Meet Our Team
Adamaris Alvarado Santos, ASW
She/ her/ ella
Associate Clinical Social Worker #113055
Yo hablo español
Clients/Groups/Communities I work with:
I work primarily with children, adolescents, and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. My experience includes supporting youth involved in child welfare systems, foster and adoptive families, and families experiencing behavioral, emotional, or relational challenges. I also provide bilingual services to English- and Spanish-speaking families and collaborate closely with caregivers, schools, and community partners.
I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) mental health clinician and social worker, born and raised in Puerto Rico. I provide therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and families, with a focus on strengthening relationships, supporting emotional and behavioral growth, and helping clients navigate life transitions. My approach is collaborative, culturally responsive, and grounded in evidence-based practices to support meaningful and lasting change.
Challenges & Obstacles I Work With:
I support clients facing anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, behavioral challenges, family conflict, trauma, and adjustment-related stressors. I also work with families navigating child welfare involvement, parenting challenges, crisis situations, and communication difficulties that impact family functioning and stability.
Life Changes & Opportunities I Work With:
I help individuals and families navigate important life transitions such as family reunification, foster or adoptive placements, changes in family structure, school transitions, and personal growth. I focus on strengthening family relationships, building coping and communication skills, and supporting clients in developing resilience and positive behavioral change.
Trainings and certifications:
Family Functional Therapy (FFT) Supervisor Training Series – FFT LLC (Miami, FL; December 2023 – April 2024)
Family Functional Therapy (FFT) Externship Training Series – FFT LLC (Dallas, TX; November 2023)
Heartsaver First Aid, Child and Infant CPR AED – American Heart Association (August 2027)
Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) – Center for Adoption Support and Education, Inc. (April 2021 – February 2022)
Approach to Childhood Trauma in Adoption – Fundación América por la Infancia (8 hours; March 2021)
Brief Biography of Childhood Trauma – Fundación América por la Infancia (20 hours; February 2021)
Complex Trauma and Its Implications for Neurodevelopment – Fundación América por la Infancia (20 hours; February 2021)
New E2P Scale: Assessing Parenting Competencies – Fundación América por la Infancia (30 hours; February 2021)
Specialties:
Child and adolescent therapy
Family therapy and relationship strengthening
Behavioral and emotional regulation
Parent support and coaching
Life transitions and adjustment
Culturally responsive and bilingual services
Interests:
Spending time with family and being a mom
Listening to audiobooks
Building Legos
Solving puzzles and Sudoku
Watching reality TV
About Me
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico by a very strong single mother who worked tirelessly to support me and encourage my success every step of the way. Growing up, I developed a deep appreciation for resilience, hard work, and the importance of support systems. During my middle and high school years, I was actively involved in theater, which sparked my passion for creativity and self-expression. I am especially passionate about the role of art in supporting mental health and believe that creative expression can be a powerful tool in the healing process. These experiences continue to shape my approach as a clinician, allowing me to connect with clients in meaningful and authentic ways.