Monica Hernandez

I am currently a mental health counselor trainee at Youth for Christ Central Valley Family Concern Counseling- a Modesto-based, nonprofit, mental health organization. Through this organization and its partnerships, I provide mental health services to elementary-aged children, young adults, and sexual trafficked victims. My work and experience have confirmed my love for this career and my desire to continue pursuing my degree and become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. 

Through Youth for Christ, I am also a Mentor for at-risk youth across Ceres District Schools. The Mentoring Program has formed other partnerships and we will be presenting a curriculum teaching healthy relationships to teenagers across the Central Valley. I have recently began volunteering for our Juvenile Justice Ministries in which we provide one-on-one services to talk with incarcerated youth at the Stanislaus Juvenile Hall. 

I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from San Jose State University. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology at CSU Stanislaus. At CSU Stanislaus, I am a member of Alpha Alpha Alpha, a national honor society for first-generation college students. 

I am a member of the Spring 2021 Latino Leadership Initiative, a program formed by City Ministry Network that involves training from experienced practitioners that equip us with the necessary resources and skills to serve our community. 

During my free time I enjoy traveling, hiking, going to the beach, concerts, and amusement parks, and I love roller skating and dancing.

As a NextGen on Board Fellow, Monica is serving a two-year term on Parent Resource Centers’ Board of Directors beginning July 2021.