Meet the Team

Team

DRA. ALEJANDRA FERRIS, PSYD

Contracted Facilitator

  • alejandra@raicesdebienestar.org

    Alejandra Ferris (she/her/ella) has a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University with an emphasis on health settings as well as Latine psychology. While in graduate school, she was a member of Sabiduria: Latine Psychology Emphasis and began working with Dr. Zúñiga to help create an emotional health and wellness workshop series aimed at promotores de salud to remove mental health stigma in the Latine community. She completed her internship at the Southwest Consortium/New Mexico VA Healthcare System in Albuquerque and a postdoctoral fellowship at Baylor Scott and White Health in Temple, TX. As a bilingual and bicultural licensed psychologist, Dr. Ferris is passionate about bringing mental health to the people and ensuring that services are appropriate and accessible to our community’s underserved groups.

    Dr. Ferris was born in Venezuela and raised in Miami, FL. Growing up in a predominantly Latine immigrant community made Dr. Ferris feel empowered by her Latina identity her entire life and provided her with the lived experience and understanding of nuances and idiosyncrasies of culture that are so often overlooked in psychological services and health settings in general. Dr. Ferris loves to garden, go to concerts, cook, and try new restaurants!

BONNIE LERNER, MPH

Contractor & Co-Founder

  • bonnie@raicesdebienestar.org

    Bonnie Lerner (she/her) began her career in mental health case management, supporting individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Her experiences led her to focus on upstream solutions and emotional wellbeing through a public health lens. Before co-founding Raíces de Bienestar in 2021, Bonnie worked in state government and health systems to advance culturally rooted care, support traditional health workers, and lead community-health care partnerships.

    Originally from rural southern California, Bonnie’s roots shape her commitment to equity and community-driven mental health work. The first woman in her family to attend college, she holds a master’s in public health from Portland State University and a nonprofit executive leadership certificate from Arizona State University.

    In 2025, Bonnie transitioned to serving Raíces as a contractor. She brings lived experience in recovery and deep belief that what’s personal is public health. Bonnie lives in Oregon with her two young children, husband, and mom, and enjoys road trips with the windows down and music up.

Celeste White, BA

Clinic Office Assistant

  • celeste@raicesdebienestar.org

    Celeste White (she/her) is the Clinic Office Assistant at Raíces de Bienestar. She has a lifelong passion for helping others and has dedicated herself to supporting her community in meaningful ways. As a first generation college graduate, she earned her Bachelor degree in Sociology from University of California, Santa Barbara which has helped her translate that passion into creating impactful experiences for the public.

      As a proud Mexican American, Celeste has firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by the Latine community. This lived experience, combined with her unique perspective, enables her to empathize deeply and support a wide range of people with care and efficiency. Outside of work, Celeste enjoys spending time with her pug and experimenting with new baked goods recipes, sunbathing at the beach and exercising her green thumb.

Eduardo Figueroa, MBA

Clinic Manager

  • eduardo@raicesdebienestar.org

    Eduardo Figueroa Varela is a health management professional with over seven years of

    experience optimizing operations and leading effective teams. Eduardo's leadership style is marked by a strong emphasis on mentorship and collaboration, fostering a culture of success wherever he goes. Trained as a physical therapist in Chile, he furthered his professional development with a business certification from Harvard Business School and is currently pursuing an MBA.

    He has initiated medical practices and optimized clinics for sustainability, demonstrating his prowess in system optimization and data-driven solutions. As a Public Affairs Specialist for the Air Force, he has received multiple personal and group recognitions, highlighting his skill as the photographer of the year.

    Outside of work, Eduardo enjoys various pursuits, including his passion for baking Chilean bread and his active involvement in his local church through leading worship. He also cherishes quality time outdoors with his family.

Esmeralda Zapata

Promotora de Salud

  • esmeralda@raicesdebienestar.org

    Esmeralda Zapata is a certified bilingual health promoter from Jalisco, Mexico, who has been advocating for her community since 2016. She has dedicated herself to supporting a domestic violence non-profit agency, driven by her passion for making a difference. Now, as a part of Raíces de Bienestar, she continues to assist the Latine community by sharing her knowledge and providing the best possible service and support. Outside of her professional life, she cherishes spending quality time with her children and husband.

Grace Witt, MA

Contracted Therapist

  • Grace Witt, MA (she/her) is a 3rd year PsyD student at George Fox University. She also received her Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from George Fox University and has been working in forensic psychology conducting court appointed custody evaluations and working with parents to assist them with co-parenting conflicts. She is passionate about working with multicultural populations and in particular with Latin communities helping them heal with understanding their cultural diversities. She was born in Cali, Colombia and was raised in Queens, New York. She enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her friends and family. 

