Lu Rocha, MA, MSW, LCSW, RYI (Founder)
Lu is a bilingual Spanish speaking trauma therapist. Her professional experience includes more than twenty years of counseling, organizing, activism, and advocacy within the Latinx community and other marginalized communities. Lu identifies as a Latina with indigenous roots, first born generation in the United States, a proud daughter of a Brazero. She is the founder of Multicultural Consulting Services, a for-profit business dedicated in helping institutions make their services accessible to everyone.
Lu is dedicated in addressing trauma from a cultural perspective, while using methods that are evidence-based and trauma-informed. She works with clients from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and has experience in providing services to youth who have experienced and/or witnessed family and community violence. Her professional aspiration is to support the growth of providers of color in the mental health field so that communities of color can have more options in obtaining services that align to their cultural beliefs and values.
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About the Team
Lu Rocha, MA, MSW, LCSW, RYI (Founder)
Lu is a bilingual Spanish speaking trauma therapist. Her professional experience includes more than twenty years of counseling, organizing, activism, and advocacy within the Latinx community and other marginalized communities. Lu identifies as a Latina with indigenous roots, first born generation in the United States, a proud daughter of a Brazero. She is the founder of Multicultural Consulting Services, a for-profit business dedicated in helping institutions make their services accessible to everyone.
Lu is dedicated in addressing trauma from a cultural perspective, while using methods that are evidence-based and trauma-informed. She works with clients from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and has experience in providing services to youth who have experienced and/or witnessed family and community violence. Her professional aspiration is to support the growth of providers of color in the mental health field so that communities of color can have more options in obtaining services that align to their cultural beliefs and values.
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Tamara Fermaint, Biller/Community Liaison
Tamara Fermaint has been in the health care field for over 30 years as a registered dental hygienist. She has experience in providing patient care services in hospitals, private practice, and community settings.
She brings with her a commitment to advocate for individuals living with mental health illness, LGBTQ community members, people affected by homelessness, and children with learning disabilities, obtain quality services and support.
Tamara is excited to join Lu Rocha Counseling Service as their new insurance biller and care coordinator.
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Briana Wright, LCSW, Psychotherapist
Briana is an advocate and therapist. Her professional experience includes 20 years of serving young children, adolescents, and communities, including providing home visiting services, training and technical assistance, and counseling. Briana has provided professional development training on working with schools, substance abuse prevention, and supporting trauma impacted families, engaging community leaders, youth, and volunteer development.
As a therapist, Briana wants to collaborate by listening to concerns and challenges, while establishing a healthy rapport. Through these conversations, she hopes to cultivate a consistent and honest dialogue. Collectively, with the individual, Briana creates a space of safety and trust. She employs a blend of therapeutic approaches, which includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Strength-Based, and Reality, to yield a more holistic approach to achieving your goals and desired outcomes.
She has experience in providing support to individuals experiencing challenges with anxiety, anger management, depression, grief, healthy-relationship management, life management and post-traumatic stress. Briana has a desire to assist individuals in the process of self-discovery, empowerment and development of strategies that improve your mental and spiritual health.
Gema Gaete-Tapia, LPC, M.S. Counseling
Gema is a bilingual Spanish-speaking counselor, advocate, and Racial Healing Practitioner. She was born in a small desert town in northern Chile. Her family was forced into exile and settled in Little Village, Chicago in 1976.
Gema has over 20 years of experience in youth development, community organizing, and education. In her years of working with community youth and in her own personal healing journey, she struggled to find mental health providers of color. Therefore, in 2015 Gema decided to add her little grain of sand and
contribute to our individual and collective healing and help fill this void by pursuing a master’s degree in counseling.
Gema’s core values include equity, self-determination, and honoring each other’s humanity. In this spirit, she will collaborate with you to create a supportive, safe, and empowering environment where you are an active participant in exploring and addressing your concerns. This process may include narrative and/or art therapy, as well as the practice of meditation and breathing techniques. Gema is devoted to providing a culturally relevant and accessible, trauma-informed, mental health practice.
