Get Inspired with #HispaFam - January 2026 Newsletter
“Failure shapes character. What you call failure today may be exactly what is teaching you, strengthening you, and helping you mature—showing you just how strong you truly are.”
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
Reflection January 2026
Happy New Year 2026!
“Happy New Year” is, without a doubt, one of the phrases we hear most often as a new year begins. It arrives filled with joy, good wishes, and great intentions.
But… what does it truly mean to prosper?
In its simplest sense, to prosper means to do well—something favorable, to move forward, to expand. In other words, prosperity is about advancing while meeting expectations of growth and well-being.
Before thinking about what surrounds you—work plans, goals, projects, or dreams—there is something essential to remember:
Put yourself first.
Because the greatest achievement you can reach is becoming the best version of yourself.
Perhaps, almost automatically, your mind goes to what you haven’t achieved yet, or to what you now label as “failure.” However, it is important to remember that we often learn more from failure than from success. Don’t allow it to stop you.
Failure shapes character. What you call failure today may be exactly what is teaching you, strengthening you, and helping you mature—showing you just how strong you truly are.
Trust yourself and trust the process. Each day is bringing you closer to your best version. As Vincent van Gogh once said:
“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”
Each of those “small” actions you take day by day is shaping who you are meant to become—and there is nothing more powerful than that.
Trust yourself in 2026.
Walk forward with confidence each day, acknowledge every “small” step forward, and never stop dreaming.
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
A Mindful Beginning to the Year
We began our staff meeting with a self-care and aromatherapy experience, learning how scents, essential oils, and simple exercises at our workstations can positively impact our energy, focus, and overall well-being.
Grateful to our CEO, Dr. Medina, for setting such a powerful intention as we step into the new year
#HispaFam #Selfcare #Intencion #Bienestar #Aromaterapia #InicioDeAño
Embracing Our Community: Abrazo de Reyes 🤍🎄
This past week, we had the honor of participating alongside Matiz International at their beautiful community event, Abrazo de Reyes, where organizations came together to serve and uplift families in our community.
Hispanic Family Counseling was proud to be present with a table, sharing resources, with those who attended. Events like these remind us of the power of collaboration and the importance of showing up for our community—not only through services, but through presence, care, and genuine human connection.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Matiz International and all the “manos amigas” who made this event possible, as well as to the Iglesia de Dios de Kissimmee, Advance Community Center, and Un Ministerio Sanador – Tampa Bay for their partnership and commitment to serving others.
It was a meaningful opportunity to continue building bridges of support. We are grateful to be part of a community that leads with compassion, generosity, and unity. 🤍
If you want to learn more about our work and impact on communities, follow us on our social media platforms.
➡️ Read the new blog post:
Progress: Small Steps Still Count
Progress doesn’t always look dramatic.
Often, it shows up quietly — in choices that nurture your wellbeing rather than push you beyond your limits.
Here are a few small, practical exercises you can try to support your mental and emotional health this season:
🌱 1. The Rest Check-In
Exercise:
Once a day, pause and ask yourself:
What does my body need right now?
Rest, movement, nourishment, or stillness?
Even 5–10 minutes of intentional rest — closing your eyes, stretching, or stepping outside — counts as progress.
🌱 2. Reaching Out, Gently
Exercise:
Choose one safe person (friend, family member, therapist) and send a short message:
“I’m thinking of you.”
“Can we talk later?”
“I could use a little support today.”
Connection doesn’t have to be a long conversation to be meaningful.
🌱 3. The One-Boundary Practice
Exercise:
Identify one small boundary you can set this week:
saying no to an extra commitment
limiting screen time in the evening
allowing yourself to leave earlier than planned
Write it down and remind yourself: Boundaries are acts of self-respect, not selfishness.
🌱 4. Gentle Routine Reset
Exercise:
Choose one routine to return to — not all of them.
a regular bedtime
a morning walk
taking medication consistently
journaling once a week
Consistency with one small habit is more sustainable than trying to change everything at once.
🌱 5. Progress Reflection (5 minutes)
Exercise:
At the end of the day, ask:
What did I do today that supported my wellbeing?
What felt heavy — and how did I care for myself through it?
Write one sentence. That’s enough.
Remember
Progress is not measured by productivity.
It’s measured by awareness, care, and intention.
If you find yourself needing additional support, reaching out for professional help is also a powerful step forward. Mental health is not something we navigate alone — and support is available.
At Hispanic Family Counseling, we believe that healing happens one step at a time — and every step matters. 💙
Joan Del Toro, Psych. specialized in Neuropsychology - Psychological Evaluator
Joan is a bilingual school psychologist with a solid background in neuropsychology and extensive clinical and educational experience working with children and adolescents. Throughout her career, she has integrated neuropsychological principles into psychoeducational evaluations to identify learning difficulties, executive functioning deficits, and emotional and behavioral conditions—always maintaining a client-centered approach focused on overall well-being. With over a decade of experience in the fields of mental health and education, she has worked in both school and clinical settings, providing comprehensive evaluations, therapeutic interventions, and guidance to families and educational teams. She currently serves as a school psychologist at UCP Charter School, where she collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure individualized, culturally responsive, and evidence-based services.
Joan holds a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and has completed graduate coursework in Educational Administration at the Ana G. Méndez University in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, strengthening her institutional vision and leadership skills. She also holds a postgraduate certification in Neuropsychology, which enhances her ability to assess and address cognitive and behavioral functioning in greater depth. Joan is a dedicated professional committed to educational equity, inclusion, and respect for cultural and linguistic diversity. Her empathetic and collaborative approach has positively impacted numerous families and communities. As a psychological evaluator and clinician, she seeks not only to identify needs but also to strengthen abilities and create opportunities for emotional, academic, and social growth.
Download Our Positive Message for Your Phone Screen
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Click the image below to download and embrace self-love and care! 💖📱
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