Cultual Celebration: Latinx

Darling Merilin Zamora

Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counselor

Hometown

San Francisco, CA

My Greatest Supporters

I found strength and courage in my family and friends. When the academic journey became difficult I would seek the support of my colleagues. Completing my masters degree is a great achievement of pride for my parents, siblings and children. I am grateful for my family and peers support.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

Building community with my cohort and instructors are some of the fondest memories made at Saint Mary's. The fellowship and the enriching conversation about current events expanded my worldview about cultural humility, social justice and being an ally in my community.

My Next Chapter

I look forward to working as an AMFT in the next months. My long term goal is becoming a licensed therapist and explore other opportunities that lead to private practice.

Clubs and Activities

Grad Students of Color

Favorite Quote

“One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”

— Maya Angelou

Jessica Paola Dominguez

Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counselor

Hometown

Napa, California

My Greatest Supporters

My parents, you both worked your whole lives to give me and my brothers the world. Thank you for always believing in me and giving me great advice. I am forever thankful.My family for always rooting for me. My amazing boyfriend who has been very supportive of me and my education- I love you! My incredible professors at SMC and friends who supported me and never let me give up. Thank you all!

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

My favorite SMC memory was being able to have class in person and doing a meditation before class.

My Next Chapter

I can't wait to start living life! I am very excited to be working full-time in a career that I am completely passionate about. I am excited to spend more time with loved ones, travel, and binge watch TV shows!

Clubs and Activities

Counseling Department Student of Color Group

Favorite Quote

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”

— B.B. King

Yesenia Ceja Guido

Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counselor

Eria Marina Alcocer

Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counselor

Yanira Toscano

Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counselor

Hometown

San Pablo, CA

My Greatest Supporters

Growing up in a small ranching village in coastal Michoacán Mexico gave me many lessons in familial relationships and dynamics that have influenced my professional journey.
I am lucky to have the support of my huge Mexican family and wonderful friends that have become my greatest supporters.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

My favorite SMC part was Dr. Fleuridas’s personal and professional development class as she set the stage for a successful counseling program.

My Next Chapter

After graduation, I will continue at my practicum site as a clinician providing early intervention in psychosis.

Clubs and Activities

I love being outdoors especially hiking and swimming

Favorite Quote

“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

— -Jon Kabat-Zan

Karime Blanco

Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential

Hometown

Berkeley, CA.

My Greatest Supporters

My community of friends and family have shown me love, grace, celebrated my small wins, and held me accountable every step of the way.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

My favorite SMC memory is simply spending time with the strong friendships I cultivated in my cohort. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such strong, capable and conscientious individuals.

My Next Chapter

For the 2021-2022 scholastic year, I'll be working with the Berkeley Unified School District and continuing to develop my practice as a School Psychologist. I'm looking forward to incorporating social justice, trust, support and healing at the crux of my work.

Favorite Quote

"The classroom, with all its limitations, remains a location of possibility. In that field of possibility we have the opportunity to labor for freedom, to demand of ourselves and our comrades, an openness of mind and heart that allows us to face reality even as we collectively imagine ways to move beyond boundaries, to transgress. This is education as the practice of freedom."

— bell hooks

Prisma Singh Walia

Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential

Hometown

Newark, CA

My Greatest Supporters

My greatest supporters have been God, my Parents, my Husband, and my puppy! Thank you Momma and Daddy ji for all your sacrifices and pushing me for higher education. My patient loving Husband of mine, thank you for being my cheerleader & for not letting me give up during these past 3 years. Thank you Lord for giving me the strength and endurance.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

The fondest memories at SMC was when Dr. Anguiano & Dr. Martinez interviewed me. To see empowered LatinX woman in position was encouraging, being a person of color myself. Dr. Anguiano has always been in my corner and helped me in the most challenging times. Lastly, I will cherish the bonds I created with my peers, often sharing Hot Cheetos & walking each other to our cars at night to avoid deers!

My Next Chapter

I will be a School Psychologist serving the beautiful community of High schoolers in Oakland, Ca!

Favorite Quote

"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." -Maya Angelou
And then I realized that to be more alive I had to be less afraid so I did it… I lost my fear and gained my whole life.

Valeria Analyssa Gonzalez

Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential

Hometown

Clayton, CA

My Greatest Supporters

I would like to thank my parents for supporting me in all of my decisions, my brother for listening to me when I needed to vent, and mis abuelitos for always encouraging me to follow my dreams. I couldn’t have done it without you, I love you all.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

I will forever cherish all of the friendships I have made throughout my journey.

My Next Chapter

I am excited to begin my career as a school psychologist.

Favorite Quote

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt

Maria Camacho

Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential

Hometown

Antioch, California

My Greatest Supporters

My greatest supporters have been my family members. My mother and father encouraged me to pursue my master’s degree. Elizabeth my eldest sister has always been a role model and mentor to me and my brothers. My brothers have always believed in me and encouraged me to do my best. Finally, my husband has always rooted for me every step of the way. Proud to be a first-generation college graduate!

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

My favorite Saint Mary's memory would have to be coming to orientation and meeting the counseling department faculty. I was so excited to begin my journey and everyone was so welcoming. I particularly remember my first course with Dr. Colette, she set the tone for the rest of my career at Saint Mary's. Overall, Saint Mary's had been a wonderful place for my growth.

My Next Chapter

I will be working as a full-time school psychologist at a bay area school. I will continue to work towards empowering historically marginalized youth.

Favorite Quote

“You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.” —George Lorimer

Kassandra Teresa Martinez

Master of Education in Special Education with a Special Education Teaching Credential

Hometown

San Jose, CA

My Greatest Supporters

My greatest supporters are my family and partner. They have stood by me through all the hard times of getting a master and credentials during a pandemic.

My Next Chapter

I will be teaching special education in a middle school classroom.

Favorite Quote

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare”

— Audre Lorde