Jocelin V. Bueno Garcia, CHW

Community Liberation Program Coordinator

  • jocelin@raicesdebienestar.org

    Jocelin Garcia is a dedicated community health worker and peer support specialist hailing from California. She holds a bachelor's degree in sociology with a minor in Mexican American studies. For over five years, Jocelin has served as a promotora de salud, contributing her expertise at nonprofit organizations and local hospitals. As a proud first-generation college graduate with roots in Michoacán, Mexico, she is deeply passionate about mental health and committed to empowering her community. Currently, Jocelin is the Community Liberation Program Manager at Raíces de Bienestar. In her free time, she enjoys immersing herself in nature, practicing Danza Azteca, hiking, gardening, and cherishing moments with family and friends.

LEocadia Montero-Hainley

Community Liberation Facilitator

  • leocadia@raicesdebienestar.org

    Leocadia Montero-Hainley (she/ella) is an Afro-Latina woman who helps people use a productive approach to address conflicts. She facilitates Popular Education and Trauma-informed dialogues on the subjects of forgiveness, reconciliation, conflict transformation, and restorative justice. Leocadia is a psychotherapist, trained in the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Model from Pacific University. She is an Associate with LACE Oregon. Leocadia was the first Latina to implement the ESPERE (Escuela de Perdon y Reconciliacion) workshop in USA, while working at Adelante Mujeres from 2009 - 2016. She is a board member of Familias en Accion, Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team of the Oregon Department of Justice. She is also a member of the Oregon SATF (Sexual Assault Task Force). She is originally from the Dominican Republic, where she earned a law degree from Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña and served as District Attorney. She loves spending time with her husband and their three boys.

DRA. Leslyette Chevez, LCSW, PHD

Bilingual Mental Health Provider

  • leslyette@raicesdebienestar.org

    Dr. Leslyette Chevez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of service to the community. She holds a doctorate in Counseling & Psychological Studies from Regent University and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Washington, specializing in Multicultural Studies.

    Born in Nicaragua and shaped by her own experiences as a war and trauma survivor, Dr. Chevez brings empathy, passion, and deep cultural understanding to her clinical work. She has worked with individuals facing depression, anxiety, complex trauma including religious trauma, and relationship issues. She integrates evidence-based, trauma-informed modalities using an attachment-focused lens. In her free time, Dr. Chevez enjoys reading, spending time with her family, two dogs, and serving the community through her local church.

patrick robinson, ma

Bilingual Mental Health Provider

  • patrick@raicesdebienestar.org

    Patrick (he/him) is a counseling professional dedicated to exploring how individuals can achieve positive development and self-improvement by leveraging the activities and passions they love.

    He holds a Master of Arts in Sports Ethics and Integrity from Swansea University and a second Master’s in Positive Developmental Psychology and Evaluation from Claremont Graduate University. His academic specialization in Positive Psychology focused heavily on development throughout the lifespan, utilizing frameworks like Flow Theory and Self-Determination Theory. After years spent working in education and coaching futbol, his appreciation for his role as a mentor led him to transition into a career in counseling.

    Having been lucky enough to live and study in four different countries across Europe and spend two additional years in Nicaragua, Patrick gained a strong, lived understanding of what it means to feel out of place in a new environment. This experience fuels his dedication to helping clients find and cultivate a deep sense of belonging as they navigate new homes, life transitions, and cultural adjustment.

    Outside of his work, Patrick enjoys playing futbol, paddleboarding, and creating a sense of home with his partner, Helen, and their dog, Magnolia, when they are not outside exploring the beautiful PNW.

DRA. RUTH ZÚÑIGA, PHD

Founder / Interim Clinic & Programs Director

  • ruth@raicesdebienestar.org

    Former Executive Director

    Dr. Ruth Zúñiga has a PhD in clinical and community psychology with a rural and indigenous emphasis from the University of Alaska. She has been working in collaboration with community-based organizations and community leaders to address the mental and emotional health needs of the Latine community across Oregon. She has developed and managed multiple community-driven programs focused on “bringing mental health” to the Latine community, removing stigma and supporting mental health access and utilization of services by underserved communities. Dr. Zúñiga serves on several boards of directors and advisory boards of Latine community-based organizations in Oregon. She has been teaching, researching, consulting, and presenting on the subject of Latine mental health and wellness and program evaluation for 10 years. She has been providing culturally affirming mental health services for over 15 years in the areas of resiliency, immigration, healing and trauma informed care, chronic disease management, and overall mental health concerns. She is a former associate professor, and founder of Sabiduría: Latinx Psychology Emphasis at Pacific University, an academic and clinical program focused on training culturally informed masters and doctoral level clinicians to work with the Latine community. She is a licensed psychologist. Dr. Zúñiga is originally from Costa Rica and she loves the outdoors, cooking and above all spending time with her husband, daughter and furry friends.

