Founder, Owner of Girasol Counseling 

I am a daughter of immigrants; a daughter of the diaspora; a wounded healer; an intellectual, spiritual, and queer Chingon@. These are a few identities that influence how I interact / experience the world around me, and stories attached to them: past and present. In my therapeutic work, I continue to work towards decolonization of both my healing practices and myself.

My parents are El Salvadoran immigrants. They migrated to the U.S. during the El Salvadoran civil war and made their new home in "El Centro" of Los Angeles. I was fortunate enough to be born and raised here with a large Central American community. My formation there naturally led me to healing work for myself, family, and community.

My healing work is inherited; I come from a lineage of people seeking healing. Professionally, I started healing work with young people as a case manager, advocate, and mental health counselor in 2016. 

Education: 

• Bachelor in Psychology and minor in Law, Societies, and Justice from the University of Washington, Seattle (graduate of 2016) 

• Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington, Seattle (graduate of 2020)

Trainings and Certificates: 

• Curanderismo: Traditional Healing Using Plants, University of New Mexico (2022)

• Certificate in Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies, from Collectively Rooted (2022)

• EMDR Therapy training for BIPOC Clinicians with Lisa Hayes from the Institute for Creative Mindfulness (2023)

• Family SoulPages from Northwest Creative and Expressive Arts Institute (2023)

Specialties:

• Historical Trauma, Intergenerational Trauma, Developmental Trauma

• Emotional, Physical, Sexual Abuse & Trauma

• Oppression & Internalized Oppression

• Mother Wound

• Latinx Issues, Immigration, Assimilation, Acculturation, Identity

• Religious and Spiritual Trauma

• Activism Burnout/ Service Provider Burnout

• Familial Stress/ Caring for Family Stress

• Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Complex Trauma

• Attachment Wound

LSWAIC & Mental Health Therapist 

I am a first-generation Mexican-American, a proud daughter of immigrants, and a wounded healer. My family comes from a lineage of trauma, surviving, and seeking ways to move onward. The few identities listed above, have organically led me into a space of learning and unlearning the depths of generational trauma and family systems and roles. I pride myself in using humility, compassion, and curiosity in sessions. I invite collaboration, vulnerability, and authenticity in the healing space to guide and support you to reach your desired goals. I am committed to decolonizing the work within myself and those I work with. 

I have extensive experience working with immigrants, children of immigrants, adolescents, and young adults.

Education 

• Bachelor of Science in Social Services and a minor in Psychology from Central Washington University (graduate of 2021) 

• Master in Social Work from the University of Denver (graduate of 2023) 

Specialties 

• Domestic violence survivors/ Relational Violence survivors

• Historical/Generational/Intergenerational Trauma

• Immigrant Issues

• Childhood Trauma

• Empowerment/Self Esteem and Confidence

Certifications

• Certificate in Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies, from Collectively Rooted (2024)

LMHCA & Mental Health Therapist 

Siendo mexicoamericana de primera generación y orgullosa hija de inmigrantes, aporto una rica perspectiva multicultural a mi práctica. Mis experiencias de vida únicas alimentan mi pasión por la narración de historias y me permiten conectarme profundamente con clientes de todos los orígenes. Creo que la historia de todos es esencial para el proceso de curación, y me esfuerzo por crear un espacio donde estas narrativas puedan ser compartidas y apreciadas.

Estoy profundamente comprometida con la justicia social y la defensa, y creo en brindar atención culturalmente competente e inclusiva a todos, independientemente de su origen. Mi enfoque se basa en la creencia de que cada persona merece ser escuchada, validada y empoderada para vivir su vida más auténtica y satisfactoria. Trabajo en colaboración con mis clientes, construyendo una fuerte alianza terapéutica y creando un espacio seguro donde pueden explorar sus identidades, experiencias y aspiraciones

Education 

• Bachelor of Arts, in Psychology from Saint Martin's University - Lacey, Washington  (May 2017)

• Master of Arts in Counseling from Saint Martin's University, Lacey, Washington  (August 2023)

Specialties 

• Domestic violence survivors/ Relational Violence survivors

• Historical/Generational/Intergenerational Trauma

• Immigrant Issues

• Young Adult Life Transitions

• Childhood Trauma

• Empowerment/Self Esteem and Confidence

Certifications 

• National Certified Counselor, National Board for Certified Counselors, 2023

• EMDR Therapy Training (Part 1 & Part 2) by The EMDR Institute, 2024-2025

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coach, Masters of Arts in Teaching

“I am the son of parents who dedicated their lives to serving kids living in the streets of downtown Seattle. I was raised in the South End of Seattle, one of the most diverse zip codes in the United States. I spent time with my immigrant grandmother in the countryside, while also being with family in the white upper-class suburbs of Marine Hills and Scottsdale. This upbringing instilled a passion for understanding Kimberlé Crenshaw’s concept of the intersectionality of our identities, power, oppression, and whole community wellness. Investigating these (and my own) intersectionalities created a vision in my life—to join young people in a space of play where we can be well, empowered, grow, and reach our fullest potential. This vision has led me to my mission: Use play to care for the mind, body, soul, and spirit. To accomplish this mission, my coaching philosophy begins with building a relationship and learning partnership as the foundation for mentorship that includes educating, sharing wisdom, creating goals, providing accountability, and engaging in reflection.” -Coach Ruthruff

Coaching Approach: My experience has developed a specialty in introducing young people to sports while simultaneously fusing in care for the mind, body, soul, and spirit.

Services Provided: SEL Coaching 5-17 year old. 

Coaching Experience: Elementary Physical Education Teacher, Elementary general education teacher in the Dominican Republic, Golf Coach with First Tee Greater Seattle, Basketball & Soccer Coach at Aki Kurose Middle School, Swimming Coach at Franklin High School. Founder of roots2fruit, an elementary leadership program where 4th and 5th grade students are taught to enter kindergarten classrooms and develop/demonstrate learning skills through leading entire P.E. lessons.  

Educación

• Licenciatura en Estudios Interdisciplinarios de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad Central de Washington (agosto de 2010)

• Maestría en Enseñanza de la Universidad Seattle Pacific, Seattle, Washington (junio de 2018)

Endorsement:

• Health Fitness Endorsement K-12