Dulce Sanchez, MSW, Psychotherapist
Dulce is a bilingual Spanish-speaking psychotherapist who graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Northeastern Illinois University. Dulce is a first-generation immigrant, living in the U.S. since 2000, and she is currently a DACA recipient.
Dulce's passion lies in supporting BIPOC community members, 1st and 2nd generation immigrants, children, and teens and helping them understand their mental health.
Dulce focuses on:
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-emotional awareness
-anxiety
-depression
-anger
-self esteem
-time management
-healthy boundaries
-healthy relationships
She is eager to help and provide a safe environment for all of her clients. She hopes to make a change and help members of marginalized communities see the importance of mental health in all stages of life. Dulce includes meditation, yoga, and clients' religious/spiritual practices (if any) into treatment.
Samekquel is dedicated to creating a safe, affirming space for individuals and families, especially those from Black and Brown communities, who are navigating the lasting impact of trauma.
She recognizes that healing is not one-size-fits-all and works with people across the lifespan to build a path forward that honors culture, identity, and lived experience. Warmth, humor, and authenticity are at the heart of Samekquel’s approach.
She believes therapy should be a space where clients can truly exhale, a place to feel seen, not judged. Whether it's a child learning to name their feelings, a teen discovering their voice, or an adult unpacking years of emotional weight,
Samekquel walks alongside them with compassion and clarity. She integrates real-life, culturally mindful coping strategies that extend beyond the therapy session, helping clients manage stress, reconnect with joy, and build lasting resilience. Her goal is to support healing in ways that are empowering, practical, and deeply personal.
Lana Sestovic, M.S. Psychotherapist
lana@lurocha.org
Lana is a psychotherapist who earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University. Born in Serbia and Montenegro, she moved to Chicago at the age of 12, an experience that shaped her deep empathy and cultural sensitivity. As a first-generation immigrant, Lana brings a distinctive perspective to her work, connecting with clients navigating cultural transitions, identity, and belonging.
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Lana has specialized training and experience in trauma-informed care, relational work, depression, anxiety, and sex therapy. She works with children, adults, and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, with a strong passion for supporting immigrants and marginalized communities. Her professional background includes serving as a utilization review specialist at a mental health clinic and working in various school and community settings.
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In her therapeutic approach, Lana is committed to meeting clients where they are in their healing journey. She focuses on fostering emotional regulation, effective communication, and healthy boundaries, while creating a safe, inclusive, and collaborative space. She is dedicated to helping individuals heal from past wounds, navigate life transitions, and build resilience—empowering them to grow into their most authentic selves.
Samekquel McGill, Psychotherapist, LCPC
Jessica Saldana, MSW Psychotherapist
Jessica Saldana is a bilingual Spanish-speaking psychotherapist with a Master’s in Social Work from Dominican University. As a first-generation Mexican American, she brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work, guiding individuals through the process of healing, growth, and self-discovery.
Jessica is dedicated to supporting BIPOC community members, 1st and 2nd generation, children, teens, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and life transitions. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, utilizing evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy while grounding her practice in somatic techniques. Jessica honors the role of spirituality and ancestral wisdom in the healing journey, creating a space where clients can reconnect with their bodies, reclaim their stories, and find empowerment in their healing process.
Ben Xing, M.S. Psychotherapist
ben@lurocha.org
Ben, a fluent Mandarin-speaking intern, completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago with majors in Psychology and Criminal Law and Justice.
Currently pursuing his second year in the Mental Health Counseling master’s program at DePaul University, Ben brings a distinctive perspective shaped by his experience working with at-risk teens and previous classroom engagements.
Hailing from an immigrant background, he deeply values the significance of community support. Ben is dedicated to leveraging his empathy and expertise to make a meaningful difference in his community.
