Hi,

I’m Jennifer (Jen), a licensed clinical social worker and the heart behind Fortaleza Health.

A little about my practice and my therapy style:

The word “Fortaleza” means strength in Spanish, and it carries a very personal meaning for me. I chose the name during a time of deep loss, when I was reminded that real strength is not about pushing through pain or pretending everything is fine. It’s about resilience, about the quiet, steady courage to face what hurts, to heal at your own pace, and to rebuild when life feels heavy.

The marigold in my logo is inspired by my culture and by el Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a flower that symbolizes remembrance and guidance. To me, therapy works much the same way. It helps us honor what we’ve been through and the resilience we build while finding our way back to life, hope, and meaning.

Over the years, I’ve worked with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, from children to older adults, who are navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, burnout, life transitions, and the pressure of holding too much for too long. Together, we work toward balance, self-compassion, and hope even in the midst of uncertainty.

In our sessions, you can expect a calm, judgement-free space where you don’t have to have it all figured out. My approach is collaborative and flexible. Some days you may want to talk things out, other days you may need grounding, structure, or tools to cope in the moment. I blend mind-body somatic practices with evidence-based techniques like ACT, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to help you reconnect with your strength, clarity, and sense of self.

Ultimately, my goal is to help you feel empowered to live a life that feels like you, steady, authentic, and aligned with your values. Healing isn’t about rushing: it’s about creating space to breathe, grow, and rebuild in your own time.