Meet the Board of Directors
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Chair
Ruben Meza, MSW, LICSW
Ruben is an LICSW who works in the outpatient therapy setting. Ruben graduated with his MSW from the University of St. Thomas. Trained in EMDR and Anchored Relational Therapy (formerly AIR Network), Ruben uses trauma-informed care in his practice. Outside of his work as a psychotherapist, Ruben has experience in management as a Project Manager. Ruben enjoys spending time with his family (both human and furry friends).
Julia Hernandez Nierenberg, MPP, MSW, LGSW
Secretary
Esmeralda Flores, MA, LPCC
Vice-Chair
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Esmeralda received her Bachelor of Arts from Luther College, focusing on Psychology & Health. She received her Masters of Counseling & Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University, currently working as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Esmeralda currently contracts through Numa Psychotherapy, a group practice located in North Loop, MPLS.
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Esmeralda primarily works with adults who are struggling to navigate their identity, self-esteem, and general mental health concerns that may stem from past traumas. As a first-generation Mexican-American, she understands the struggle of finding a therapist who can meet your cultural needs. Esmeralda is passionate about cultural competency and brings this passion into her role at El Consorcio. Esmeralda hopes to continue challenging stigmas associated with mental health within the Latine community, while honoring non-western approaches to healing.
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In her spare time, Esmeralda is often trying not to doomscroll by playing stardew valley, taking a dance class, or reading/listening to a book.
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Carolina Melguizo Gentry,
MSW, LICSW
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Treasurer
Abbie Diehl, MSW, LICSW
Abbie earned her bachelor of social work (BSW) from the University of Iowa and her master of social work (MSW) from Portland State University. Throughout her social work career, Abbie has worked with the Latine population in various settings, from home visiting to cancer care. She now works out of NCE Wellness in North Minneapolis as a mental health therapist, serving teens and adults. Abbie has been involved with El Consorcio since 2014 and has served on the Board as Treasurer since February 2024.
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Julia is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) pursuing certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Originally from California, she earned dual Master’s degrees in Social Welfare and Public Policy from UCLA, focusing on child and family wellbeing, Latinx immigration, and community health. She also holds a BA in International and Spanish Studies from American University.
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Julia has experience in case management, care coordination, policy advocacy, parenting support, Wraparound services, and intensive in-home therapy. She provides therapy to children, adolescents, and adults dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, identity, ADHD, family conflict, and mood or personality disorders.
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Her approach draws on relational, systemic, and critical race theories, using modalities like CBT, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, and play therapy. Julia emphasizes compassion, justice, and collaboration to foster healing and growth.
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Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, making art, dancing samba and flamenco, hiking with her fiancé and dogs, and participating in book clubs.
Liz Franklin, MSW LICSW
Mica Cavuoto, MS, LPCC
Board Member
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Fanny Fernandez
Nancy Ortega, MSW, LICSW
Jordan Jones, MSW, LICSW
Past Board Members
Thank you for your service and dedication to El Consorcio!
Membership
Membership is open to anyone in the Twin Cities who works with Latinx children, adults, and/or families in a clinical, educational, medical, or social service role. The Consortium currently has about 260 members from a variety of mental health and social service agencies, schools, hospitals, medical clinics, county human service teams, and private therapy practices in Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, and Dakota counties. In 2020, the group started charging membership fees, after the organization was formalized and the website developed.
