Meet Dr. Mercedes

Psychologist, Coach, Entrepreneur, and Parent

Welcome! I’m Dr. Mercedes, and I’m so glad you’re here.

Raising strong, independent, and resilient kids has never been easy, and today’s world brings new challenges that parents and young adults alike are struggling to navigate. Even with the best intentions, families can find themselves feeling disconnected—parents unsure of how to support their child, teens withdrawing or pushing back, and young adults feeling stuck. It can be frustrating and exhausting. But with the right tools and support, things can get better.

I Make Psychology Practical and Personal

My passion is turning psychology and neuroscience into real-world strategies that actually work. I take research on mental health, brain development, and parenting and make it accessible—helping parents and kids understand each other and create meaningful, lasting change.

I’ve worked with a wide range of patients, from high-achieving private school students balancing immense pressure to young adults struggling with independence to children of migrant farm workers facing significant obstacles. After years of helping families navigate academic stress, identity struggles, and family conflict, I know that no two families are alike—and no two young adults follow the same path. That’s why I meet each patient where they are, whether that means helping a teen manage academic pressure, guiding parents through a rough patch, or supporting a young adult as they figure out their next steps. My goal is always the same: to provide clarity, direction, and practical tools that lead to real progress.

Growing up between Argentina and the U.S., I experienced firsthand what it’s like to navigate transitions, balance different expectations, and bridge cultural gaps. That perspective has shaped my approach, fueling my commitment to helping families feel more connected and supported—especially during the high-stakes, high-stress years of adolescence and young adulthood.

The Journey That Led Me Here

My path to psychology has been anything but traditional. After studying psychology at the University of Minnesota, I took a (very welcome) break from Minnesota winters to study abroad in Brazil, where I learned Portuguese and worked at an orphanage. I then moved to Los Angeles for AmeriCorps, teaching middle school in South LA—an experience that reinforced my passion for working with young people.

I earned my Ph.D. at UCSB, where I taught college-level psychology courses, supervised students, and published research on youth mental health. My clinical training took me to The Help Group and UCLA TIES for Families, where I specialized in trauma, child development, and foster care adoption. Later, as Chief Clinical Officer at Manatee, a pediatric mental health startup, I built and scaled a national clinical program focused on helping both kids and parents.

Ultimately, I missed the deep, one-on-one connections that make therapy so rewarding. That’s why I now focus on working directly with teens, young adults, and families—helping them navigate life’s challenges with clarity, confidence, and (when appropriate) a little humor. My goal isn’t just to help families through tough moments, but to set them up for long-term success and connection.

Outside of work, I love anything creative or active—baking and decorating elaborate cakes, playing volleyball, and doing improv. Most of all, I love spending time with my friends and family—whether sharing a meal, traveling, or just laughing together.

Education:

Postdoctoral Fellowship – UCLA TIES for Families (Trauma & Foster Youth Specialization)
Ph.D. in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology – University of California, Santa BarbaraB.A.
Psychology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities