Angelita Valdez is a Behavioral Health Therapist and the Chief Executive Officer and proud Owner of Servicios de Esperanza, LLC providing bilingual therapy, substance abuse counseling and play therapy to families and children. Her prior work experience includes Community Mental Health Services of Muskegon County, Hackley Community Care, and Muskegon Family Care providing bilingual therapy, substance abuse treatment and school-based mental health services at the Teen Health Center in Muskegon High School. Angelita has also provided case management services to families at Cesar Chavez Elementary School in Grand Rapids, MI along with counseling services to Refugee and Domestic Foster Care children in Lansing, Michigan. A Michigan State University graduate, Angelita received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with a Chicano/Latino Studies Specialization in 2005 and a Master’s Degree of Social Work in 2006 from the MSU College of Social Science. While Angelita is a Licensed Master Social Worker she also holds specializations as a CAADC- Certified Advanced Addictions and Drug Counselor as the only, Spanish speaking substance abuse counselor in Muskegon County, a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) as well as a being the only RPT-S, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, in both Muskegon and Oceana counties. Angelita has a passion for serving children and families and is currently working towards certification as a Gambling Addictions Counselor. Angelita is involved with numerous community and professional affiliations and serves as the Board President for Latinos Working for the Future, Board President for Centro de Esperanza, is a Trustee for the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, and an Advisory Member of the Public Health Advisory Committee. Angelita is also a proud member and founder of the Alpha Kappa chapter of Hermandad de Sigma lota Alpha, Incorporada and was appointed as a Commissioner to the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in March 2022.