About
Dr. Lisette Sanchez, Ph.D.
Is an award-winning bilingual and bicultural licensed psychologist, celebrated speaker, and insightful writer from Southern California. As the founder of Calathea Wellness Coaching and Psychological Services, Inc., she is a beacon of change in the mental health community, committed to demystifying and destigmatizing therapy and mental wellness, particularly for Latine First-Gen Professionals.*
She embraces the power of knowledge, continually striving to empower individuals to become the best versions of themselves. Her mission extends through her dynamic YouTube channel, "The First Gen Psychologist," and her engaging Instagram content, where she shares invaluable resources and insights. Furthermore, Dr. Lisette is an active contributor to HipLatina,writing about mental health and first-gen Latine experience.
ACADEMIC
JOURNEY
Dr. Lisette's academic journey commenced at UC San Diego, where she majored in psychology and was a proud participant in the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program, which ignited her passion for research and set her on the path to graduate education. Her journey continued in New York City, where she attained a dual master's degree in psychological counseling from Teachers College at Columbia University, further highlighted by the Arthur Zankel Urban Fellowship for her work with inner-city youth. These experiences deepened her commitment to community building and the dissemination of knowledge.
Completing her educational journey at the University of Oregon, Dr. Lisette earned her doctorate in counseling psychology, honing her clinical skills, delving into career development research, and specializing in Spanish Language Psychological Service and Research. Her scholarly pursuits are matched by her practical efforts, evidenced by her contributions to major publications including theLos Angeles Times,HuffPost,Refinery29,Well + Good,Hip Latina, andWondermind, and her role in facilitating mental health workshops for Fortune 500 companies, enhancing their diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Raised in the San Fernando Valley by hardworking immigrant parents from Mexico and El Salvador, Dr. Lisette's personal experiences deeply inform her professional approach, making her an empathetic ally to BIPOC and first-generation professionals. Beyond her professional life, Dr. Lisette finds joy in exploring new places, spending quality time with loved ones, taking care of her plantitas, and sharing adventures with her cat, Louie. Her work, grounded in her personal journey and academic excellence, makes Dr. Lisette Sanchez a guiding light for those seeking to navigate the complexities of mental wellness in a multicultural world.
*First-generation professionals are individuals who are the first in their families to attain a certain level of professional achievement, such as obtaining a college degree, entering a specific career field, or achieving a certain level of success in their careers.