Meet Our Therapists: Culturally Responsive Trauma Therapists in Arizona

Find a therapist who gets it—your culture, your story, and what you're carrying. Our team of BIPOC and Latine therapists bring both lived experience and specialized training to support your healing.

Bilingual Services Available | EMDR & IFS Trained | Immediate Openings | Serving All of Arizona Virtually

Schedule a free consultation

A Team That Sees You

Choosing a therapist is personal. You need someone who understands not just what you're going through, but the cultural context that shapes your experience. Someone who gets why you can't just "set boundaries" with your mamá, why first-generation guilt is real, or why leaving the house for therapy feels like a whole production.

Our therapists aren't just trained in trauma and evidence-based modalities—they bring lived experience as BIPOC individuals, immigrants, first-generation Americans, and members of the communities we serve. You don't have to explain yourself here. We already get it.

Available therapists: Imelda Ojeda, Brittaney Kekaula, Veronica Villarreal, Flor Quezada.

Current Availability: We currently have immediate openings for new clients. Reach out today to get matched with the right therapist for you.

Bienvenidos

Iliamari Vázquez Houston, LCSW

Limited availability for EMDR & IFS Intensives

I understand what it's like to... Navigate life between cultures, carry the weight of family expectations, and do the work of healing while honoring where you come from. As a Latina and daughter of Puerto Rican parents, I know what it means to be the cycle breaker, the bridge between generations, and the one who's "doing things differently."

My Background: I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and the founder of With An Open Heart. I specialize in working with Latine individuals, BIPOC communities, and anyone navigating maternal mental health, life transitions, and the work of breaking generational cycles. I'm also the spouse of a first responder, which has shaped my understanding of occupational trauma and the toll it takes on families.

I work best with:
  • Latine and BIPOC individuals navigating identity and intergenerational trauma
  • Pregnant and postpartum individuals (mamás experiencing perinatal anxiety or depression)
  • Cycle breakers learning to set boundaries while honoring their roots
  • First responder families processing occupational trauma
  • Anyone ready for intensive trauma work (EMDR or IFS Intensives)

Languages: English, Spanish
Availability: Limited (EMDR/IFS Intensives & Clinical Supervision)

Founder & Clinical Director | Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • EMDR-Certified
  • Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy™ Certified
  • IFS (Internal Family Systems) Level 1 Trained
  • Run/Walk/Talk Certified
  • 15+ years in community mental health

I primarily offer EMDR and IFS Intensives—single-session deep dives for clients ready to process trauma in a focused, accelerated way. I also provide clinical supervision for LMSWs working toward licensure.

My Training & Approach:

Meet our therapists

A space for you. A space to grow. Start your healing journey today.

Imelda Ojeda, LMSW

Associate Licensed Master Social Worker | Bilingual Therapist

Brittaney Kekaula, LMSW

Veronica Villarreal, LMSW

Flor Quezada, LMSW

Associate Licensed Master Social Worker  | EMDR-trained

Associate Licensed Master Social Worker | EMDR-trained

Associate Licensed Master Social Worker | Bilingual Therapist | EMDR & Gottman Trained

Learn MoreLearn MoreLearn MoreLearn More

Sandra Boston

Admin

Learn More

Imelda Ojeda, LMSW

I understand what it's like to... Navigate life as an immigrant, build a new home in an unfamiliar place, and carry the emotional weight of systemic barriers while still showing up for your family. I moved to Phoenix from Guadalajara, Mexico, and I know firsthand the challenges the Latino community, immigrants, first-generation individuals, and mixed-status families face.

My Background: I'm a bilingual therapist who specializes in working with children, youth, adults, and families to build resilience and navigate complex life changes. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish, creating space for you to express yourself in the language that feels most natural—whether that's English, Spanish, or Spanglish.

My Training & Approach: I use a culturally grounded, trauma-informed approach that meets you where you are. Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all, and I tailor my work to honor your cultural values while helping you heal and move forward.

I work best with:
  • Children, youth, and families navigating life transitions
  • Latino and immigrant communities
  • First-generation individuals and mixed-status families
  • Anyone processing the emotional toll of systemic barriers
  • Spanish-speaking clients who want therapy in their native language

Languages: English, Spanish (Fluent)
Availability: Accepting new clients

Associate Licensed Master Social Worker | Bilingual Therapist

Ella se especializa en brindar servicios a niños, jóvenes, adultos y familias a desarrollar y fortalecer su comunicación, su salud mental y cómo navegar los cambios y dificultades de la vida.
Originaria de Guadalajara, México, Imelda llegó a Phoenix en el 2004 y conoce de primera mano algunas de las dificultades que enfrenta la comunidad Latina, los inmigrantes, las familias de estatus migratorio mixto, y el impacto emocional que esto genera.

Con un enfoque cultural y personalizado, Imelda ofrece psicoterapia bilingüe en inglés y español, ayudando a las personas a enfrentar cambios y transiciones, desarrollar una salud mental saludable, y brindarles el apoyo necesario para sanar y seguir adelante.