Stefanny Caballero

Executive Director

  • Stefanny Caballero (she, her, ella) is a community leader with more than 18 years of experience in the social services sector. She brings a deep commitment to advancing equity, strengthening community partnerships, and expanding opportunity for underserved communities. Stefanny holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Portland State University and her expertise spans community engagement, corporate social responsibility, strategic planning, fundraising, financial oversight, and operational excellence, as well as developing outreach strategies that better serve communities of color. She has contributed to health equity efforts at both the local and state levels, supporting policy development focused on eliminating health disparities and advancing equitable outcomes for Oregonians. Born and raised in Honduras, C. A., Stefanny serves as the Executive Director at Raíces de Bienestar. In her free time, she enjoys attending activities for her children, listening to audiobooks and music, indoor gardening, power naps, and making memories with family and friends.

Veronica Melo, LCSWA

Bilingual Mental Health Provider

  • Veronica (she/her/ella) is a bi-cultural bilingual licensed clinical social worker with over four years of experience working with the Latine community. Veronica holds a Master's in Social Work from Pacific University with a focus on Latine community care.

    As a first generation college-graduate from Mexican roots, Veronica is deeply passionate about mental health and the importance of care within the Latine community. Veronica enjoys working with children, teens, and young adults as well as individuals who identify as first-generation. Veronica has extensive and ongoing experience working with individuals who experience anxiety, depression, trauma, and immigration related issues.

    In her free time, Veronica enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, and reading.

Yadira vega, BA

Contracted Facilitator

  • Yadira Vega is a contractor with Raíces de Bienestar and a former graduate student therapist with the organization. She is deeply committed to serving Latinx communities and bridging the gap between mental health services and this underserved population. Yadira is passionate about understanding the unique challenges Latinx individuals face and developing culturally responsive solutions to support their mental well-being.

    Fluent in Spanish, she is dedicated to providing linguistically accessible care, especially given the shortage of bilingual mental health providers. Yadira is also actively involved in community outreach and education, striving to make mental health resources more available and approachable to all.

    A native Oregonian, Yadira enjoys exploring the outdoors, spending quality time with her family, watching TV, and reading in her free time.

our Training Clinical Team

The Raíces de Bienestar Clinical Training Team is composed of bilingual and bicultural qualified mental health providers (QMHPs) who are either graduate students of psychology, social work students, psychology residents or clinical social work associates. They all work under the supervision of Dr. Daisy Bueno, licensed psychologist. The clinical team provides a range of culturally specific therapeutic interventions for Latine community. They receive ongoing, individual and group, bilingual and culturally responsive supervision, mentorship and training on evidence-based interventions and culturally adapted treatment for the Latine community. Reach out if you are interested in training with us for the next academic year. 

Lidia Tapia

Graduate Student Therapist

Christian Garcia Alcaraz

Doctoral Intern

  • Cristian Garcia Alcaraz (he/him/his) is a doctoral intern at the Pacific Psychology and Comprehensive Health Clinic, where he practices clinical psychology in the adult track. He is Mexican, DACAmented, a first-generation college student, and a former farmworker. He has provided care to diverse underserved individuals (e.g., undocumented, Mexican) experiencing depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic pain, and other concerns. He also researches how sociocultural factors (e.g., familism) shape health and access to care. His research, clinical practice, and lived experience have made him acutely aware of gaps in the delivery of medical and mental health care to people of color in the United States who face unique circumstances (e.g., perceived discrimination, poverty, lack of insurance, immigration status, and manual labor) that negatively affect their health. As an aspiring clinical psychologist, Cristian is committed to closing these gaps by providing culturally humble, competent, and trauma-informed care to underserved populations, as well as through his diversity-related research.

Vanessa Vazquez Ochoa

Graduate Student Therapist

  • Vanessa Vazquez Ochoa (she/her/ella) is a 3rd year PsyD student at Pacific University, where she is part of the adult emphasis and Sabiduria experience. She is interested in helping the Latin and immigrant populations, especially those in rural areas, receive culturally relevant treatment in an accessible manner. She is passionate about being involved in the community through engagement events. Vanessa was born in Michoacán, Mexico and raised in the Central Valley of California. She enjoys going on hikes and spending time with her friends and family.

