Get Inspired with #HispaFam - June 2026 Newsletter
“…we are always surrounded by teachers. Nature, the people we love, our challenges, and even our difficult moments all have something to teach us if we are willing to pay attention..”
-Dra. Denisse C Lamas, President and Founder, Hispanic Family Counseling, I
Words from Dra. Denisse Centeno Lamas, President and Founder:
Those who know me know that I love to travel. I’m always drawn to a good “two-for-one” opportunity, and my favorite trips usually include the chance to observe animals in their natural habitat. Today, I’m returning from one of the most memorable journeys of my life.
Three years ago, I heard about an event hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in Alaska called Taste for Hope—a unique culinary experience featuring extraordinary food and beverage pairings. From that moment on, I wanted to take my husband, convinced he would love it. For one reason or another, the opportunity never came—until this year.
And it was absolutely worth the wait.
The food was exceptional, the pairings incredible, the atmosphere wonderful, and most importantly, it was inspiring to see so many people united by a shared mission: saving lives and bringing hope to those who need it most. Without a doubt, it became my favorite AFSP event.
If there is one thing I learned at Taste for Hope, it is that when people come together around a common purpose, hope multiplies, and the impact can be far greater than we ever imagine.
Since we were already in Alaska, we decided to extend the trip and explore this beautiful state. On the first day, we walked on a glacier—an experience that is difficult to put into words. Then we drove to Denali, where we spent several days surrounded by landscapes that looked as if they had been taken straight from a postcard. There we saw caribou, squirrels, chipmunks, moose with their calves, bears, and even the famous sled dogs that help protect the park during the winter and assist with research efforts.
Afterward, we traveled to Seward. Each experience seemed to surpass the last. We saw eagles, mountain goats, puffins, dolphins, sea lions, seals, sea otters, and seven humpback whales. One of them was traveling with her calf, and we were fortunate enough to watch her breach near our boat. It was one of those moments that stays with you forever.
We also witnessed a glacier retreating because of global warming—a sight that was both beautiful and heartbreaking, and one that reminded me of our responsibility to care for this planet.
The following day, we landed by helicopter on a glacier and went dog sledding with a team of huskies. And just when we thought the trip could not get any better, we watched bears fishing for salmon, including a mother bear accompanied by her three cubs.
As I wait for my flight home, I find myself filled with gratitude and wonder.
And I cannot help but think: what did I do to deserve such a spectacular and restorative week? A week to disconnect from the fast pace of life, breathe deeply, and remember that there is a world far bigger than our daily worries.
My father always asked me the same question after every trip or important experience: “So, what did you learn?”
For years, I thought it was a simple question. Today, I understand that it was an invitation to look beyond the obvious. Because travel is not simply about discovering new places—it is about returning home as a better version of ourselves.
As I reflected on that question, I realized how much we can learn from nature.
From the moose, I learned the importance of protecting those we love.
From the mountain goat, that great heights are reached one step at a time, even when the path seems impossible.
From the eagle, that sometimes the best way to face the wind is not to fight against it, but to rise above it.
From the whale, the importance of taking a deep breath and continuing forward, even through the strongest currents.
From the bear, that opportunities must be sought and worked for.
From the seal, that rest is also part of living.
From the sea otters and sea lions, that we should never lose the ability to play, enjoy life, and share moments with others.
From the huskies, that hard work has purpose when it serves something greater than ourselves.
And from the puffins, that when life calls us to act, we must do so with courage and determination.
And if you are wondering about the other animals I saw, I learned a great deal from them as well—but it would be impossible to write everything Alaska chose to teach me in just one week.
Perhaps the real lesson is that we are always surrounded by teachers. Nature, the people we love, our challenges, and even our difficult moments all have something to teach us if we are willing to pay attention.
So the question is not what I learned in Alaska.
The question is: what is life trying to teach you in this season?
With peace, hope, and love,
-Dra. Denisse Centeno Lamas, President and Founder, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
“Do not wait for someone else to confirm what already lives within you: you are worthy, you are enough, and you deserve to bloom from the inside out.”
