Erika Paz has had the privilege of helping individuals and families affected by substance use and mental health problems for over a decade. A diverse life experience coupled with a wide range of experiences with cultures and people affords her a broader perspective on mental health and allows her to bring a more unique approach to her work.

“I obtained my bachelor’s degree from Les Roches Hotel Management School in Switzerland. I arrived in the US as a hotel management trainee for a prestigious hotel chain and heard on the radio that the United Way of Tampa Bay needed volunteers. I started my training as a volunteer, under the assumption that it would be something like a food bank. By the third day of training, I found out that it was a crisis hotline. I was committed; I could not let my team down. My volunteer position became a passion, then a full-time job, and I felt rewarded and complete. I sought out more education to move forward with my career in mental health and make a bigger impact. It has been over 10 years and I still feel as passionate as I did on my first day in this field.”

“Throughout my career, I have encountered individuals and families from different religious, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. As a client in therapy, I learned that one has to meet the client where heshethey are by being respectful, accommodating, flexible, and empathetic.”