Social Work Volume 3 along with their Madrinas/Padrinos (mentors) for a look into the process of what it takes to build community in the social work field. She is joined by Vol. 3 Author Pilar O. Bonilla, MSW and her Mentor / Madrina Rosita Marinez, MS-NPL, ADV-CSW, MSW, about supports, mentorship, and community.

More about our guest:

Rosita Marinez is the Senior Vice President of Supportive Housing at the Institute for Community Living. She manages the country’s largest NY OMH housing portfolio for people with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders. A social work executive and LIHTC-certified consultant. She has developed several programs in housing, mental health, and HIV/AIDS. She is also a mentor for RELISH and various mentorship programs.

You can contact her below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosita-marinez-a1443966/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rosita.marinez/
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/rositamarinez.bsky.social

Pilar O. Bonilla, MSW, earned her Master of Social Work degree from Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work. As a self-described social justice worker, Pilar is actively involved in the Payment for Placements (P4P) movement, the Social Worker Equity Campaign (SWEC), and the #StopASWB Campaign—advocating for racial, gender, and socioeconomic justice through collective action that is needed for long-term change.

You can contact her below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pilar-o-bonilla/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/daringly_myself/
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/daringlymyself.bsky.social


Follow LatinX in Social Work on the web:


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-priscilla-sandoval-lcsw-483928ba/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinxinsocialwork/
Website: https://www.latinxinsocialwork.com/


Get the best selling book Latinx in Social Work: Stories that heal, inspire, and connect communities on Amazon today:


https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779766

We are bringing our inspirational and thought provoking series Cafè y Charla to the podcast. On today’s episode Erica talks about addiction and it’s impact on families with Basiliso (Bas) Moreno, LMSW, host of the The Social Work Rants Podcast.

Guest Information:

Basiliso (Bas) Moreno, LMSW is a Licensed Masters Level Social Worker and a Certified School Social Worker in the state of Delaware. In October 2020, Basiliso started his online business Bas City Entertainment LLC. Bas City Entertainment LLC focuses on providing his fellow social workers holistic self-care focusing on poetry and virtual Zumba classes. 

Basiliso is also the host of The Social Work Rants Podcast which can be currently listened to on all audio platforms and can be seen on YouTube. Basiliso’s first book, Triumph Through Pain, How to Maximize Your Full Potential In Hard Times, is written in chronological order. It describes the pain of losing his hero to achieving his goal of becoming a 1st time home owner to learning to build a legacy for his family.

Follow LatinX in Social Work on the web:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-priscilla-sandoval-lcsw-483928ba/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinxinsocialwork/

Website: https://www.latinxinsocialwork.com/

Get the best selling book Latinx in Social Work: Stories that heal, inspire, and connect communities on Amazon today:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779766

We are bringing our inspirational and thought provoking series Cafè y Charla to the podcast. On today’s episode Erica talks about trauma, stigma, how to not suffer in silence, and healing .  Erica is joining by Latinx/e in Social Work author Natalie Gutierrez, LMSW.

Guest Information:

As a therapist, Natalie is committed to embodying our values and mission in her work with clients. She takes her time to really get to know her clients and their specific needs. Natalie takes great pride in her work as a therapist and enters into each session with a thoughtful treatment agenda. She utilizes her creativity to help clients feel comfortable to go beneath the surface level, creating impactful and lasting change. 

Follow LatinX in Social Work on the web:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-priscilla-sandoval-lcsw-483928ba/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinxinsocialwork/

Website: https://www.latinxinsocialwork.com/

Get the best selling book Latinx in Social Work: Stories that heal, inspire, and connect communities on Amazon today:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779766

We are bringing our inspirational and thought provoking series Cafè y Charla to the podcast. On today’s episode Erica talks about ADHD and neurodivergence and the stigma and challenges that come with it.  Erica is joining by Latinx/e in Social Work author Sandra N. Crespo, LICSW

Guest Information:

Sandra N. Crespo is a licensed clinical social worker, professor, public speaker and advocate for diversity in social work leadership and wellness. As a Clinic Director for Columbia Associates at the North Bethesda, MD office, she oversees the integration of technology and clinical therapy for inclusive mental health care.