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
Reflection June 2026
I ended our conversation last month by inviting you to admire yourself, love yourself, and value yourself, even if no one else does, understanding that everything begins with you and within you.
During this summer season, when the sun embraces us more intensely and the days seem to stretch out as a reminder that there is still time to begin again, pause for a moment and look at yourself with compassion and love.
Perhaps you have gone through seasons in which you gave too much, waited too long, or lost yourself while trying to be enough for others. But just as the earth needs light to bloom, your soul also needs love, care, and gentle words that come from within.
Do not wait for someone else to recognize your worth before you begin to recognize it yourself. Admire yourself for the battles you fought in silence, for the times you kept moving forward with a tired heart, and for everything you have healed without anyone noticing.
Love yourself even on your incomplete days, in your pauses, in your doubts, and in your wounds, because beauty lives there too.
Value yourself, even when others do not know how to, because your light does not lose its strength simply because someone fails to see it.
This summer, allow the sun to remind you that you can always be reborn—not to become someone different, but to return to yourself with more tenderness, greater awareness, and deeper love.
There is a proverb I deeply appreciate that says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23). Perhaps that is also what this season is about: learning to guard your heart without hardening it, caring for yourself without guilt, and remembering that your life blossoms from what you choose to cultivate within.
Because everything begins with you: in the way you choose yourself, in how you protect your heart, in how you forgive yourself, in how you embrace yourself from within, and in your decision not to abandon yourself anymore. When you learn to dwell within yourself with love, nothing external will be able to make you forget the immense worth that lives within you.
Today, pause and choose yourself. Speak to yourself with kindness, care for your heart, honor your essence, and take the first step back to yourself. Do not wait for someone else to confirm what already lives within you: you are worthy, you are enough, and you deserve to bloom from the inside out.
As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Friendship with oneself is all-important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else.”
With love,
-Dra. Nidia Medina, CEO, Hispanic Family Counseling, Inc.
A Night of Hope, Purpose, and Impact
Our founder and President Dr. Denisse Centeno Lamas had the opportunity to participate in the Taste for Hope fundraising event benefiting the Alaska Chapter of AFSP.
Alaska has the highest suicide rate in the nation, making the work of suicide prevention especially critical. It was inspiring to see a community come together to raise hope, awareness, and vital funds for this important cause.
A powerful reminder that together, we can save lives.
Empowering Faith Leaders to Save Lives
Hispanic Family Counseling was honored to host and participate in the recent Soul Shop™ for Hispanic Churches training, a one-day workshop designed to equip faith leaders with practical tools to recognize and respond to suicide risk within their communities.
The training was facilitated by our Founder and President, Dr. Denisse Centeno Lamas, alongside Therapist Nikos Figueroa, who joined other dedicated presenters in providing education, resources, and culturally relevant strategies for suicide prevention. The event brought together pastors, ministry leaders, and faith-based professionals committed to fostering hope, support, and healing within Hispanic communities.
We are grateful to everyone who attended and for the opportunity to continue advancing conversations around mental health, suicide prevention, and the important role faith communities play in supporting those who may be struggling. Together, we can help create safer, more compassionate communities where individuals and families know they are not alone
Celebrating the Launch of the YETSER Foundation: A Vision for Education, Leadership, and Community Impact
Hispanic Family Counseling was honored to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the YETSER Foundation, a visionary initiative founded by Dr. Gloria San Miguel, whose mission is to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and build brighter futures through education, leadership, and innovation.
YETSER was created with the purpose of transforming drive into purpose and purpose into action by promoting access to inclusive, high-quality education, developing leaders and a competitive workforce, fostering innovation with community impact, and expanding access to resources that contribute to the well-being of our communities.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Gloria San Miguel for the invitation and our sincere congratulations on turning this long-held dream into reality. Through dedication, passion, and God’s grace, she has created a platform that will bring hope, opportunity, and positive change to countless lives. We are grateful to have witnessed this significant milestone and wish her continued success as she embarks on this inspiring journey.
Congratulations to the YETSER Foundation, and best wishes for a future filled with impact and achievement!
If you want to learn more about our work and impact on communities, follow us on our social media platforms.