    Vanessa Vazquez Ochoa (ella) está en su tercer año del programa de PsyD en la Universidad de Pacific, donde es parte del programa de adultos y experiencia de Sabiduría. Está interesada en ayudar a las poblaciones Latine e inmigrantes, específicamente en áreas rurales, recibir tratamiento en una manera accesible. Ella está apasionada de estar involucrada en la comunidad a través de eventos comunitarios. Vanessa nació en Michoacán, México y creció en el Valle Central de California. Le gusta caminar y pasar tiempo con sus amigos y familia.

Board of Directors

DAYSI BEDOLLA SOTELO

Board Member | Multnomah County Oregon Health Equity Alliance 

GENEVIEVE ELLIS

Treasurer | Washington County Public Health

Kristty Zamora-Polanco

Board Member | Oregon Health Authority 

MANDY DAVIS

Secretary | Portland State University; Trauma Informed OR

nancy castillo-mckinnis

Board Member | The Ford Family Foundation

LEDA GARSIDE

Board President | OHSU Hillsboro Medical Center

Community Advisory Committee

The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) of Raíces de Bienestar (Raíces) is composed of Latine community leaders, promoters and community health workers. It is intended to inform all Raíces de Bienestar activities, programs, services and projects, ensuring that Raíces’ programs and services are culturally affirming, based on the needs of the Latine community and focused on community strengths and resilience. 

DELFINA ANDRADE

  • Delfina Andrade is a certified community health worker, originally from Mexico. She worked at the Oregon Latino Health Coalition for several years where she learned to become a truly advocate for her community and currently works at Unidos. She is a board member of the Community Alliance of Tenants and is currently engaged in her business in the city of Hillsboro. Her passion is to support and advocate for her community. Her reason to join Raíces’ Community Advisory Committee is to bring her knowledge about the community and its needs, with the purpose that Raices’ programs can truly provide the best service and support to the Latine community across Oregon. In her free time, Delfina enjoys spending time with her family and walking to the beach.

    Delfina Andrade is a certified community health worker, originally from Mexico. She worked at the Oregon Latino Health Coalition for several years where she learned to become a truly advocate for her community and currently works at Unidos. She is a board member of the Community Alliance of Tenants and is currently engaged in her business in the city of Hillsboro. Her passion is to support and advocate for her community. Her reason to join Raíces’ Community Advisory Committee is to bring her knowledge about the community and its needs, with the purpose that Raices’ programs can truly provide the best service and support to the Latine community across Oregon. In her free time, Delfina enjoys spending time with her family and walking to the beach.

EDITH ARRIAGA-FLORES

  • Edith Arriaga-Flores is a health promoter, native Peruvian, mother of two children and wife. She trained as a promotora (health promoter) through her parish. Edith's motivation and passion is her family and community. She volunteers in several organizations and programs across the Metro area. She has trained and provided several educational workshops on various topics, including mental health and suicide prevention. Edith is grateful to be a participant in the Raíces’ Community Advisory Committee, for in this organization she has seen that “barriers and stigma surrounding mental health can be broken when our communities receive accessible language about mental health and when they gain an understanding that they are not alone”. In her free time Edith enjoys walking with her two dogs in the park.

ADRIANA LOPEZ GARCIA

  • Adriana Lopez Garcia was born in Oaxaca, Mexico and moved to the United States more than 20 years ago. She is a certified health worker. Even before her certification, she has worked to support the Latine community accessing education, health and social services Adriana currently works at el Programa Hispano Catolico in the development department supporting bringing services and resources to the community. Adriana decided to join the Community Advisory Committee because she has seen the positive impact that Raices’s programs such as the charlas have on the community. She has witnessed how the charlas remove stigma about mental health in the community while also helping individuals and families to recognize and honor their strengths, culture, traditions and ancestral values. In her free time she enjoys swimming and hiking with her family.

GUADALUPE BELTRAN

  • Guadalupe Beltran was born in Mexico City and emigrated to the United States 23 years ago. She first started working as a bilingual teacher's assistant for a preschool in Seaside Oregon for 15 years. She supported Latino families in navigating services and knowing about the importance of early childhood education. When working at the preschool, Guadalupe was able to see the needs and barriers that existed in her own Latina community, which led her to want to do more and to become a Community Navigator for the Hispanic Council in Astoria, Oregon during the COVID pandemic. Guadalupe volunteers at different levels in her community. Her motivation to be part of the Raices’ Community Advisory Committee includes helping her community by sharing with Raices about the community and its needs. She wants to empower the community through education, strengthening community resilience, breaking cycles and stigma, promoting well-being, equity and inclusion for all.

