Alejandra Hernandez,
Wellness Specialist
Alejandra (ella/she/her) joined YES in August 2022 as the Wellness Specialist. She has her M.A in Counseling Psychology and a B.A in Women and Gender Studies from St. Mary's College of California. She has worked as a school-based counselor for the past eight years, serving grade school students.
Through her own experiences growing up in San Francisco’s low-income Tenderloin neighborhood, as an immigrant, being first generation, and identifying as a woman of color she learned firsthand the importance of accessing mental health services to navigate life's challenges and thrive into adulthood. It is her belief that through the many benefits of counseling, individuals can increase their self-awareness and confidence to practice self-love and learn the importance of setting short-term and long-term goals that facilitate personal growth and more. She believes in the power of community and the importance of working together to nourish that power. Her work is grounded in the belief that in order to liberate our communities, we have to start with ourselves. She values connection, relationships, collaboration, and good communication. She is a lifelong learner and is committed to her personal and professional growth as a counselor.
During her time off she enjoys hiking, running, lifting, and spending time with her dog Lui, family, and friends.