Brittaney 'Britta' Kekaula, LMSW

I understand what it's like to... Navigate young adulthood, figure out who you are beyond your family's expectations, and carry the unique experiences of being first-generation or BIPOC in spaces that weren't designed with you in mind.

My Background: I'm a therapist who specializes in trauma and interpersonal violence. I have over 5 years of experience in medical and clinical case management, and 2 years of clinical practice working with diverse populations in community health settings. Since 2013, my work with high-acuity clients and multidisciplinary teams allows me to offer individualized, quality care.

My Training & Approach: I've been trained in Sand Tray Therapy, Positive Psychology, Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), EMDR, and Motivational Interviewing. My preferred approach is strength-based, trauma-focused therapy that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I believe in meeting you where you are and helping you build the skills and resilience you need to take control of your life.

I work best with:
  • Young adults (18-30 years old)
  • First-generation individuals navigating identity and family expectations
  • BIPOC communities
  • LGBTQA+ individuals
  • Anyone healing from trauma or interpersonal violence

Languages: English
Availability: Accepting new clients

Associate Licensed Master Social Worker  | EMDR-Trained

Veronica Villarreal, LMSW

I understand what it's like to... Navigate life transitions, carry stress and anxiety, and need a space where you can show up without judgment and actually feel your emotions instead of just powering through them.

My Background: I'm an EMDR-trained therapist with 11 years of experience working with adults, children, and families in various healthcare settings. I'm passionate about helping people make healthier life decisions, and I'm a strong advocate for self-care—because you can't pour from an empty cup.

My Training & Approach: I bring a solution-focused, goal-oriented approach to therapy that's also deeply trauma-informed. I use a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). I create a nonjudgmental, supportive space where you can process your emotions and work toward the life you want.

I specialize in:
  • Substance use and recovery support
  • Trauma and crisis de-escalation
  • Life transitions (career changes, relationship shifts, new parenthood, etc.)
  • Anxiety and stress management
  • I work best with:
  • Young adults (18-35 years old)
  • First-generation individuals
  • BIPOC communities
  • LGBTQA+ individuals
  • Anyone navigating substance use, life transitions, or high stress

Languages: English
Availability: Accepting new clients

Associate Licensed Master Social Worker | EMDR-Trained

Flor Quezada, LMSW

I understand what it's like to... Navigate relationships, family conflict, and the complexity of loving people while also needing boundaries. I understand the weight veterans and first responders carry, and the toll it takes on the people who love them.

My Background: I'm a bilingual therapist with specialized training in couples therapy and trauma. I'm a Level 1 Gottman-Trained Couples Therapist and EMDR-trained, which allows me to work with individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

My Training & Approach: I bring a supportive, grounded approach informed by my diverse experiences working in various community settings. I work with clients age 15 and older, and I'm especially passionate about supporting veterans, first responders, and their families.

I specialize in:
  • Trauma (individual and relational)
  • Couples and family therapy (Gottman Method)
  • First-generation and BIPOC experiences
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Life transitions and emerging adulthood
  • Chronic illness and health challenges
  • Work/life balance
  • Family conflict
  • Christian counseling (upon request)

I work best with:
  • Adolescents and adults (15+)
  • Couples and families
  • Veterans and first responders
  • First-generation individuals and BIPOC communities
  • Anyone navigating relationship challenges or family conflict

Associate Licensed Master Social Worker | Bilingual Therapist | EMDR & Gottman Trained

Sandra Boston

The person behind the scenes making sure you're taken care of. I'm the first voice you'll hear when you call, the one making sure your appointment runs smoothly, and the one who gets it when life gets chaotic and you need to reschedule. I spent 18 years as a teacher, so I know what it means to show up for people—and I bring that same energy to making sure your experience here feels welcoming and stress-free.

What I bring to the team: I handle the details so our therapists can focus on you. From scheduling and insurance questions to making sure you have everything you need for your session, I'm here to remove the barriers between you and getting support. As a mom to a beautifully sassy 8-year-old, I understand juggling appointments around school pickups, work schedules, and everything in between.

A little about me: When I'm not at With An Open Heart, you'll find me teaching Pilates, working on crafting projects (yes, my house is full of glitter and yarn), or listening to Bad Bunny on repeat. His DTMF album is my comfort space—it feels like home, like Puerto Rico, like being exactly where I'm supposed to be.

Languages: English
Here to help with: Scheduling, insurance questions, appointment changes, and making sure you feel welcomed

Admin

We're Here When You're Ready

Whether you're ready to book your first session, curious about our services, or just have questions, we'd love to hear from you. Taking the first step is often the hardest, and we honor the courage it takes to reach out.

info.withanopenheartllc@gmail.com

480-234-9256

4500 S. Lakeshore Dr., Suite 415 Tempe, Arizona 85282

Send

Name

Email

Message

Which service are you interested in?

Which service are you interested in?

I understand that by submitting this form, I'm requesting contact from With An Open Heart, LLC. This is not a booking—someone will reach out to schedule my free consultation.

Thank You!

Thank you for your message! Will get back to you as soon as possible! 

Resources

Home

About

INTENSIVES

Team 

Fees

Resources

Healing practices
Community stories
Bilingual care
Trauma recovery 
First responders