Ana Livia Ramalho Tedesco

I have over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. Originally from Brazil, I worked as a social worker for 15 years before relocating to the United States to pursue my master’s degree.

For the past five years, I have worked in school settings supporting children and adolescents as a school-based mental health professional. During this time, I have completed extensive training in areas including family systems, trauma, autism, ADHD, grief, learning disabilities, and behavioral crisis interventions.

I am a passionate advocate for the well-being and safety of children and families, and I am committed to providing compassionate, culturally responsive support.

I believe every child and family has strengths, no matter what challenges they may be facing. I focus on seeing each person for who they truly are, not just a diagnosis or what others may say about them. My goal is to help bring out those strengths and find creative, practical solutions together.

I often use attachment-based approaches when working with children and adolescents, helping them feel more connected to their families through play, affection, and clear structure.

I strongly believe that healing happens when people feel safe, supported, and understood. I strive to create that kind of environment in my sessions and also help families build those same feelings of safety and connection at home and in their community.

Most of us never received any direction or map of how to manage the many situations that cross our path on the journey of building a family. Sometimes families are in need of a little adjustment of expectations or routine. Other times significant events can result in heart broken or traumatized children and adolescents, and feelings of helplessness for the whole family. Family systems can be made strong and resilient, capable of weathering the fiercest storms. Each child and family system is unique, and having someone caring and competent able to guide and support can be crucial.