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➡️ Read the new blog post:
Summer Reset: Reconnecting With Yourself and Your Well-Being
Summer Reset: Reconnecting With Yourself and Your Well-Being
Summer often brings longer days, family gatherings, vacations, and a change in routine. While this season can be enjoyable, it can also be a reminder of how much we have been carrying.
Many of us spend so much time taking care of responsibilities, work, and the people we love that we forget to check in with ourselves.
So let us start with a simple question:
How are you really doing?
Not the answer you give others.
The honest answer.
Are you feeling rested or exhausted? Connected or disconnected? Hopeful or overwhelmed?
Taking a moment to notice how you feel is not selfish—it is an important part of caring for your mental health.
Signs You May Need a Reset
Feeling emotionally drained
Difficulty relaxing
Increased stress or irritability
Trouble sleeping
Feeling disconnected from yourself or others
Constantly putting your own needs last
If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to slow down and reconnect with yourself.
Try This Simple Exercise
Set aside five minutes today.
Take three slow breaths.
Then ask yourself:
What do I need more of right now?
What do I need less of?
What is one small thing I can do for myself this week?
Write down your answers.
The goal is not to solve everything at once. The goal is simply to listen.
Remember
Taking care of yourself does not mean neglecting others. In fact, when we care for our own emotional well-being, we are often better able to show up for the people who matter most.
This summer, give yourself permission to pause.
Take the walk.
Get some rest.
Set the boundary.
Ask for help if you need it.
And most importantly, remember that your well-being matters.
Download our summer reset check list here!
At Hispanic Family Counseling, we believe that small steps can lead to meaningful change. If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or life transitions, support is available.
Sometimes a reset begins with a single moment of awareness—and a decision to care for yourself.
Hispanic Family Counseling
Improving Quality of Life
-By Sheila Burgos
Get to Know Elvia Canola
PSR Facilitator
A psychologist and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services Provider, Elvia is known for her empathy, dedication, and passion for helping individuals achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. In this edition, we invite you to get to know a little more about her—both as a professional and as a person.
1. If your friends described you in three words, what would they be?
Persevering, empathetic, and creative.
2. What inspired you to work in the mental health field?
I have always been passionate about understanding people and supporting them in their journey of growth. I believe everyone has strengths that can flourish when they receive the right support and tools.
3. What do you enjoy most about your work?
Seeing people's progress. Knowing that a skill they learn today can help them live with greater independence and confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
4. What is one piece of advice you often give to others?
Small, consistent steps lead to big changes. Progress isn't always fast, but every effort matters.
5. What is something most people don't know about you?
In addition to working in mental health, my family and I own a photography business. My dream is to combine both passions by creating photography experiences that not only capture special moments but also help people build self-esteem, confidence, and a more positive self-image.
6. Coffee, tea, or something else?
Coffee.
7. What's your favorite book, movie, or TV show?
I don't really have a favorite—and to be honest, I'm not very good at remembering titles! What I enjoy most are stories based on real-life experiences or personal growth.
8. If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?
Japan. I would love to experience its culture, traditions, and beautiful landscapes.
9. What hobby or activity do you enjoy outside of work?
I love spending time at the beach, feeling the ocean breeze, and simply watching the sea. I also enjoy being surrounded by nature, listening to its sounds, and taking a moment to appreciate the peace it brings.
10. How do you like to relax after a busy day?
I enjoy watching drama and suspense movies. I love trying to figure out what's happening before the story reveals it and understanding why the characters behave the way they do. I have to admit—I have a frustrated detective inside me! 😊
11. What do you hope people feel when they work with you?
I hope they feel heard, respected, and supported. My goal is for every person to leave with practical tools that help them move forward with greater confidence and security.
12. Complete this sentence:
"One thing I hope people always remember is..."
"...that it is always possible to grow, learn new skills, and become a better version of yourself."
13. Beach or mountains?
Beach.
14. Sunrise or sunset?
Sunset.
15. Dogs, cats, or both?
Dogs.
16. Sweet or savory?
Sweet.
17. One word that guides your life:
Purpose.
A quote that always inspires me:
"It's not events that disturb people, but their judgments about them." — Epictetus
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