Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefany Pedroza.
Hi Stefany , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I arrived in the United States from Colombia at just three years old, I had no idea how profoundly that decision—made by my parents—would shape the course of my life. They came here undocumented, driven by a single, unwavering goal: to give me the education and opportunities they never had. Like many immigrant families, we didn’t talk about mental health. It wasn’t part of our cultural vocabulary. But even as a child, I was captivated by the question of why people think, feel, and behave the way they do.
I didn’t have the words for it then, but I was already drawn to psychology. That curiosity only grew stronger over time. In high school, I got the chance to take my first college-level class during my senior year. It was a game-changer. That’s when I knew: I wanted to become a therapist—and not just any therapist. I dreamed of owning my own private practice.
That dream set everything into motion. I enrolled at USC Upstate and graduated in just three and a half years, determined to waste no time. Then came my Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Carolina—right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. It wasn’t easy. Remote classes, an overwhelmed world, and the emotional toll of it all made it challenging. But it was also clarifying. The world was hurting, and I knew I had chosen the right path.
After completing the two-year clinical supervision required for licensure, I was finally eligible to work independently—and I didn’t hesitate. A year ago, I opened the doors to my very own mental health practice. That step wasn’t just professional—it was personal. It represented my independence, my financial freedom, and, just as importantly, a way to build a life that allowed me to prioritize self-care and balance.
This past year has been the most rewarding of my career. My caseload has grown, I’ve completed specialized trainings, and I’ve helped people from all walks of life begin to heal. It’s humbling to think how far I’ve come—from a little girl with no concept of mental health, to a licensed therapist and proud business owner.
But I’m not done growing. I’ve recently decided to pursue a doctoral degree at Barry University. For me, education is both a privilege and a responsibility. It’s a way to give back to my community, to open doors for others like me, and to continue breaking the silence around mental health—especially in immigrant and Latinx communities.
My story isn’t just about professional milestones. It’s about resilience, vision, and the power of believing in yourself even when the odds are stacked against you. I came to this country undocumented. Today, I am a therapist, a business owner, and soon-to-be a doctoral graduate. This is just the beginning.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
What many people don’t see behind the professional milestones are the personal battles I faced along the way. While working toward my degrees, I was also navigating my own mental health journey. Like many first-generation students, I carried the pressure of not failing—not just for myself, but for my family’s sacrifices. I got married while still in college, which brought joy and companionship, but also added financial and emotional responsibilities. Paying for school was a constant stressor; I worked multiple jobs, applied for every scholarship I could find, and still took on student loans that weighed heavily on my mind. There were moments I felt overwhelmed, questioning if I could juggle it all—but I kept pushing forward. Those experiences didn’t break me; they shaped me into a more compassionate therapist and resilient human being.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I started VIVA Mind Therapy in 2024 to fulfill a long-held dream—to create a safe, welcoming space where all kinds of minds can find the healing they crave and deserve. I am warm, engaging, and authentic, and I’ve curated a repertoire of skills that include state-of-the-art, best-practice modalities. I am certified in EMDR, trained in ART, and provide psychological immigration evaluations. As a current doctoral student specializing in trauma healing and recovery, I am deeply committed to helping individuals navigate their healing journey with care and expertise.
I specialize in working with young adults, first-generation, spanish speaking, and overwhelmed professionals who seek to feel more in charge of their well-being.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Setbacks aren’t the destination, they are only obstacles that allow for learning and growth. I thought opening up a business was going to be confusing and challenging but I was able to connect with the right people and use my best friend google to figure most of it out on my own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vivamindtherapy.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefany-pedroza-lisw-cp-9aa109121
