Meet the Team
Latina holistic therapist in Chicago, IL
Maria Perez (she, her, ella)
LCSW/ Reiki Practitioner/ Holistic therapist/Founder
I’m a bilingual, bicultural, nature-loving, Mexicana, licensed clinical social worker, certified reiki practitioner and holistic therapist. I’ve been involved in the social work field since 2005. Initially working with domestic violence survivors going through legal proceedings and working on obtaining orders of protections. This experience brings me valuable experience in being able to identify red flags in relationships as well as legal knowledge on ways to support. I then had the experience of working in early childhood programs, supporting children and their families-helping identify potential delays or need for additional support while providing support to parents. Since obtaining my master's degree I provided therapy services to populations of different age ranges, presenting issues and diverse populations.
As a daughter of immigrants and an immigrant myself I find deep meaning in conducting immigration evaluations because they allow me to combine my clinical skills with the commitment to social justice and compassion. Each evaluation represents a person's story of courage, resilience, and hope for a better life. Being part of that process- helping individuals and families present their truth with dignity and empathy-feels like a privilege. It's an opportunity to give voice to experiences that often go unheard and to support people in their journey towards safety, stability and belonging.
When it comes to the other services I provide, I believe in stepping outside the traditional box of healing to create a holistic experience that nurtures the mind, body and spirit. By blending evidence-based methods with spiritual and energetic tools, I offer a pathway toward deeper self-awareness, emotional release, and authentic connectedness to one's true essence.
I look forward to supporting you in whatever way is needed in this era of your life.
Julieta Alvarez (she/her/ella)
LCSW
I’m a bilingual, first-generation Mexican-American, adventure-loving, and licensed clinical social worker. I began my social work career in 2018. I have been allowed to work in multiple social work areas, such as working with adults with disabilities, individuals experiencing homelessness, public schools, foster care case management, a therapeutic role, and community outreach work.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and daughter of immigrants, I approach immigration evaluations with deep empathy, cultural sensitivity, and respect. I understand the vulnerability that comes with sharing one’s story, especially during a moment of uncertainty, and I consider it an honor to be invited into this part of a person’s journey.
My work is rooted in the belief that every individual carries a unique lived experience. No two stories are the same, yet I am continually inspired by the hope, resilience, and courage that shine through each one. In my practice, I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. My goal is to provide thorough, compassionate evaluations that not only meet legal standards but also highlight the strength, dignity, and humanity of every person I meet.
Lizbeth Montes (she, her, ella)
LCSW
I am a bilingual clinician and proud first-generation Mexican American, dedicated to the social work field since 2015. My career began in youth care at an immigration center, where I witnessed the courage and vulnerability of individuals navigating complex transitions. Over the years, I’ve provided care in early childhood intervention, hospital and clinic settings, and intensive trauma-focused services, all of which have shaped my understanding of resilience, healing, and the importance of culturally attuned, trauma-informed support.
Growing up in an immigrant household gave me an early appreciation for the challenges and hopes that come with building a life in a new country. This perspective guides the empathy and care I bring to each evaluation. I strive to honor every client’s story, knowing the courage it takes to speak about experiences connected to safety, family, and identity. Offering immigration evaluations is a meaningful way for me to serve my community by ensuring each person’s narrative is represented with respect and care.
My commitment is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, valued, and supported. I approach every evaluation with compassion, steadiness, and attention to detail, working collaboratively with you to ensure your story is documented accurately and thoughtfully. My goal is to make this process as grounding and empowering as possible, so you
feel understood and supported every step of the way.
Cynthia Zepeda (she,her, ella)
LCSW
I am a bilingual, first-generation daughter of immigrants from Honduras and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the field. My professional journey has included working alongside survivors of domestic and sexual violence, families impacted by the child welfare system, and, most recently, students, administrators, and behavioral health teams across the Chicago Public School District to support equitable access to mental health care.
It is a deep honor to accompany individuals and families through the immigration evaluation process. I approach this work with humility and care, recognizing the courage it takes to share personal histories that often include loss, displacement, and survival. Each evaluation is conducted within a trauma-informed framework that prioritizes emotional safety, transparency, and client autonomy. I strive to create a contained and supportive space where clients feel respected, believed, and in control of their narratives.
My clinical approach is client-centered and strengths-based, grounded in the understanding that individuals are more than their trauma. I am attentive to the ways systemic oppression, migration stress, and intergenerational experiences shape mental health and lived experience. My ethical responsibility is to provide an objective, clinically sound evaluation that accurately reflects each client’s story, resilience, and psychological impact, while honoring the humanity behind the narrative shared.