Isabel Gutierrez, Trauma Therapy Intern & Social Worker
Hailing from the vibrant state of Arizona, my roots have instilled in me a strong connection to my cultural heritage and nature. My upbringing, influenced by Mexican values and traditions, has shaped my commitment to community, healing, empathy, and forming connections.
I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Journalism, and I am currently in the second year of my Master’s program in Social Work and working on a Graduate Certificate in Advance Clinical Behavioral Health at Colorado State University here in Fort Collins.
During my undergraduate years, I had a passion for authentic human connection that led me to an internship with a nonprofit in Orlando, FL that aimed to support at-risk youth through action sports, creative art, and education. There, I saw a community working to help underprivileged youth build self-esteem, self-respect, and self-confidence. This was a pivotal experience that ignited the desire to do more than just communication applications for nonprofits; It sparked my aspiration to develop programs that directly engage with individuals, fostering genuine connections and driving meaningful change.
Since then, I worked as an Inclusion Aide for the City of Fort Collins, where I had the privilege of working alongside youths and adults with a diverse range of abilities and support needs. My purpose? Empowering them to embrace life's challenges, set goals, and actively participate in group activities. As an after-school art teacher, I have unlocked the creative potential of young minds. The ability to motivate and inspire youth to explore the world of art, express their emotions, and embrace the learning journey has been a transformative experience for students. I believe in the power of art as a medium for self-expression, self-discovery, and empathy. I also served as a Graduate Success Assistant, providing individual support and mentorship to referred undergraduate students. I tailored learning plans, offered academic guidance, and helped students access resources for everyday needs such as childcare programs, transportation, and navigating healthcare for DACA students. My dedication to the academic success of my mentees has been instrumental in helping students achieve their educational and personal life goals.
My journey from journalism to social work embodies my commitment to personal growth and embracing new challenges through change. My main interests are in trauma therapy with art, yoga, and mindfulness. With Hope Roots' support, I will be trained in EMDR therapy (Fall 2023) and plan to pursue training in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and auricular acudetox. At Hope Roots, I will be offering trauma-informed case management and trauma therapy for individuals and groups. I am interested in working with groups using art & creative processes to explore mind, body, and soul through expressing abstract ideas and emotions for healing. Previous art experience is not necessary.
Connect by emailing intake@hoperoots.org or text (970) 200-8575 for a free 20-minute phone consultation. Isabel works with clients age 14+ of any gender identity. Isabel sees clients in person at the Hope Roots office in Fort Collins, CO, or via telehealth for clients located anywhere in Colorado—Medicaid (RMHP only) or Private Pay (with sliding scale).