Embark on a journey with Zuleyka Lopez Lisojo, a passionate expert in Mental Health and Positive Parenting, with a rich twelve-year background in the mental health field. Zuleyka's journey began with a deep desire to support families, inspired by her experiences growing up in a Puerto Rican household.
Her journey took a turn during her teenage years, witnessing the lasting effects of trauma on her father, who had worked tirelessly until retirement. This realization fueled her unique interest in helping families navigate through challenges and heal from the impact of such experiences.
Zuleyka's academic pursuit led her to the prestigious University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Arts of Social Science and later a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work. She’s also been trained in different evidenced-based treatments such as, CBT, TF-CBT, and EMDR. Her professional journeys as an In-Home Therapist in Springfield, Massachusetts, followed by a significant role in the Behavioral Health Department at a Community Health Center in East Boston. Her expertise in the pediatric population and family dynamics led her to a vital position with the Florida Department of Education.
Four years ago, Zuleyka took a bold step to establish Parenting & Mental Health, a haven for the Latino community seeking mental health and coaching services. She ardently believes in the inherent capacity of individuals, young and old, to rejuvenate their perspectives, embrace optimism, navigate emotions effectively, and respond with love, kindness, and compassion.
Through her expertise in mindset coaching, parenting coaching, and psychotherapy, Zuleyka guides her clients on a transformative journey toward tangible improvements in their lives, parenting skills, relationships, and professional performance. For Zuleyka, this transformational journey is encapsulated in three words: heal - renew - grow.
Zuleyka Lopez Lisojo, Mindset and Mental Health Expert
Zuleyka, tell us about your interests, hobbies, and passions.
In my free time, you'll find me alongside my husband, Eliceo, and our two incredible children, Angelique and Gerard. One of my joys is being in my local church, where I wholeheartedly contribute to various ministries. I find deep fulfillment in co-facilitating a support group for women who have navigated the challenging path of trauma.
As a mother, I actively participate in delightful activities with my children, like exploring the wonders of nature and losing ourselves to the joy of baking. I love traveling, but nothing compares to the warmth of visiting family in Puerto Rico, a place that holds a special place in my heart.
Building meaningful connections is at the core of my values. Whether it's within the embrace of family or the bonds forged in inspiring conversations, I hold these moments dear. There's something magical about sharing thoughts and dreams over a comforting latte or meal that warms the soul: in these simple yet profound moments, the beauty of life truly unfolds.
What inspired you to create Parenting & Mental Health, and what is the primary mission or purpose behind the company?
The foundation of Parenting & Mental Health traces its roots back to the uncertain era of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The driving force behind it was my journey, rooted in childhood experiences and a profound desire to uplift children and families within the Latino community.
My upbringing unfolded amidst the complexities of family mental health challenges. My parents had a difficult upbringing that contributed to my childhood experiences. My father's solo immigration to the United States at the age of sixteen carried the weight of trauma from the hardships, racism, and community violence he endured in the projects of Jersey City.
Simultaneously, my mother grappled with the profound loss of her mother at the tender age of eleven due to chronic asthma. She was also withdrawn from school when she was in eighth grade. These experiences significantly shaped my parents' beliefs about parenting, education, poverty, entrepreneurship, and life in general. They were great parents, who tried their best with what they knew and the resources they had.
My childhood is a canvas painted with really great memories. For example, my parents supported my passion for volleyball and were present in most games if not all. However, there are memories tainted with aggressiveness because of the mental and emotional challenges that my parents battled with daily. Like my family, there are many other families today that need a place to go to for mental health and coaching services. At Parenting & Mental Health, we make mental health and coaching services accessible through our Telehealth services.
Parenting & Mental Health is committed to eliminating barriers and ensuring effortless access to mental health and coaching services. Our mission is to foster well-being within Latino families and other multicultural communities. We hold the belief that everyone possesses the ability to heal from past trauma, transform their mindset, and evolve into their true selves. Our vision is to ensure accessibility to mental health and coaching services for individuals and families, with a special focus on the Latino Community.
What services do you offer the Latino Community and other minorities?
At Parenting & Mental Health, we provide psychotherapy to children, adults, and families facing diverse life challenges, offering healing and guidance. We take into consideration our client’s strengths and needs when deciding the best treatment modality to support them in their growth journey.
For adults aspiring to cultivate a growth mindset or enhance various areas of their lives, we offer mindset coaching. Utilizing mindset coaching as a structured, step-by-step process empowers individuals to systematically overcome obstacles and achieve their goals with clarity and intentionality. We assist entrepreneur mothers in developing a growth mindset and applying positive parenting skills through a systematic, step-by-step process that enables them to cultivate a nurturing and supportive environment for their children while successfully managing the demands of entrepreneurship.
