
Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC
President Emeritus
Vanessa De Jesus Guzman is a Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor, Speaker, and Host of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast with 20+ years of experience working with thousands of children and families. Her insights on mindful living, mental health, and personal growth have been featured on the Today Show, Univision, Parents Latina and multiple national publications.
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After an 18-year career in education, Vanessa founded Free to Be Mindful - a private practice located in Ridgefield, NJ - specializing in a holistic mindfulness approach to help kids and moms reach their goals.
As a first-generation academic professional, Vanessa brings a unique perspective and deep passion for uplifting her community. In her roles as President Emeritus of the Latino Mental Health Association of NJ, Founder of Amiga Momsâ„¢, and Co-Founder of the Latinx Practice Collective, she empowers Latino professionals to live with intention while achieving their personal and professional goals.
At home Vanessa is a bilingual, eldest daughter of hardworking Dominican parents, wife to a supportive husband, and mom to a middle school son, infant daughter, and goldendoodle therapy dog. She implements mindful living in her personal life through yoga, salsa dancing and as a Peloton enthusiast. She truly believes in a world where we can be anything... we are always Free to Be Mindful.