Paola is the Director of the Multicultural Center where she leads an impressive group of mental health, social work, and legal professionals. Prior to becoming director, Paola served as Assistant Director of the Multicultural Center (MC) and, from 2009-2014, as a mental health therapist for survivors of torture, domestic violence and sexual assault.
Paola has over ten years of direct service experience with immigrant survivors of violence and a background in program management and supervision at a local nonprofit for under-resourced immigrant youth. Paola brings extensive expertise in the field of accessible, culturally specific mental health services and a commitment to supporting the staff and clients of the MC. She is a passionate advocate for immigrant and underserved populations, and she considers cultural awareness and validation the foundation for any successful working relationship.
Paola is originally from Bogotá, Colombia, where she graduated as a Psychologist and worked primarily with children exposed to violence. After immigrating to the United States, she graduated from George Mason University with an M.Ed. with emphasis in Community Counseling in 2009. She has been licensed as a professional counselor in Virginia since 2013, and she is also a registered supervisor with the Board of Counseling.
Contact: psandoval@nvfs.org, 571.748.2827