MEET BIENVENIDA (she/her/hers)

My approach to mental health care is rooted in service, resilience, cultural understanding, and lifelong learning. Born and raised in the Philippines, I began my career as an elementary school teacher before immigrating to the U.S. and becoming a nurse, with experience across critical care, cardiac, surgical, medical-surgical, orthopedic/spine, and behavioral health settings. These experiences shaped my commitment to compassionate, whole-person care and meeting each patient where they are. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I am honored to care for adults with diverse mental health and substance-use concerns, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, insomnia, personality disorders, alcohol use, and nicotine dependence, with experience supporting benzodiazepine tapering when clinically appropriate. I value continuous education and evidence-based practice to provide thoughtful, individualized care. Fluent in English, Tagalog, and Visayan, I provide culturally sensitive, holistic, individualized, and collaborative care. I look beyond the diagnosis to understand each person’s story, values, and goals—and work with them to create a treatment plan that fits their life.

My approach is personal, collaborative, holistic, and integrative. I believe you should never feel like a number or simply a diagnosis. I meet you where you are, listen without judgment, and work with you to create a plan that feels right for your goals and your life. Whether that includes medication, evidence-based supplements, lifestyle changes, or other appropriate treatments, we explore options together. Above all, I believe mental health care should feel safe, respectful, compassionate, and empowering. I treat every patient with the same dignity and care I would want for myself or someone I love. You don’t have to navigate your mental health journey alone. Let’s take the next step—together.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling, exploring new places, and discovering different cultures through food. I also love cooking, gardening, and taking on DIY projects—anything that allows me to be creative and learn something new. I’m also a proud dog mom to my two fur babies, Loki and Thor, both Miniature Schnauzers, who bring plenty of joy, laughter, and personality into my life.