Noemi Aguila-Marquez, PhD Candidate, LCSW, IMH-E, MSW, BHS

I am Noemi Marquez, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Clinical Social Work is a combination of Sociology and Psychology. I have been working with families and children since I was 19 years old and always knew I wanted to use my work to help others. I graduated from St. Thomas University in 2000 with a Bachelors Degree in Human Services and a minor in Religious Studies. I worked in my field and realized that I wanted to do psychotherapy. I went back to school at Barry University and earned my Masters in Clinical Social Work in 2003. I am currently in the PhD in Social Work Program in Barry University to advance my knowledge and research base regarding trauma, foster care, and transgender children.

Throughout my career I have helped adults, children, teens, and adults work through whatever has been holding them back. Whether it be through getting a deeper understanding of their situation, learning new skills to handle their situation, offering that support in a lonely situation, or helping them get their life on track to meet their personal/professional goals. More recently, because of the boom of immigration, I have been faced with helping people keep their families together as they battle through immigration issues. Over all, I have helped people deal with the scariest things you can find on the news to the anxieties of having a new baby.

Graduated with her Masters in Social Work from Barry University in May 2017 following a three year mentorship with Noemi Marquez, LCSW and specialized study and experience in Gender, Orientation and Trauma. She also completed her Bachelors in Liberal Studies with a Specialization in Psychology.

Mona is both an ally and advocate to the transgender and LGB+ community. She is dedicated to assisting all children, teens, adults and parents in navigating their identity development and overall adjustments toward living a fulfilled life.

Yamila Lezcano is an Assistant Professor in the Undergraduate Psychology and Education Program at Albizu University. She has been in Higher Education for the past 12 years. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University, and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and has her private practice in the Miami area. She has over 10 years of experience in the Infant Mental Health Field and Early Childhood Developmental Disorders. In addition, she has training in Parent-Child Psychotherapy and holds several certifications in the field of Infant and Maternal Mental Health. she worked for 9 years at the University of Miami, Pediatrics Department, holding several positions while serving diverse populations, from drug dependency court clients, foster care, developmental disabilities to young children and their families. She is also a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor (YMHFA), and the Program Director for the Miami Mental Health Awareness Initiative, funded by SAMHSA.