Hi there! I'm Nancy, and I am so excited to share a bit about myself with you! Growing up, I experienced some pretty challenging situations within my family, and as a result, I spent much of my childhood in the foster care system and moving from place to place never being able to call a place my home. These experiences gave me a unique perspective on the importance of early intervention and prevention in the mental health field. It was through my experience as a survivor, and my own personal struggles that I discovered my passion for helping others. As a mental health professional, I've had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of individuals, but one experience that stands out to me the most is that of my younger brother. Despite struggling with reading and writing, he was consistently overlooked and eventually turned to drugs, never finishing high school. It's a heartbreaking situation, and I often wonder what could have been different if someone had taken the time to help him earlier. Unfortunately, my brother now suffers from bipolar disorder and experiences panic attacks due to the overwhelming sense of hopelessness and loss he feels. It's because of him that I've dedicated my career to helping others before they reach that point of no return. The point where there is nothing more than resignation and accepting what is than what one could become. Overall, I'm incredibly passionate about what I do and am eager to continue making a positive impact on the lives of children, youth, and families in need. I'm excited about the opportunity to get to know you and be of support to you in your toughest moments in life. Warmly, Nancy Gonzalez-McKenzie