On our website, you can request complimentary consultations, book psychotherapy, and coaching sessions, and explore valuable content on our blog. Additionally, we are available to be invited to conferences as speakers, contributing to the promotion of a growth mindset, trauma awareness, positive parenting, and more.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
The turning point in my life happened in 2020, when I faced personal trauma head-on, undergoing a process of renewal in mindset and a deepening of faith and self-belief. This pivotal year became the catalyst for my present trajectory.
Embracing the pillars of exercise, healthy nutrition, and personal development, I dedicated myself to profound mindset and spiritual growth. This journey not only healed my wounds but also ignited a profound conviction that I was destined for greater things. I committed myself to serve on a larger scale than ever before, fueled by the belief that personal transformation opens doors to impactful contributions to the world.
How do you decide on the topics and content you feature on Parenting & Mental Health? What approach do you take to provide valuable information to your audience?
At the heart of our content curation lies a fusion of personal journeys and professional expertise. We delve into statistics, but more importantly, we tailor our information to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our mindset content isn't just a collection of facts; it's a reservoir of wisdom designed to navigate the intricate landscape of the Latino community.
We believe in empowering individuals to comprehend how their life experiences sculpt their self-perception, behaviors, and even their approach to parenting. Most individuals want to do
better and be better. For us, effective parenting, academic success, and professional excellence transcend mere tools and strategies; they hinge on mindset, beliefs, emotions, and actions. We want to guide the Latino community on how to change their mindset from negative to positive.
The delivery of our educational content is a dynamic process, unfolding through newsletters, free webinars, social media, and blogs. Each piece is crafted with a compassionate and kind touch, recognizing that the journey to growth and healing is a personal one. Our mission is clear—educating, inspiring, and influencing the Latino community, fostering a collective journey of healing, mindset renewal, and transformative growth into their best selves.
Can you share more about the expertise of the contributors or experts featured on Parenting & Mental Health? How do you ensure the credibility of the information provided?
To ensure the credibility of the information provided, we have established rigorous vetting processes for our contributors. Each expert undergoes a thorough evaluation of their credentials, qualifications, and professional background. We prioritize individuals with recognized certifications, relevant degrees, and substantial practical experience in their respective fields.
Furthermore, our contributors are committed to upholding ethical standards and staying informed about the latest developments in mental health and parenting practices. We encourage a collaborative approach, fostering a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within our expert community.
The content shared on Parenting & Mental Health undergoes a thorough review process to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with evidence-based practices. We strive to provide our audience with reliable and trustworthy information to support their mental health and parenting journey. Additionally, we welcome feedback from our users, which helps us continually refine and enhance the quality of the content we deliver.
Why are you so passionate about helping the Latino community?
My fervor for aiding others, especially within the Latino community, finds its roots in the intricate tapestry of my own life. Growing up in the vibrant yet challenging landscape of the Bronx, New York, where racism loomed large, and returning to Puerto Rico only to be labeled "la gringa," molded my awareness of minority struggles and socioeconomic disparities. Witnessing discrimination against minorities in the supposed "Island of Enchantment," a label that rang hollow, fueled my intolerance for injustice.
Despite the hurdles, my thirst for knowledge led me to the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Science and a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work. As a crucial part of my graduate program, I co-authored a thesis exploring how Dominican mothers engaged in transnational motherhood, a poignant narrative of sacrifice for the well-being of their children left behind in their homeland.
Venturing into the role of an In-Home Therapist in Springfield, Massachusetts, supporting multicultural families, solidified my dedication to serving the Latino community. In that moment the seeds of a dream were sown—a dream of establishing a program to provide unwavering support for the vibrant tapestry of the Latino community.
What are your plans for Parenting & Mental Health? Are there upcoming features, events, or expansions that users can look forward to?
Our canvas is alive with various projects, each stroke contributing to a masterpiece of support for the Latino community. We're bringing bilingual mindset and mental health experts into the fold, orchestrating a symphony of psychotherapy, mindset coaching, and life coaching tailored to the unique needs of our community.
In the spirit of accessibility, we're crafting online courses designed specifically for Spanish-speaking individuals and families navigating the whirlwind of busy schedules. These transformative programs and services are poised to be a beacon of growth and healing, ensuring that the empowering journey toward a renewed mindset is within reach for everyone.
