Monica (She/Her/Ella) is a multilingual Behavioral Health Provider (English, Spanish, and Romanian) who is passionate about providing culturally responsive care. Originally from Romania, she moved to Santa Cruz in 2016, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture deepened her empathy and commitment to supporting individuals navigating multiple identities and cultural experiences. 

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Criminology from the University of Bucharest in 2015, and later completed her MSW, PPSC, and CWA from San José State University in 2022 to further support youth and families in school and community settings. Monica began her work in mental health in 2019, supporting adults and older adults living with severe mental illness, as well as foster youth in transition who experience anxiety, depression, identity development challenges, confidence issues, and motivational barriers. Her clinical approach is grounded in humanistic, strengths-based values and incorporates CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and other integrative modalities that promote whole-person wellness. Monica believes that the therapeutic relationship and alliance are essential to healing, and she strives to create a safe, non-judgmental space where patients can explore their challenges and improve their quality of life. 

Outside of work, she is a traveler at heart with a deep curiosity for human nature and culture, and she enjoys dancing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her family and her three cats.