Biography
Dr. Ana started her journey in counseling in 2006 at Wellington Counseling and Associates as a substance abuse group facilitator. She went on to pursue certification as a certified addiction counselor (CAC) at the Hanley Center and worked in substance abuse for several years. In 2009 she started her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy in the counselor education program at the University of Florida, where she served as the president of Chi Sigma Iota, as a teaching assistant for many graduate courses, and as an instructor of a substance abuse course for undergraduate students. She also worked in a private practice working with court-ordered clients dealing with addiction and anger issues.
In 2011 she entered the doctoral program in counselor education and supervision at the University of Florida, where she conducted research in counseling trainee’s comfort and willingness to talk about sexuality with clients. While working on her dissertation she worked at Shands Vista in the child and adolescent inpatient unit as the marriage and family therapist. Dr. Ana joined Palm Beach Atlantic University in fall 2021 as adjunct faculty, and has now joined as assistant professor full time in Spring 2023.
Dr. Ana is married to her high school sweetheart; they recently celebrated 17 years together. They have two beautiful children and reside in Palm Beach County. Dr. Ana is an active member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church and often volunteers in the faith formation program.
Degrees
PhD in Counseling and Counselor Education, University of Florida | EDS in Marriage and Family Counseling, University of Florida | MEd in Marriage and Family Counseling, University of Florida | BA in Psychology, Florida Atlantic University