Ivone Martinez Razo

  • Ivone Martinez Razo has been living in Southern Oregon for the last 25 years. She is the fifth generation of Mexican immigrants in this country, within her family. She identifies as mestizo and has lived on both sides of the border. Upholding justice is a cause she strongly advocates for. Much of her professional career has been dedicated to advocating for children and youth with diverse needs, including disabilities and health challenges. She prioritizes mental health and spiritual well-being as integral components of overall health. During her free time Ivonne enjoyings walking through nature and caring for her family.

ERIKA OJEDA

  • Erika Ojeda Mejía was born in Mexico Federal District. Since her childhood in Mexico she volunteered to support others. When she immigrated to the USA, she learned about the promotores program and started training and working with them. She now volunteers in several community programs and has also facilitated workshops. She recently became a certified community health worker, which gives her a sense of pride and joy. Erica loves helping her community, and has coordinated several mobile clinics regarding oral health and vision services. In her free time she likes to knit and dance.

LILIANA ACOSTA

  • Liliana Acosta is originally from Guanajuato, Mexico. She is currently a student in the Bachelors of Social Work program at Portland State University. (BSW). Liliana works at Kaiser Permanente as a Community Health Navigator and she is a certified community health worker. She teaches chronic disease management and prevention classes in different organizations and clinics for the Spanish-speaking community. She believes mental health is as important as any other components of health. Being part of Raíces’ CAC gives her the opportunity to be the voice of her community and echo the needs regarding mental health. Also she hopes through her participation she receives the appropriate education and information to share with her community and break the stigma of mental health illnesses. Liliana’s passion is advocating and helping her community access resources and access to healthcare. In her free time she likes hiking and traveling.

MARIA SAMAYOA

  • Maria Samayoa es Guatemalteca and a promotora de salud de la Iglesia. She is registered with the State of Oregon as a Community Health Worker (CHW) and has volunteered as a promotora de salud de la iglesia(health promoter) since 2008. She also serves the community through her position as a liaison person for a high school in Washington County. Maria’ work centers around supporting youth, families and school staff through communication tools and other resources focused on helping students achieve academic success. Her motto is: “Share with others, and you too will receive the benefits”. Maria knows firsthand the needs of her community and therefore decided to be part of the Raíces de Bienestar’s Community Advisory Committee. She believes that together, with the community and professionals who have the same interests, we can improve the lives of individuals across the state. She believes that together we can create healthy communities. Her hobbies include singing, and playing board games with her family.

Ignolia Duyck

  • Ignolia Duyck was born in Colombia and raised in Venezuela and moved to the United States 26 years ago. She has been a Community Health worker by heart since she was studying Social Work in Venezuela. All her work has been helping people and empowering them. Currently she is a certified Community Health Worker. As Outreach Manager she sees the need of the community through her eyes and the eyes of her team who are CHW and constantly are in contact with the community. One of the main reasons she decided to join Raices de Bienestar Community Advisory Committee is the way that this Organization delivers Mental Health Services respecting the culture, values and idiosyncrasy of the Latino community. One of the practices she uses to take care of herself is to take short and long walks whenever she has the chance, whether during work breaks and lunch, at home or when she is on vacation. She also loves to cook food that brings her back to her roots.

ZORAYA UDER

  • Zoraya Uder was born in Salem, OR and is a Certified Community Health Worker, she works at Familias en Accion, an organization focused on serving the Latine community. Zoraya loves working with the community and providing education about health and lifestyle changes. She volunteers at parish events and many other community activities. Her motivation to be part of the Raíces’ Community Advisory Committee is to learn how to help the community identify mental health challenges and provide resources and information. She also wants to help inform Raíces about what the community needs, what they are facing in their daily lives, and how to find ways to meet those needs. Her motivation is to act as a bridge between Raíces and the community, because “she is from the community and wants to serve her community”. In her free time, Zoraya enjoys nature, reading and cooking.

VERONICA GALLARDO SALMERON

  • Veronica Gallardo Salmeron is a certified community health worker, originally from Guerrero, Mexico. She obtained her degree at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon. She has experience providing training and working with the Latine community at el Programa Hispano Catolico and she is very involved in her community. She has a passion for educating the community about the importance of preventive health care, nutrition, exercise and mental health, as well as informing and connecting them with resources; these were some of the reasons why she joined Raíces’s CAC. Veronica believes that self-care is an important part of overall health and well-being. Her favorite activities are spending time with her family, enjoying nature and discovering new places.