Immigrating to the U.S and creating a prosperous life

Jimmy E.

I was born in Quito, Ecuador, and raised in Miami. As the child of a single mom in a new country, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges that have shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for personal growth. With over eight years of experience in event management, business development, and training, I’ve developed skills in connecting with and empowering others. Now, as a father to a newborn and a stepdad to my daughter, I’m experiencing the unique challenges of fatherhood firsthand. I’ve also gained invaluable experience in building communication, compromise, and shared goals with my partner. Together, we’ve worked on setting boundaries to strengthen our relationship and support each other. I know how important it is to find balance in relationships, especially as a new parent, and I’m here to offer support to anyone navigating their own path, whether it’s in parenting, relationships, or personal growth.

Navigating relationship challenges across cultures

Kiran D.

My partner and I come from two different parts of India, and while we share a cultural background, the differences in our upbringings created more tension than I ever expected. When we first got together, everything felt aligned, but over time, challenges with our families—especially our parents—began to weigh heavily on us. There were misunderstandings, judgment, and stigma, especially around my choice to become a therapist. The disapproval wasn't always loud, but it was persistent. We even broke up for a while, unsure if love alone could bridge the cultural gap. But we found our way back, committed to not only each other but to doing the work. Through tough conversations, clearer boundaries, and lots of trial and error, we've rebuilt something stronger. I’ve also supported others in complex relationship situations—whether it was a client figuring out how to live in a car with her partner during financial hardship or navigating constant conflict. Relationships aren't a linear path, and love isn't always the hard part—it's everything else around it. I’d love to hold space for anyone working through similar issues.

Finding home within while navigating loneliness and homesickness

Ritika D.

When I moved from India to Vancouver, BC, there were moments when the quiet felt too loud—when the absence of familiar faces, languages, and places settled into my bones. I missed home in ways I couldn’t explain. Even surrounded by people, I felt alone. The smell of food, the sound of a song, or a festival passing by without loved ones would trigger waves of homesickness. I realized I wasn’t just missing a place—I was missing connection, belonging, and pieces of myself. Slowly, I began finding new ways to anchor—rituals that reminded me of home, small routines that made the unfamiliar feel safe. You don’t have to silence your longing to move forward. There’s space for both healing and holding on.

Navigating cultural adjustment and building new roots as an immigrant parent

Samantha S.

I’m a Hispanic/Indigenous mom of two, originally from an immigrant family. Growing up as the youngest of 14 children, I saw my parents work hard to provide for us after moving to the U.S. From a young age, I experienced the challenges of being part of an immigrant family like learning how to adapt to a new culture, navigate language barriers, and adjust to life in a foreign country. My mother, a teacher, always emphasized the importance of education, which is how I began my journey toward earning a degree in education and later a master’s degree in social work. I became a mom at 18, and the challenges of balancing parenting, financial instability, and career advancement became even more complex. Through my work as a social worker, I’ve dedicated myself to helping other immigrant and marginalized families build their lives from the ground up. I understand what it’s like to feel disconnected from your cultural roots, to deal with homesickness, and to have to fight for your place in a system that doesn’t always make space for you. In my professional life, I’ve worked with families navigating the hurdles of cultural adjustment, language barriers, and building social capital. I’ve coached parents on how to gain financial stability, improve their career prospects, and overcome personal struggles. Having been through the immigrant experience myself, I strive to support others in their journey to find stability and empowerment in a new country, while still honoring their cultural heritage.

Parenting without support, handling relationship stress, and finding yourself again

Sue D.

I’m a first-generation immigrant who has spent the last 25+ years building a life, raising a child, and working full-time in the U.S.—without the family support many people take for granted. I’ve faced the challenges of parenting in a new culture, managing a difficult marriage, coping with major setbacks like job loss and accidents, and finding my way back to balance after unhealthy coping mechanisms, including alcohol. Through it all, I’ve learned how powerful patience, self-awareness, and community can be. Whether you're struggling with parenting, relationships, life transitions, or sobriety, I’m here to listen without judgment, share what helped me, and most importantly, hear your story. I truly believe we learn and grow together.

Parenting without support, handling relationship stress, and finding yourself again

Sue D.

I’m a first-generation immigrant who has spent the last 25+ years building a life, raising a child, and working full-time in the U.S.—without the family support many people take for granted. I’ve faced the challenges of parenting in a new culture, managing a difficult marriage, coping with major setbacks like job loss and accidents, and finding my way back to balance after unhealthy coping mechanisms, including alcohol. Through it all, I’ve learned how powerful patience, self-awareness, and community can be. Whether you're struggling with parenting, relationships, life transitions, or sobriety, I’m here to listen without judgment, share what helped me, and most importantly, hear your story. I truly believe we learn and grow together.