Meet The Team
At The Multicultural Counseling Center, we're more than just a business – we're a close-knit family of passionate professionals driven by a shared vision. Our diverse team brings a wealth of experience, skills, and creativity to the table.
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Behind every success story, there's a team of dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to turn dreams into reality. Get to know the faces behind MCC, and discover the talent and commitment that fuels our journey.
Meet the people who make it all happen, and let us introduce you to the heart and soul of our organization.
Karla Arroyo - LCSW, PhD
Clinical Director
Karla was born and raised in Mexico City and moved to the United States at the age of 24. She completed her doctorate degree in Social Work at the University of Utah and has since accumulated over 20 years of experience as a clinician, administrator, and community advocate. Specializing in trauma and counseling for both children and adults, Karla has received training in various modalities including EMDR, TF-CBT, Moral Recognition Therapy, Thinking for a Change, Motivational Interviewing, Family first model, and comprehensive parenting strategies, along with Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention. Additionally, she holds certifications as a Peer Support Specialist, Family Peer Support provider, Sexual Assault treatment provider, Domestic Violence victim and offender treatment provider, Correctional Program Checklist evaluator, and Marriage and Family Therapy Supervisor. Karla's therapeutic approach emphasizes psychoeducation and the application of cognitive behavioral interventions across different modalities. She is deeply committed to incorporating evidence-based practices into her work with individuals, organizations, and communities, aiming to make a meaningful impact. Outside of her professional endeavors, Karla finds joy in outdoor activities and the simple pleasure of cleanliness. During her leisure time, she can be found engaging in activities with her children and husband or cherishing moments with extended family, reveling in the love and camaraderie shared with her nieces and nephews.
Taylor Viertel
Director of Finance and Operation
Taylor was born and raised in Lindon, Utah. Choosing to utilize a track and field scholarship, Taylor studied Accounting at Utah Valley University. She earned her Bachelor's degree in the Fall of 2021 and her Master's degree in the Spring of 2023. She is currently pursuing her CPA licensure with the state of Utah. Taylor helps steer MCC's financial trajectory and works to streamline our day-to-day operations. In her free time, Taylor enjoys running, reading novels, going to local concerts, and spending time with her husband
Illiana Toledo - SSW
Skills Counselors SUPV
Illiana Toledo, a Latina born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, has always harbored a passion for aiding individuals in living happier and healthier lifestyles. Pursuing her degree in Social Work at the University of Utah, she obtained her SSW and minor in nutrition in the summer of 2020. Additionally, in May 2023, she acquired her 200-hour mindfulness, SEL, and YTT certificate from Breathe For Change. As the Behavioral Service Program Manager and Skills Counselor at MCC, Illiana mentors and oversees the skills counseling department while providing counseling services to clients. Specializing in assisting clients in managing depression and anxiety symptoms, she utilizes various healthy coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, goal setting, healthy communication styles, and fostering a growth mindset. Illiana is dedicated to employing a client-centered approach, supporting individuals through their mental health healing journey. Outside of work, she relishes spending time with loved ones, exploring new culinary experiences, hiking, practicing yoga, and indulging in playtime with her pup, Raya
Chelsea Montoya - CMCH
Mental Health Counselors SUPV
Chelsea, a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, was raised amidst the vibrant culture of the city. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Weber State University before furthering her education with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. With a specialization in working with children, adolescents, and adults, Chelsea boasts a wealth of experience in her field. Her expertise extends particularly to clients with a history of trauma, drawing on various modalities such as TF-CBT and EMDR to facilitate healing. Additionally, she has undergone training in play therapy and sand tray therapy, which she incorporates into her work with young children. Chelsea's dedication lies in serving the LatinX community, striving to bridge the gap in mental health services for underserved populations. Outside of her professional endeavors, she finds solace in outdoor activities like hiking and snowboarding. She cherishes moments spent traveling with friends and relishes quality time with her 8-year-old son
Mariana Aguila
Customer Service SUPV
Mariana Aguila, the Customer Service Supervisor, hails from Mexico City. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mariana has navigated through various operational and administrative roles throughout her career. Since 2018, she has been an integral part of the Customer Service department at MCC, steadily evolving and honing her skills to cater to customers' diverse needs. Outside the professional realm, Mariana finds joy in spending time with her children, family, and friends. This precious time allows her to unwind and recharge, fostering cherished moments with loved ones
Jeannette Villalta
Community Liaison
Introducing Jeannette Villalta, the Community Liaison Partner, committed to forging connections and fostering collaboration within the community. With a passion for bridging gaps and empowering voices, Jeannette strives to drive positive impact and collective growth.
