I currently work as a Perinatal and Early Childhood Mental Health Clinician at the esteemed Northside Center for Child Development. There, I have the privilege to work with pregnant individuals experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, young children, and the parent-child dyad in the hope of enhancing connection and secure attachment. I graduated from Columbia University's School of Social Work in May, 2024. I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Advanced Clinical Practice, working with children and families. Alongside my courses, I worked as a BIPOC Mental Health Fellow and Clinical Intern at Blanton Peale Counseling Center. There, I worked with a caseload of 10-12 patients of varying ages, identities, and diagnoses. I was fortunate to work weekly with the other interns in the fellowship towards learning more about therapeutic methodologies, techniques, and best practices particularly surrounding BIPOC populations. In 2020-2021, I worked as a Youth Advocate Counselor at my field placement, Children's Aid, within the Mirabal Sisters Campus in Washington Heights. There, I worked with the full ecological system: the seventh grade student, their teachers, their families, and the school system at large. I collaborated with students in individual sessions working towards attendance, academic, and social goals. I sat in on classes and regularly spoke with families to better assist with these goals. Additionally, I supervised GiveBack - a rethinking of detention - where students partook in deep reflection and thought of ways to give back what they may have taken away. I graduated Cornell University in 2022 where I majored in Human Development with minors in Spanish and Law & Society. Throughout my academic career and life, I have focused on activism and connecting with surrounding communities. I strive to learn about how I can help those who feel powerless especially in fields like immigration, youth advocacy, healthcare equity, and special education. In whatever comes next, I wish to continue to be an informed and compassionate advocate. I am most reachable through email at surquiola@northsidecenter.org
Listed skills include Spanish, Sociology, Public Speaking, Leadership, and 2 others.