Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Ribadeneira.

Hi Michelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

If you had asked me years ago whether I thought I would ever become a published author, share my story, or serve as a panelist, I would have said no. Those ideas were far beyond my comfort zone. But looking back, I know there is a greater plan and purpose behind my journey. I am here today to share my story, to become the person I wish my younger self had, and to inspire others along the way.

When I was little, my mom used to tell me how I would gather all my little bears and Barbies, arranging them in a circle, and read to them. She said I would try to cross my legs while reading, but when I couldn’t, I’d hold my leg over the other and keep going. That simple memory has always stuck with me, because it shows the early seeds of my passion for teaching and storytelling.

Growing up, I was taught that “your teacher is your second parent because they take care of you while we’re at work.” But unfortunately, not all my teachers lived up to that ideal. In many cases, the classroom didn’t feel like a safe space. Some teachers, instead of fostering confidence, made me doubt myself. Their words and actions planted insecurities that would take years to heal.

I earned my master’s degree in Childhood Special Education in 2014 and began working as an Integrated Head Start teacher in Brooklyn, NY. As an educator, I found myself advocating for students who needed special services but were often told they had to wait until kindergarten to be evaluated. In 2015, I moved to New Jersey, and in 2016, I continued my advocacy work in the Head Start program. Many of the families I worked with were Spanish-speaking and didn’t understand the evaluation process or the importance of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). They feared being labeled or segregated in the education system. I was there to support them, to translate, and to help them navigate this complex system.

In 2019, I transitioned to being a Dual-Language teacher at Greater Brunswick Charter School, where I began to feel the pull of something greater. I realized that the families and students needed more than just an educator—they needed someone who could offer emotional support, someone who could listen and guide them through personal challenges. It became clear to me that pursuing a Master’s in Social Work would allow me to better serve these communities.

By 2022, I graduated with honors with a Master’s in Social Work from the College of Staten Island (CUNY). Through mentorship from Erica Saldoval and Dr. Edith Chaparro, I became a published co-author in Today’s Inspired Young Latina Vol. V and a bestselling author of Latinx/e in Social Work Vol. 3.

Each step of this journey has brought me closer to my purpose—empowering others through my story and experiences. And I know this is only the beginning.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Falling into social work wasn’t the struggle. The real challenge was figuring out who I was before I could decide to pursue it. For the longest time, I thought I just wanted to work with kids. Becoming a teacher felt like the natural choice when the path to becoming a speech therapist was blocked. I spent two years on the waitlist at Brooklyn College, hoping to start the Speech-Language Pathology program, but it never opened up for me. So, I chose teaching instead.

When I declared my major, I had to pick a concentration, and I chose Children and Youth Studies. It was there that I discovered my passion for advocacy and children’s rights. Upon graduating in 2012, I applied to graduate school in Childhood Special Education because I was told that I had three years to complete my education degree, or my Bachelor’s in Education would no longer be valid.

It took me eight years to return to College for my second master’s, but those years were not wasted. I spent that time learning to heal from my own traumas. I became a teacher to share my love for education with young children, but it was through my students that I saw the bigger picture. Many of them were struggling academically due to issues at home, problems with peers, and deep-seated insecurities. It was in seeing their struggles that I realized: I never had a social worker growing up who could offer me a safe space.

My students reminded me of my own past traumas, and it was because of them that I made the decision to go back to school. I wanted to become the person I needed when I was their age. The doors to this next chapter opened easily. I was able to enroll in prerequisite classes just a week before the semester began, and I submitted all my paperwork two weeks ahead of the Fall 2020 deadline. After that, it was smooth sailing until graduation, even in the middle of a pandemic.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am currently working as a School-Based Counselor at a charter school in New Brunswick, NJ. While I am often mistaken for a Guidance Counselor, my role is distinct in that I focus specifically on providing therapeutic and social-emotional support to students. I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Play Therapy, to help students express themselves, regulate their emotions, and feel comfortable in a safe, supportive environment.

With a background in teaching, I take the time at the start of each school year to thoughtfully decorate and organize my office, ensuring it is a welcoming and safe space for students, parents, and staff alike. This is important to me because I want everyone who enters my office to feel comfortable and confident in sharing their experiences and challenges.

Collaboration with both parents and staff is a key part of my approach, as I believe in the power of a team effort to help students succeed academically and emotionally. I am deeply committed to each student’s well-being, treating them with the same care and attention I would give my own children.

What sets me apart as a counselor is my genuine connection with students. During my morning duty, I make it a point to greet students with compliments or offer a hug, especially when younger children may be having a tough time transitioning into their school day. I also make space for students, whether it’s a teen sharing a quick story or a younger child seeking comfort. I listen attentively and respond with honesty, ensuring that my students feel heard, respected, and supported.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

Effective communication is essential. Regular communication through email, text, and phone calls between staff and parents has been incredibly beneficial. I’ve had the opportunity to attend several conferences where I’ve been reminded of the importance of understanding my role as a counselor—not only as a professional, but as someone who uses their gifts to support and help others. I am always open to networking and learning new strategies, both to improve my practice and to prioritize my own self-care and mental health. After all, even those of us in helping professions sometimes need support—whether it’s a social worker needing a social worker, or simply taking a mental health day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafecito_and_realtalk?igsh=dWk1bmltenIzNHcw&utm_source=qr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-ribadeneira-msw?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

Pictures take by friends and family at events