Pamela Alanis
Supportive Services Specialist SUPV
Pamela Alanis, the Support Services Manager, is a dedicated professional with a rich background in family support and case management. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Over the past nine years in Salt Lake County, Utah, Pamela has served as a Case Manager, Wraparound Facilitator, and Family Peer Support Professional. In her previous role as a Wraparound Facilitator, Pamela worked closely with youth, young adults, and their families, providing crucial support services. These services were centered around a strength-based approach to crisis stabilization, resource coordination, and the cultivation of natural supports. Pamela's dedication to her work was recognized in 2017 when she was awarded The Family Voice Award by the Utah Family Coalition for her unwavering commitment to Utah families. Furthermore, Pamela contributed her expertise as a member of the 3rd District Juvenile Mental Health Court team, where she provided invaluable support to youth in meeting court requirements and achieving graduation. Outside of work, Pamela finds immense joy in spending quality time with her children, whom she supports wholeheartedly in their sporting endeavors. She relishes exploring nature with them, whether it be hiking, gardening, enjoying walks, or picnicking in Utah's majestic mountains and lakes.
Joanna Onorato - LCSW
Therapist
Joanna Onorato, LCSW, a Bilingual Therapist, hails from Alaska but has traversed through various states and countries before settling in the serene desert community of Moab, UT. Driven by her passion for social justice and humanitarian values, Joanna embarked on the path to becoming a therapist. After graduating from Montana State University with majors in philosophy, political science, and Spanish, Joanna immersed herself in serving her community as a certified medical interpreter and advocate. In 2020, she attained her MSW degree from USU-Moab and commenced her journey at the Multicultural Counseling Center. As a therapist, Joanna fosters a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can freely express themselves. Specializing in healing trauma, depression, and anxiety, she integrates techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, somatic therapy, and EMDR to facilitate holistic healing. Outside of her therapeutic endeavors, Joanna finds solace in nature, whether it's mountain biking, snowboarding, or simply spending quality time with her dogs, embracing the tranquility of the outdoors.
Javier Campos - CSW
Therapist
Javier Campos, a Bilingual Mental Health Therapist, traces his roots to Colombia, South America. He earned his Master's in Social Work from the University of Utah, focusing on Mental Health and Global Social Work, after completing his bachelor's degrees in social work and Teaching Spanish. Currently, Javier divides his time between his roles as a mental health therapist and an educator at Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah. His work spans across diverse communities and settings, where he employs a range of therapeutic interventions such as CBT, MI, Client-Centered, Trauma-Informed, and mindfulness. Javier's greatest asset lies in his ability to create a safe and supportive environment for his clients, characterized by compassion, vulnerability, and empowerment. Over the past fourteen years, he has dedicated himself to nonprofit organizations, serving disenfranchised communities in Glendale, West Valley, Kearns, Rose Park, and North Salt Lake. Here, he has developed and delivered programs aimed at bolstering protective factors and mitigating risks for youth and families. In his leisure time, Javier indulges in his passion for cooking, writing poetry, and cherishing moments with his family, whom he considers his greatest treasure.
Andrea Ochoa - CSW
Therapist
Andrea Ochoa, CSW, extends a warm greeting with ¡Hola! With a Master's degree from the University of Utah, complemented by a minor in Criminology and a clear path towards LCSW licensure, Andrea brings a unique blend of academic rigor and genuine compassion to her practice. Originally from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Andrea's arrival in the United States at the age of five ignited her commitment to serving multicultural populations, particularly the Latino community. Specializing in working with children aged five and older, she tailors her therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. In Andrea's therapeutic toolkit, one finds a diverse array of techniques including Play Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy, as well as modalities like Psychotherapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She firmly believes in meeting clients where they are, fostering a safe and supportive environment conducive to growth, healing, and self-discovery. Beyond her professional pursuits, Andrea finds joy in spending quality time with her family, exploring new culinary experiences, and immersing herself in the great outdoors alongside her beloved German Shepherd Husky.
Silvana Martinez - CSW
Therapist
Therapist Silvana, originally from Argentina but raised in Utah, is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Utah and is set to graduate in Spring 2024. Previously, she worked as a Skills Counselor at MCC. Her clinical focus encompasses anxiety and depression disorders, trauma recovery, and relational issues, specializing in adult clients. Silvana employs a compassionate therapeutic approach, integrating cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy tailored to each client's needs. Dedicated to destigmatizing mental health, she is passionate about supporting trauma survivors. In her free time, Silvana enjoys reading and crocheting.
