Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Almaguer-Botero.
Hi Andrea, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Laredo Texas, in a middle class bilingual home. I come from immigrant parents so I’m a first generation student. I always loved helping people but growing up I didn’t think I would be able to emotionally manage being a counselor. During my Bachelors I found an interest in my psychology classes but didn’t have much guidance on what to do and how. I’m very fortunate to have had great professors and mentors (Dr. Salinas, Dr. Castro, Dr. Reed and Dr. Honrubia) who guided have guided me in my professional journey. I graduated with my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a Bilingual Counselor Certification in Spanish from Texas A&M International University in 2016. During this time I completed my clinical hours with the immigrant population, volunteer work in the colonias and doing family/parenting counseling with in the community. After graduation my husband and I lived in Puerto Rico for a year, where he played professional soccer. We then moved to McAllen, TX in 2017, where I began my counseling work and worked in refugee center for undocumented children. After working in this center I found myself reflecting on what I could do to have more power to advocate for this population. It was during this time that I decided to go back to school to get my PhD in Rehabilitation Counseling at The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley in May 2020. Right before I graduated with my doctoral degree I was hired to work in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a Women’s Hospital in the RGV. I worked in this position for 5 years during Covid. Alongside great medical staff and professionals we developed a nationally recognized maternal mental health program for women care. Additionally, I served as a content expert in a campaign for the American Academy of Pediatric to help NICU’s implement mental health services in their hospitals. In 2021, I became a proud first time mommy and moved to San Antonio. I have since worked for different private practices providing specialized trauma mental health care. In 2022 to open my own mental health private practice called Grounded Space and have become trained in EMDR, which is a trauma focused therapy. I currently teach graduate courses in UTSA counseling department, have two beautiful children and husband, practice yoga in my time off and try to stay connected with the community providing care to those in need.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles in my career have included issues related to my identity, being Hispanic, first generation, women and motherhood. These identities are often made to think by society and cultural norms, that they should look a certain way or have characteristics. I have found that breaking these norms have been challenging for me. However, these challenges have also been what allows me to connect, be empathetic and better serve these populations.
We’ve been impressed with Grounded Space LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Grounded Space LLC, was originally created to be a safe space for people to receive mental health services and find healing. I have different ideas and plans for Grounded Space in the future. I think it will shape into different things throughout time. I envision this business growing into a center that can provide a holistic type of care to people. I like to think that humans are complex and so is wellness, taking care of our health (in all of its aspects) is crucial to feel at your best. I want Grounded Space to be a place that can provide a different view on wellness, a positive proactive approach to mental health.
What are your plans for the future?
Lately, I have found myself always picking up new challenges and keeping an open mind to the future. I think you truly never know what destiny has set for you. I know I currently want to continue in the private practice are working with people, which is my main passion. But, I’m also trying to find everything I need to grow Grounded Space into what I hope for. I also see myself teaching in the graduate level for as long as I can since this is a true vocation and a part of my advocacy identity that I truly enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedspacellc/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-almaguer-botero-1a5a1611a
