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“We have to be visible. We are not ashamed of who we are.”
– Sylvia Rivera

Our People, Working In La Cocina

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ANA RAQUEL GOMEZ (SHE/HER/ELLA)

Office Manager

“I am a community connector. 

I listen. 

I value, and embrace members of our community as they take that first critical step:  to seek support at La Cocina.  The hospitality of the heart and compassionate listening are always first on my job description.”

BUFFY

BUFFY TRENT WOLF

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Associate Director, Parental, Infant, and Early Childhood Mental Health Services

“I am a reflexive collaborator in thoughts and actions.  I am committed to building authentic collaborations with our Latine communities and partners, working diligently to cocreate pathways that result in equitable mental healthcare services, in transformative reflective capacity, and in my increased ability to accompany others in this space…”

JANINA E. FARIÑAS (SHE/HER/ELLA)

Founder &

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

“I am a lineage-holder, an elder weaving two threads.  The first thread convenes Latine innovations that transform and heal–us, together.  The second thread propels that healing with the force of change-making potential. My purpose? To remember and tell the stories of how we've healed, in our cocinas, together.”

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KAI SOBRAL

(SHE/HIS/ELLA/EL)

Illustrator &

 Youth Programs Associate

“I am an artist.  I create art that antagonizes, leading the witness-observer to reflect on themselves, their impact, their communities, and their efforts in creating a world where everyone is able to be their whole colorful selves…”

KAI
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SARAH MCNAMEE

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Clinical Director

“I am a conspirator and evidence of the power of sharing “el poder.”  I create a safe and inviting environment for community members to engage with their authentic selves. I work at La Cocina to shape a world in which all people care and are cared for so that we may all create a tapestry of empathy together…”

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PATRICIA DA COSTA

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Lead Mental Health Consultation Specialist

“I am a uniter of all peoples. I strive to co-create a future of empowerment, growth, and peace with our community. I aspire to ensure that every community member understands that they are not alone in their quest…”

MELITA QUANCE

(SHE/HER/ELLA)

Bilingual Clinical Training Supervisor

“I am a seeker, and I search for justice every day.  I fight for the kind of justice that leads to the liberation of me and the liberation of you,  which is the only way we will all thrive. That is how I know that my freedom is bound up with yours and why we must do the justice thing together…”

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