​Sandra’s career spans clinical practice, program design, and executive administration in Child Protective Services and the Department of Juvenile Justice in Massachusetts, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

​As a Neuro-Divergent leader, Sandra brings unique insights into the challenges faced by this community and reframes these challenges as organizational tools for success. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at Simmons University.

Follow LatinX in Social Work on the web:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-priscilla-sandoval-lcsw-483928ba/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinxinsocialwork/

Website: https://www.latinxinsocialwork.com/

Get the best selling book Latinx in Social Work: Stories that heal, inspire, and connect communities on Amazon today:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779766

We are bringing our inspirational and thought provoking series Cafè y Charla to the podcast. On today’s episode Erica talks about cultural and personal adversity, role of stereotypes, institutional racism, and build strategies to deal with them. Erica is joining by Latinx/e in Social Work Vol. 2 author Elizabeth Conde, LMSW-SIFI

Guest Information:

Elizabeth Conde, LMSW-SIFI is a School Social Worker. She is responsible for providing social, emotional and academic support for students in her caseload. For the past twenty-three years she has worked with different populations and programs including domestic violence, education, and substance abuse. 

She is a volunteer advisory board member for Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation. She is a Modern Abolitionist Professional Volunteer at the Ricky Martin Foundation, whose mission is to end human trafficking.  Elizabeth is a Civics Teacher, helping individuals in becoming U.S. Citizens and helping individuals exercise their right to vote. 

Elizabeth holds an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts Psychology from Hudson County Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Rutgers University-Newark, a Master of Social Work from Adelphi University and her SIFI certification (Seminar Training in Field Instruction) from Columbia University.

Elizabeth is a bilingual Social Worker who speaks, writes and reads Spanish. She lives in New Jersey. Elizabeth’s greatest pride is her daughter, Natalie, who she raised as a single mom. Her greatest accomplishment is her daughter graduating with her BFA in Acting.

Follow LatinX in Social Work on the web:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-priscilla-sandoval-lcsw-483928ba/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinxinsocialwork/

Website: https://www.latinxinsocialwork.com/

Get the best selling book Latinx in Social Work: Stories that heal, inspire, and connect communities on Amazon today:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779766

We are bringing our inspirational and thought provoking series Cafè y Charla to the podcast. On today’s episode Erica talks about trauma informed therapy from the familial expectations on life, gender roles, education, and sexuality with Latinx/e in Social Work Vol. 1 author Jessica Hardial, MA, LCSW, PhD(c)

Guest Information:

Jessica Hardial is a bilingual clinical social worker, speaker, entrepreneur, professor, leader, and co-author of Latinx in Social Work. Jessica is the founder and clinical director of Blossoming Lotus Therapy, LCSW PLLC, where she oversees a team ofmental health professionals who specialize working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Jessica is passionate about working with LGBTQIA+ community members and their families, the foster care and adoption population, and children of immigrants. 

Jessica specializes in issues surrounding trauma, anxiety, and family conflict using a somatic-oriented approach. Jessica continues to enhance the social work profession by providing supervision to graduate students and post-graduate students to enhance their clinical skills in their field of practice, as well as providing workshops on a variety of mental health topics, such as: confidence building, narrative writing, LGBQTIA+ seminars, etc.

Jessica received her associate’s degree in liberal arts from CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College in 2011, then her bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology with a minor in student services and counseling from CUNY Queens College in 2013. Shortly after, she received her master’s degree in social work from Fordham University in 2016. Jessica completed her second master’s degree in human development from Fielding Graduate University in 2021.

Jessica Hardial serves as an adjunct lecturer for SUNY Stonybrook’s social welfare program and is currently a Ph.D. candidate attending Fielding Graduate University. Additionally, Jessica is the co-chair for NASW-NYC’s SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Expression) Collective where she provides a safe space for social workers and social work students to engage in LGBQTIA+ work.

Follow LatinX in Social Work on the web:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-priscilla-sandoval-lcsw-483928ba/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinxinsocialwork/

Website: https://www.latinxinsocialwork.com/

Get the best selling book Latinx in Social Work: Stories that heal, inspire, and connect communities on Amazon today:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779766