Ruben Hernandez - CSW
Therapist
Ruben was born and raised in Pachuca, Mexico. At the age of 15, he relocated to Utah and commenced his sophomore year at Murray High School. Although learning English presented challenges, he persevered relentlessly. Throughout his life, Ruben has achieved numerous milestones, including representing his high school in soccer, serving an LDS Mission in New York City, assuming managerial roles in the food industry for several years, and raising six children. Before transitioning into therapy, Ruben was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America, where he attended the College of Commissioner Science and earned his Doctorate degree in Scouting. He pursued his education at the College of Social Work at the University of Utah, completing his Bachelor's degree. In 2022, he attained a Master of Social Work degree from the same institution and commenced his career at the Multicultural Counseling Center. As a therapist, Ruben adopts trauma-informed, client-centered, strengths-based, and empowerment-focused approaches. He predominantly utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Mindfulness techniques. Currently, his focus lies in couples therapy, working with both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, and assisting teenagers and their parents. Ruben has undergone training in UADVT Survivor/Offender programs, Parenting the Love and Logic Way, and completed levels 1 & 2 of Gottman Method Couples Therapy. In his leisure time, Ruben finds joy in coaching Rec Sports, running, dancing, traveling, exploring new restaurants, and nurturing his relationship with his wife through regular dates.
Megan Anderson - CSW
Therapist
Megan Anderson, CSW, a mental health therapist hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana, brings a wealth of experience and education to her practice. With a Master's in Social Work from Southern University of New Orleans in 2019 and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of New Orleans in 2017, Megan's journey in the field of mental health began with a strong foundation. With two years of experience working directly with individuals, families, and couples, Megan is on the brink of obtaining her LCSW, slated for completion in the late summer of 2024. Her approach to counseling is deeply rooted in empowering her clients to look inward, guiding them to evaluate their goals and personal values in order to align their lives accordingly. At the heart of Megan's practice lies mindfulness, a cornerstone upon which she builds her therapeutic strategies. She places a strong emphasis on equipping her clients with the necessary skills to navigate their emotions and find peace amidst life's challenges. Megan employs techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge negative thoughts and utilizes Strength-Based methods to foster a sense of empowerment and control. Megan's expertise extends to working with adults grappling with a spectrum of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and various mood and personality disorders, as well as those facing relationship difficulties. Her arsenal of therapeutic tools includes training in Motivational Interviewing, Domestic Violence counseling, IMTT (Integrated Model of Treatment for Trauma), Trauma Informed Care, and CBT. Driven by a professional passion to facilitate self-discovery and empower individuals to recognize their inherent strengths, Megan finds fulfillment in guiding her clients on their journey towards personal growth and fulfillment. Outside of her professional endeavors, Megan savors her free time by indulging in her love for travel, embarking on adventures with her husband and two children, and exploring the world of thrifting.
Anahi Lopez - CSW
Therapist
Therapist Intern Anahi Lopez, SSW, was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Graduating from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and a minor in Chicano Studies, Anahi's passion for community support began early. She initiated her journey as a head coach and mentor at Utah Development Academy, an athletic club dedicated to guiding youth from low-income backgrounds in competitive soccer while promoting academic excellence. Transitioning to a role as a Lead Registered Behavior Technician at Utah Behavior Services, Anahi worked closely with children on the Autism spectrum, honing her skills in behavioral therapy. Her commitment to social work led her to obtain a Social Service Worker license, eventually leading to a position as a social worker at a local high school. Currently pursuing her Master's degree in social work, Anahi is set to graduate in May 2024 with a CSW license and plans to pursue her LCSW. Specializing in serving BIPOC communities, particularly youth, Anahi focuses on assisting individuals facing anxiety and depression, utilizing her expertise in behavioral therapy to address mental health challenges. Anahi brings a holistic and empathetic approach to counseling, drawing upon her background in social work to tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual. Passionate about serving underrepresented communities and supporting individuals in reaching their full potential, Anahi is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those she works with. Outside of her professional endeavors, Anahi finds joy in weightlifting, exploring film photography, indulging in new cuisines, and immersing herself in outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.
Patricia Aguayo, CSW
Therapist
Certified Social Worker, CSW Patricia Aguayo hails from a traditional Mexican Latinx household. Having relocated to Utah at a young age with her family, originally from a small town in Jalisco, Mexico, Patricia is fluent in both English and Spanish. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from Utah Valley University in 2017 and completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Boise State University in 2020. Certified in TF-CBT and by the Utah Association for Domestic Violence Treatment, Patricia is equipped to assist both survivors and offenders. Patricia has honed her skills working with young children and teenagers in school settings, as well as with individuals grappling with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Throughout her diverse experiences, Patricia has found fulfillment in working with individuals of all ages. Her therapeutic focus lies in utilizing various modalities including CBT, DBT, TFCBT, and Motivational Interviewing to address issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, generational trauma, and relationships. Committed to fostering a compassionate and empathetic therapeutic environment, Patricia is passionate about helping others, particularly within the Latinx community, and endeavors to dismantle mental health stigmas. She actively advocates for Spanish-language resources and women's rights. In her leisure time, Patricia finds joy in music, sightseeing, reading, and traveling.