Rodolfo Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant & Intake coordinator
rodolfo@lurocha.org
Rodolfo Rodriguez is a bilingual Spanish-speaking Administrative Assistant committed to advancing mental health services and advocacy for underserved communities. Growing up in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago, Rodolfo witnessed the profound impact of systemic challenges on mental well-being. This awareness drives his passion for connecting individuals and families to critical resources such as therapy services, domestic violence support, and housing assistance. His hands-on experience at a family advocacy center in the Back of the Yards neighborhood equipped him with the skills to support clients facing mental health challenges and navigate the complexities of the DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) system, making him a trusted advocate for holistic care.
As a DCFS Housing Youth & Family Supervisor with a national organization in Illinois, Rodolfo ensures that mental health services remain central to his work in promoting stability and well-being for youth and families. His academic background—a master’s degree in justice administration and public safety and a Bachelor’s degree in justice studies—strengthens his ability to address the intersection of mental health, advocacy, and justice. By fostering partnerships, expanding access to mental health resources, and empowering clients, Rodolfo’s unwavering dedication creates lasting change, ensuring that vulnerable populations have the tools and support they need to thrive.
Frank Belizaire. Psychotherapist, LCSW
frank@lurocha.org
Frank brings over eight years of experience in social work, including six years in community mental health. He takes a collaborative approach, working closely with clients to identify effective coping strategies for managing symptoms and navigating life’s challenges.
Frank views clients as the experts in their own lives and is passionate about supporting them in rewriting their personal narratives to foster healing and growth. His therapeutic style is rooted in unconditional positive regard, empathy, active listening, and a healthy dose of humor.
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He integrates evidence-based practices such as Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing to support client progress.
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Frank’s ultimate goal is to empower clients to the point where they no longer need his services—ideally putting himself out of a job—and equipping them to become healers within their own communities.
Ashley McCloud, Intern
Ashley McCloud (she/her) is a dedicated second-year graduate student at Dominican University, pursuing her Master’s in Social Work. She currently serves as a Parent Educator for the Preschool for All program, where she works to empower families through education and access to resources. Raised on the South Side of Chicago,
Ashley draws inspiration from the resilience and strength of her community. As an intern therapist, her goal is to provide compassionate, client-centered support that fosters mental health and well-being for individuals and families.
ashley@lurocha.org
Esmeralda Avalos, Intern
esmeralda@lurocha.org
Esmeralda is a fluent Spanish-speaking intern therapist and a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at Northeastern Illinois University. As a first-generation Latina, she identifies with underserved communities and is deeply committed to advocating for accessible, culturally responsive care.
Her therapeutic approach is holistic, integrating trauma-informed care, meditation, and yoga. Esmeralda understands how difficult it can be to find a therapist who feels like the right fit, and she takes time to gently learn about each client’s needs so that treatment feels supportive and personalized. She strives to create a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment that fosters healing and growth.
Outside of her clinical work, Esmeralda enjoys spending time outdoors and embracing spontaneous adventures.
Allison Tao, Intern
allison@lurocha.org
Allison is an intern therapist who seeks to understand each client’s subjective reality and intersectional identities within a broader systemic context. Born and raised in China, Allison is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese and also has basic communication skills in French. Rooted in her Asian heritage and queer identities, she continually reflects on the complexities of multiculturalism, minority experiences, and intergenerational trauma. She believes in the healing power of personal narratives, resilience, and equitable access to resources.
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Allison is committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental, and empowering space, offering trauma-informed and queer-affirming care. She approaches her work as both a collaborative partner and an advocate for clients from marginalized communities. She is also passionate about supporting trauma-informed restorative practices.
Inspired by Cathy Park Hong’s Minor Feelings, Allison expands the concept to encompass a wider range of marginalized experiences. She centers the “minor feelings” that emerge when lived realities are dismissed or denied, making space for these truths a core part of her therapeutic approach.
Tyler Firlit, Intern
Tyler is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) with a background in education. His experience as a teacher sparked a deep commitment to supporting individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and trauma.
