Meet Our Team
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Marelys Padilla
Clinical Director + Bilingual Therapist (English/Español)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker #92159
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Clinician
Acknowledging your emotional pain and accessing help are the first steps towards wellness. You deserve the highest of praise for loving yourself and your family enough to embark on the path towards healing.
I am so glad you are here!
My professional career has afforded me the privilege to work extensively with and advocate for families in distress for over 14 years. I have had the honor to hold space for parents and caregivers enduring the pressure of navigating circumstances which come with:
Chronic Illness / Pregnancy and Neonatal Loss / Termination For Medical Reasons / High-Risk Pregnancy / Fertility Challenges / Traumatic Birth Experiences / NICU Admissions / Trauma Within the Medical Environment
Healing can come from within, with the right therapeutic interventions. As an EMDR and IFS (Internal Family Systems) trained clinician, we can weave these transformative modalities into our work to achieve unburdening of experiences which have been otherwise too overwhelming to process.
As a proud Latina and mother of 3, I have a deep understanding of bicultural issues in parenting. My work is guided by the principles of cultural humility, affirming and celebrating your unique identity and the flavors that it brings to your life.
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Maria Fernandez Fanjul
Bilingual Therapist (English/Español)
Licensed Clinician Social Worker #8224
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Clinician
No matter the circumstances that brought you to our door, you don't have face it alone.
With over 14 years of experience providing therapeutic intervention to families facing the most unimaginable stressors like crisis, grief, and medical trauma, I've learned the importance of warm, compassion and empathetic care. I focus on boosting health literacy and helping you feel empowered while teaching coping strategies to help you navigate the situational stress you are experiencing.
My areas of expertise include High-Risk Pregnancies, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, NICU admissions, new or devastating diagnosis, loss and bereavement, crisis intervention, fertility challenges and reproductive grief, medical chronic conditions, traumatic birth, emotional well-being, stress reduction, depression, anxiety and adjustment disorders.
As a Bi-cultural and Bilingual therapist, I have a profound understanding of the unique challenges that can arise from cultural diversity, particularly in navigating stressful situations, family dynamics and healthcare systems.
I offer trauma informed and culturally affirming care. I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy which supports your ability to accept and allow distressing or unwanted feelings as part of your lived experience.
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Kirsteen Payne
Therapist - Clinical Social Worker
Associate Clinical Social Worker #126210
Certified Perinatal Mental Health Clinician
With over 11 years of experience working as a medical social worker in Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units, I have walked with families during some of the most vulnerable, overwhelming and transformative moments of their lives.
My professional journey has been deeply shaped by own lived experiences – I am a mother of three beautiful children, one of whom has complex medical needs.
In my practice, I specialize in supporting parents and families navigating the complex intersection of medical challenges and emotional well-being.
I offer individual, couples and family therapy. Together, we can work towards strengthening and healing your relationship with yourself and your loved ones. My work is grounded in cultural humility, compassion, clinical expertise and a deep respect for the complexity of each person's experience.
I support individuals and families navigating fertility challenges, pregnancy, traumatic birth, infant and child loss and the emotional realities of parenting medically complex children.
In our work together I offer a place where your story can be heard and held - without judgement and without pressure.
Whether you are grieving, adjusting, coping, or surviving, my role is to walk alongside you with care, curiosity and acceptance.
You don't have to carry it alone.
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Alicia Flores
Bilingual Therapist (English/Español)
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist#136139
Hi, I’m Alicia Flores, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 13 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and families.
I’m here to support you through life’s challenges—whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or major life transitions. I have a particular passion for working with adolescents and young adults, and I strive to create a space where you feel truly heard and valued.
As a bilingual therapist (English/Spanish) and a Hispanic/Latinx woman, I offer culturally affirming care that respects and honors your unique background and experiences. I believe that healing happens in a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment where you can show up as your authentic self.
My therapeutic style integrates evidence-based approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing.
Together, we can work to build resilience, navigate difficult emotions, and move toward a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University and my Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I offer virtual sessions and look forward to walking alongside you on your journey toward growth and healing.
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Americo Padilla
Director of Operations + Peer Support Specialist for Dads
Orgullosamente Latino + Bilingual (English/Español)
Welcome to Unión!
Our goal is to offer a warm and welcoming space for individuals, parents and families seeking emotional support. As the first face (or voice) you will likely encounter here at Unión , I am honored to welcome you and support your process of getting connected to the support you deserve!
I have honed my extensive experience in hospitality and management to serve as the Director of Operations for Unión. I manage incoming requests to learn more about our services and am also available to current members of the Unión community for scheduling and appointment needs. I also manage billing and other insurance/funding related questions. I am saavy with resources and can support you in the process of getting you and your family connected to supports available to you.
As a Peer Support Specialist to Dads, I am a safe presence for men who are seeking support and community as they transition into fatherhood. Growing up, becoming a husband and a father was always a treasured dream. As I have endured my personal journey into fatherhood, I now recognize the very many challenges that can complicate this dream.
I see you, I support you, you are not alone!
I look forward to connecting with you and facilitating your access to care.