Ethel Rodriguez (she/her) is a Peruvian American artist, Spanish-speaking art therapist-in-training, and counseling practicum student at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM. She is pursuing her M.A. in Art Therapy and Counseling, building on her B.F.A. in Studio Arts and B.A. in Art Education from CUNY, Queens College. Her lifelong dedication to painting and creative expression continues to guide her therapeutic approach, where she integrates the healing power of art with the foundations of counseling practice.
Ethel has over five years of experience teaching and facilitating creative expression across diverse communities. She has served as an art teacher in both New York and New Mexico, where she developed inclusive curricula for students from Pre-K through fifth grade, curated art shows, and supported children with individualized education plans. Her professional background reflects her commitment to accessibility, creativity, and fostering environments where every individual can grow.
Currently, Ethel is a Graduate Assistant and Navigator at Tierra Nueva Counseling Center, where she supports individuals and families in accessing community resources such as housing, transportation, and employment assistance. In her practicum work, she hopes to bring a grounded, compassionate, and culturally responsive presence to the counseling relationship. Drawing on her experiences as both an educator and an artist, Ethel seeks to create safe and empowering spaces where clients can explore their strengths, process challenges, and connect with their innate capacity for healing and resilience
Ethel Rodriguez
