Raquel graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, then immediately completed a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a Mental Health Specialty at the same University.
In graduate school, she received the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) scholarship and devoted her extra time outside of class and her internship to serve individuals who were living with a mental illness of all ages and of different cultures.
After graduation, Raquel started working as a Medical Social Worker providing case management services for individuals in Home Health and also for Women and Children. She also started working as a Psychiatric Technician providing direct care in John Peter Smith’s Psychiatric Department. Within the last two years, she also provided Medical and Non-Medical Case Management services to individuals living with HIV and AIDS while working full-time at Access and Information Network (AIN),Inc for 2 years and also working PRN as a Psych Tech.
Raquel really enjoys teaching Group fitness such as Zumba Dance Fitness and Silver Sneakers for individuals 65 and up. When not working, you will find her teaching Zumba, at the gym, hiking, or doing Yoga. She strongly believes that physical activity helps with your overall mental well-being.
She understands the cycle of depression and anxiety, trauma, grief, bereavement, and is willing to provide guidance, resources, empowerment, motivation, and appropriate tools to help you achieve your goals in therapy.