Adriana Rodriguez - SSW
Skills Counselor
Skills Counselor Adriana Rodriguez, SSW, originally from Veracruz, Mexico, relocated to Utah at the age of four. She obtained her B.S. in Social Work from the University of Utah in 2020. During her undergraduate years, Adriana interned with the Multicultural Counseling Center's Case Management Department, where she gained significant experience in the mental health field. Transitioning to a full-time role as a Skills Counselor since early 2022, Adriana provides crucial support to therapists while teaching clients essential skills to aid in their mental health journey. In her leisure moments, Adriana finds solace in reading, nurturing her garden, and cherishing quality time with family and friends.
Mario Vasques - CPSS
Family Support Specialist
Mario Vázquez, born in the State of Jalisco, Mexico, pursued his higher academic studies in Aguascalientes. As the son of a farmer who labored in the agricultural fields of California, Mario's upbringing instilled in him a strong work ethic and sense of community. In Utah, he obtained certifications in Peer Support, Family Peer Support, Case Management, Suicide and Crisis Prevention, among others. Concurrently, Mario is pursuing a Master's Degree in Theology. At MCC, Mario holds the responsibility of serving clients facing various crises and addressing personal and family needs. His role involves connecting them with a range of support services to facilitate their journey towards healing and well-being. In his leisure time, Mario enjoys watching movies, visiting lakes, and engaging in exercise activities to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Joanne Brito-Duran - BSW
Family Support Specialist Lead
Family Support Lead, Joanne Brito, originally from El Paso, Texas, was born and raised there. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Utah in the Fall of 2023 and is currently pursuing her MSW. In her role, Joanne plays a pivotal part in supporting the Family Support team to achieve excellence. During her free time, Joanne finds joy in camping, traveling, attending concerts, and cherishing moments with her daughter.
Evelyn Acosta - SUD
Skills Counselor
Skilled counselor Evelyn Acosta, originally from Mexico, made the pivotal decision to relocate to the United States at the age of 16, driven by the pursuit of greater opportunities. Inspired by individuals who make positive impacts, she embarked on a journey in social work, acquiring certifications in Applied Positive Psychology and Substance Use Disorder, alongside studies in Human Resources and Paralegal studies. Committed to serving the Latino community, especially those affected by domestic violence and substance abuse, Evelyn dedicates herself wholeheartedly to her cause. Outside of her professional endeavors, Evelyn finds solace and happiness in the company of her husband and dog, relishing moments spent together. She also derives joy from listening to the radio, enriching her life with music and moments of reflection.
Melannie Diaz - SUD
Skills Counselor
Melannie Diaz-Herrera Skills Counselor/SUDC Melannie was born and raised in Salt Lake County. Melannie earned several scholarships at the University of Utah for Social Work and Substance Use Disorder Counseling. She earned her Bachelor's degree and her SUDC certificate in the Summer of 2023 and will return for her Master's degree in the Summer of 2024. Melannie helps individuals with developing skills such as coping skills, communication skills, anger reduction, etc. Her areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, substance use, CBT, and mindfulness. Melannie's professional passion is advocating for mental health in the Hispanic culture. In her free time, Melannie enjoys watching and playing sports, attending concerts, and spending time with her loved ones.
Abigail Cedeno - SUD
Skills Counselor
Social Work Intern (BSW), Abigail Cedeno, originally from Havana, Cuba, resettled in Utah during her teenage years, seeking refuge. This transformative experience imbued her with a rich cultural perspective and ignited her passion for social justice. Currently completing her Bachelor of Social Work degree, Abigail is poised to embark on a new journey toward a Master of Social Work later this year. Dedicated to serving marginalized communities, Abigail is committed to amplifying the voices of those often silenced in society. Her approach to social work is rooted in strength-based and trauma-informed practices. She believes in cultivating authentic relationships with clients and empowering them to harness their innate resilience. In her leisure time, Abigail can often be found capturing the beauty of nature through her camera lens, cherishing sunsets at The Great Salt Lake, and immersing herself in the serenity of the outdoors.
Alexis Bitner
Operations Assistant
Alexis Bitner Credentialing Specialist and Operations Assistant Alexis was born and raised in Millcreek, Utah. She has an associates in communications and is continuing her education in the Communication Speech Disorders program at the University of Utah. Alexis helps with credentialing and maintaining provider status' with payors. When not working or attending class, Alexis enjoys reading, playing video games, and spending time with the people she holds dear.