Natalie is a first-generation Queer Latina born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ. She is the first in her family to go to college and obtained a BA in Global Studies and Political Science from Kean University. Natalie is pursuing a Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling as wellness and community empowerment are her biggest passions. Natalie has close to 10 years of experience in the summer camp world where she managed youth programs centered on social-emotional learning and environmental education. Besides her work in summer camp, Natalie has experience as a Prevention Consultant where she created and facilitated workshops for youth and families on topics such as substance use prevention and mental health awareness. Her proudest moments include organizing the city of Elizabeth’s first pride parade, helping commission a Marsha P. Johnson mural in downtown Elizabeth, and runing for Elizabeth’s Board of Education.
Natalie finds joy in creating community care through radical kindness, empathy and a decolonial lens. She is committed to the lifelong effort of amplifying voices of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities as well as other marginalized communities.
