Meet Joanna Amenero, LCSW of Cóndor Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Amenero, LCSW.

Hi Joanna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
While completing my undergraduate degree at UCLA as a pre-med student, I thought I would then venture into medical school to become an OBGYN. Things changed for me through personal encounters and life experiences that exposed me to severe mental illnesses and the world of mental health. This became the turning point that pushed me to seek help and services for myself and what essentially drew me into the field I am in today. I left my lifelong plans of medical school and on my 4th year of undergrad took the chance to apply to the one and only program that caught my attention. At the time USC’s school of Social Work offered specializations in: Mental Health & Military Social Work and Veteran Services. I decided I would no longer pursue the medical field but instead gambled on my life plans with this one and only application I submitted, I told myself “if you get in, it’s meant to be” and well, I got in . . . and as they say the rest is history. So here I am 13 years later into my career and I would not have it any other way. I am happy this work found me and I am lucky to do the work I do because my love and passion for it is so deep – I feel like I never work a day in my life.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Besides my life journey with my own therapy in addition to growing, learning and navigating the world of mental health – the road has been long and rocky. I have navigated the field and found what works, what doesn’t, what I am most passionate about and what are areas I can leave for other leaders in the field. I’ve had the privilege of holding multiple roles within the therapy world. I have been in schools, foster care, adoptions, military bases, hospitals, non-profits, private practices, community clinics, family resource centers, inpatient, outpatient programs and even the substance abuse world. This allowed me to work with folks from all walks of life but with it, I have also endured many hurtles. Not only from the stories I encounter but also with the reality of losing clients I worked with. Another challenge was identifying when it was time for me to transition into my own private practice and then accepting when it was time to grow into a group practice. All of this has come with great challenges that put me in a position where I constantly continue to learn and grown not only as a licensed provider but also as a business woman who is learning how to find the balance in my own life as a new and first-time mommy.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Before sharing about CONDOR CENTER it is important that I share more about my background because all of my experiences is what lead to the founding of CONDOR CENTER INC and why it evolved into a group practice.

I am a Peruvian therapist that grew up in the city of Cudahy so I am grateful to be in position where I can provide services to the Spanish speaking community as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my education from UCLA and USC and my work is rooted in mental health, personal growth, radical self-care and self- esteem. I advocate, motivate and educate on innovative healing to achieve a wholesome life. I personally use an alternative & holistic approach when providing services. I do this through the use of psychedelics integration and animal-assisted therapy as needed. I help individuals navigate motherhood, ancestral healing, generational and inter-generational trauma as well as other conditions that affect our mood, thoughts, and behavior. I bring years of experience, good energy, and unique interventions with a charismatic personality. My passion was providing services to the re-entry population, treating psychotic disorders and most importantly working with the military/ veteran community. Over time things shifted and as I grew into a private practice the universe lead me into doing powerful work with women in postpartum. One thing is certain, my specialty has always been working with survivors of trauma. I do this work not only through therapy but also through coaching and consulting. My services are unique and tailored to each individual and since there is only one of me to go around, I quickly found that I could not do this work alone and I needed support, this is why I shifted into a group practice.

CONDOR CENTER INC is a group private practice made up of other BIPOC clinicians who share similar backgrounds, therapeutic approach and level of energy when providing services. Though we each have our areas of specialty we provide services to the communities we are most passionate about, Collectively we provide specialized trauma-informed care for first gen folks that is LGBT+ Affirming and Sex/ Kink Positive. We understand how valuable it is to find someone you vibe with, having said that, our style and approach might NOT BE FOR EVERYONE.

I frequently get asked what was the inspiration behind the logo & practice name so I wanted to share that they both came during a plant medicine ceremony in Iquitos, Peru. I decided to use the Condor, the sacred bird for the Inca empire as it represents my values and the tenacity for everything that I do: ambition, boldness, strengths, balance & uniqueness, The journey continues and we are working on growing and expanding so that we can provide wholesome ancestral plant medicine retreats in Iquitos, Peru. Visit our platforms for updates and details on all services.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is Angelo’s (my son) smile. His smile makes me happy because he reminds me to slow down when life gets chaotic and hectic. He is my drive and motivation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.condorcenter.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/condor.center/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CONDOR.CENTER.LCSW/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/c%C3%B3ndor-center/?viewAsMember=true
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51O5Nos0-Y1tWVar6O716w/featured
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/JoannaLCSW/_saved/