A Little Bit About Luis...

I was born in Youngstown Ohio to immigrant parents from the Cape Verdean Islands. After undergraduate school I moved to Akron Ohio where I attended the University of Akron to complete my Master's degree. After graduating and working in mental health in a number of venues, my family, I and a menagerie of furry and feathered pets moved to Oregon. I l worked in Oregon for almost 10 years until deciding to move back east Since Oregon I have lived in Vermont and New Hampshire.

 

WHY DID YOU BECOME A THERAPIST?

My original goal was to obtain a graduate degree in comparative religion. It was a psychology professor who eventually became both a friend and a mentor who encouraged me to consider a career in mental health. With their guidance I minored in psychology and firmed my belief that becoming a counselor was the career path I wanted to take. In graduate school, I became very interested in the combination of mind, body and spirit when it came to mental health. Also, as a person of color, I was  interested in mental health as it applied to racially diverse populations. Over my career I have continued to strengthen my ability to work with racially diverse and LGBTQIA+ clients. 

 

CREDENTIALS:

• Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies

• Master's Degree in Community Counseling

 

RELEVANT PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

• Portage Path Community Mental Health Center

• Akron Child Guidance Center

• Akron Family Institute

• Baldwin Wallace University Counseling Services

• Western Oregon University Health and Counseling Services

• Landmark College Health and Counseling Services

 

RANDOM FUN FACTS ABOUT ME:

• I have taken sailing lessons

• I enjoy reading and writing poetry

• I once considered the priesthood

• I have been vegetarian for most of my life

• I am Cape Verdean

 

Best Goal:

Continue advocating for those underserved and oppressed in our society

 

Best Habit:

Eating pizza

 

Best Reason to be Happy:

Feeling whole, complete and fulfilled.

 

Best Legal Route to Joy:

Is to be by the sea on a warm sunny day. 

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Best Flaw:

Eating pizza

 

Best Accomplishment:

Achieving college degrees as a first generation person.

 

Best Motto:

Trust the timing of your life. 

 

Best Under-Appreciated Skill:

Sense of humor