As a Family Support Specialist, Magdalena delivers Family SkillBuilders’ core services including one-on-one parent coaching and mentoring in the homes and communities of the families we serve, developing healthy family functioning that keeps children safe, teaching household management skills, and addressing safety issues for families with children at home or returning to the home.

Magdalena originally became interested in supporting families because she wanted to have a positive impact on vulnerable populations. From a very young age, she has strived to make the unheard feel heard and the unseen feel seen; this line of work has allowed her to make this a reality. Magdalena continues her career in social services because she finds hope, resilience, and opportunities for change in the work. Her brightest moments are when hope, resilience, and change seem to be out of reach, and she may feel defeat. It’s during those times, she finds the drive to collaborate with families to defy those negative feelings.

Magdalena previously worked at a residence for unaccompanied minors, most of whom were arriving from South America, Central America, or Afghanistan. During her time there, she learned the value of making connections with people. The teens with whom she worked valued the time she spent sharing meals, playing cards, or watching a movie, simple but positive interactions that created a space full of mutual respect and trust. Experiencing their development and growth was an incredible and rewarding experience for her.

When she is not busy working with families, Magdalena enjoys practicing Jiujitsu, a martial art she promptly fell in love with. Her personal goal is to compete and expand her skills in this sport.