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Tyler takes a collaborative and exploratory approach to therapy, tailoring research-informed techniques to each client’s personal values, experiences, and spiritual beliefs. He believes that no one should have to face life’s challenges alone and is dedicated to creating a supportive, compassionate space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered.
tyler @lurocha.org
Lauren Migas, Intern
Lauren is a first-year graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work, Policy and Practice. Originally from Illinois, she earned her undergraduate degree from North Central College and has spent the past six years working in academic administration at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her experiences supporting students and faculty, along with her volunteer work with Camp One Step, inspired her to pursue a career in therapy. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate life transitions and is committed to providing thoughtful, compassionate care in a clinical setting.
Jeanette Rodriguez, Intern
jeanette@lurocha.org
Jeanette is a first-generation Mexican American with a strong passion for promoting mental health and emotional well-being, particularly within vulnerable and underserved communities. With nearly six years of experience in social services, she has worked as a human services caseworker and supported at-risk youth and adolescents in various community settings.
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Jeanette earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Northeastern Illinois University and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at the same institution. Dedicated to making a meaningful impact, she strives to provide compassionate care in a safe, supportive environment where individuals and families can thrive.
Maya Salinas, Intern
Maya Salinas is a second-generation Latina currently achieving a Master's in Mental Health Counseling at Illinois Institute of Technology. With past experiences in schools and clinics in diverse communities, she is dedicated to provide individual healing processes for those from the BIPOC and under-deserved communities.
Maya creates an affirming, intersectional space where clients can explore and integrate emotional, physical, and identity-based experiences. Her therapeutic approach weaves together cognitivebehavioral tools, narrative reframing, somatic tracking, mindfulness, and cultural identity immersion.
maya@lurocha.org
Bella, Certified Therapy Dog
Hi, I’m Bella!
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I’m a two-year-old rescue pup, originally from Louisiana—yep, I’m a Southern girl! I spent the first part of my life in a shelter (not the most exciting place), but everything changed when I was rescued last year. Now, I live with a loving family and my best buddy, a very wise (and very old) chihuahua who’s teaching me all the secrets of being adorable and slightly dramatic.
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These days, I’ve got a new job I take very seriously: I’m a certified therapy dog! That means I get to hang out at Lu’s office and help humans feel calm, seen, and loved. I’m great with other dogs (big or small, I don’t judge), and while I’m not quite sure what to make of cats yet, I’m politely curious and always on my best behavior.
If you see me in a session, feel free to say hi—I’ll be the one wagging my tail like it’s a full-body workout. Whether you need a cuddle, a quiet presence, or just someone to nap next to you while you talk things out, I’m your girl.
Can’t wait to meet you!
Lu's Method of Therapy
Lu prefers to provide therapy from a strength-based approach. This form of therapy emphasizes a person’s self-determination and strengths. It is a philosophy and a way of viewing a client as resourceful and resilient in the face of adversity. To help clients improve their mental health, Lu utilizes diverse inclusive therapy (DIT), which includes talk therapy and other modalities that have been proven to be effective and beneficial.
DIT includes:
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Talk therapy
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Breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga, which are proven to improve one’s mental health. And as a registered yoga instructor (RYI), trained in therapeutic yoga, Lu teaches her clients how to use these tools to better manage anxiety, anger and other overwhelming emotions and sensations.
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Understanding how trauma and anxiety effects the body, brain, and one’s overall health is important; therefore, Lu teaches her clients how the effects manifests within the body.
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Lu believes that having a spiritual practice is important in one’s healing, so when appropriate, Lu addresses spirituality in her therapy sessions. This may include conversations on connecting with one’s ancestors, practicing traditions or rituals, smudging etc.
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Historical trauma (HT) is an emotional and psychological wounding experienced by a group/community across generations and within one's lifespan. When appropriate, Lu believes it is important to explore how historical trauma is currently affecting one’s mental and physical health.
