Author’s note: Happy International Women’s Day! I am pleased to honor Ajana’s very own, Dr. Nancy Castellon. Nancy is a wonderful human and made sure to make me feel worthy and capable throughout our interview. Nancy has worked at Ajana Therapy for about 3 years and is currently a part-time counselor and is also an assistant professor at the University of St. Thomas. Read on to learn about Nancy.Â
How did you get started in your career?
Hija de inmigrantes and saw a need. Death of a friend who was in the army and saw another need. Raised strict catholic, but was gay and saw a need. I worked in detention centers for unaccompanied kiddos and saw a need. I knew since I was in 7th grade, through adverse experiences, that I wanted to do something in the mental health fields. I went straight into a BA of psychology, took a year off after graduating to work with kiddos on the spectrum, returned to get an MS in counseling, where I was given the opportunity to work with unaccompanied kids. Then, I went into PhD in CES and continued my work with the immigrant pop[ulations] which expanded to trauma pops.
Any advice you’d like to share with someone who wants to follow a similar path?
Don’t forget your reason. We all have a story.
How do you care for your mental health?
Being surrounded by my family. Saying no when needed. Dinner dates with my love. Walks.
How was mental health handled in your family? Big avoidance until I came along 🙂 while there is still stigma, there is at least now openness to ask and listen about mental health. But overall, we are the typical Latin family that always comes together when needed.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Exposing my nieces and nephews and my mom to new adventures/experiences.
If you could wine & dine any woman of the past or present, who would it be? Â
My mom. It’s always nice to have one-on-one time with her and learn about her past. She is me and I am her.
Where can we find you?
www.ajanatherapy.com/team/dr-nancy-e-castellon-lpc-she-her/
Share a story about a woman who had a positive impact in your life: MANY strong women in my life – can’t just pick one
Ms. Perez – 1st & 2nd grade teacher taught me to have pride in my language
Ms. Mora – 4th grade teacher taught me to never minimize my intelligence and culture (taught me English)
Dr. Brandy Pi̱a-Watson Рmy then doctoral mentor in a undergrad psychology lab taught me persistence in academia
Dr. Cheryl Sawyer – MS professor taught me the power of my voice
Dr. Heather Trepal – doctoral chair showed me how to use my voice and persistenceÂ
My mom – showed me how to love
As a woman, what are some challenges you face in your everyday life?
Often overlooked due to my size and age.
What do you admire about the women in your life?
Resistance and love
What myth would you like to clear up about women?
Mujeres son frágil cuando en realidad son las guerreras mas chingonas del mundo. (That women are fragile, when in reality, they are the most badass warriors in the world.)
Who’s your favorite female historical figure?
Too many – all of the queens, Frida, Audrey Hepburn, Maria Feliz, AOC, RBG, Angela Davis
How do you honor the legacy of women in your life?Â
I dedicate everything I do to them. Day in and day out.
What family traditions did you learn from the women in your life? Â
Sacrificio por el amor
Do you have a mantra or life rule for yourself?
“Go in and fuck shit up.” – me by me for me when I question myself in spaces where no one is like me.
Any recipes you can share?
I don’t cook – I clean. I am a proud daughter of a housekeeper.
Anything else you’ like to share?
It’s about ALL women. You, Amanda, included. I see you, I feel you, I support you, and I cherish you.
https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/Womanist-and-Mujerista-Psychologies-Intro-Sample.pdf
