Karina is a dedicated therapist who is passionate about providing neuro-affirming clinical care. Karina, who began her career in mental health in 2012, specializes in providing mental health counseling to address autism, anxiety, ADHD, mood, parenting, and social skills. Karina utilizes a variety of research-supported clinical approaches to support her learners and their families. Prior to joining Cortica, Karina gained experience with supporting neurodiverse families, psychodynamic play therapy, social skills groups therapy, and she trained her colleagues in the art of relational therapy. She has several years of experience working with high-need youth and community members. Karina holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology/law and society from the University of California, Riverside and a master's degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University.

Karina is fluent in Spanish and English. She enjoys being a part of an interdisciplinary team and isn't shy about sharing how she is always learning and collaborating with her colleagues to provide quality care. Karina is a firm believer in the importance of social relationships and how interactions are crucial for social, emotional and cognitive learning processes. Another key principal she incorporates into her personal and professional practice is the integration of body and mind to optimize wellness.