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hristian Vazquez is the clinical director of Meraki Wellness & Healing Inc. in Florida. He is an Albizu alumnus of the Bachelor in Psychology and Master of Science in Psychology Programs.

Christian Vazquez, LMHC, Qualified Supervisor and Clinical Director,
Meraki Wellness & Healing Inc.

“Getting to my career goals and current position has been a process. I have always strived to be a go-getter. I set realistic goals, go after them, and when I hear ‘no’, I want to continue challenging myself.

After much hard work and dedication, my current role at Meraki Wellness & Healing is Executive Clinical Director. We are now in our third year and continue to significantly impact the community with many needs during current times and a necessity for mental health services. I am accomplished in the current direction of our community program that provides services to all ages and diverse groups of people. I take pride in also providing direct care to young adolescents and older adult males. My concentrations of training and expertise are self-esteem problems, complex trauma in males, relationship problems, and chemical dependency. 

My learning experience at Albizu helped me explore my capabilities; for example, my mentors and professors showed me the way. In particular, Dr. Tania Diaz always brought out the best in me. She trained me in all clinical aspects, not just in theory but also in practical professional skills needed in the field. I learned to lead by example, promote excellent professional skills and determination, and strive to move forward with high expectations of myself. I learned to be disciplined at my comprehension level, to keep an open mind, and not to limit myself to my full professional potential. Albizu has an excellent dedicated team of outstanding professors; I couldn’t have completed my field experience and learning process without the mentoring of Albizu. Most importantly, I could connect and identify with classmates who looked like me and always felt like I fit in.

I was previously asked how I make a difference in my community and how this reflects my Albizu values.  This question always gets me to tears. The reasons are because of how a dream became a reality; I am a community leader and always strive to deliver. As I like to call it, ‘My fellowship’ is going out to the communities and learning from diverse backgrounds of people and different age groups. From mentoring other professionals, interns, private business consulting, and networking to get the message out into the communities, ‘Mental Health is Health’. I also have a clinical team that shares the same mentality and vision. It has been a journey for me. I hope to keep inspiring other people, especially in the Hispanic community. We need more mentors representing us.”

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