Meet JOANNA AMENERO, MSW, LCSW, LPHA, RADT-C | CEO of CONDOR CENTER

We had the good fortune of connecting with JOANNA AMENERO, MSW, LCSW, LPHA, RADT-C and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JOANNA AMENERO,, how do you think about risk?
Condor Center came from the desire of wanting to have freedom and flexibility. I was tired of being overworked, underpaid and undervalued.
I trust my knowledge and my skillset so I knew that I could have a greater impact and support folks in their therapeutic journey by working with my ideal client through therapy and coaching.
I opened Condor Center shortly after the pandemic started, scared, without any resources, very little savings, no guidance and lots of fear of the unknown.
Despite all of this, I took the risk and stepped into the world of private practice with a positive mindset and in hopes that I would attract people who would be drawn to me as an individual and trusting of my approach to provide them the help they needed – this is exactly what has happened.
Not only did I have a great turnout, gained great recognition but it also came with rapid growth.
There were many people interested in services and my approach but only 1 of me to go around and this is when I decided to expand into what is now a group private practice.
Once again this was another risk I took and if it wasn’t for taking risks like these I don’t think i would be where I am in my career today.
Luckily I have been able to find other BIPOC and bilingual clinicians who share similar values, approach and styles in their work and as a team we are able to provide great service to our community.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Peruvian therapist that grew up in the city of Cudahy so I am grateful to be in position were I can provide services to my Spanish speaking community.

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.

My journey in the field of social work started when i was 20, I was young and faced many challenges because of it but there were many lessons learned along the way.

Over the last 11 years I’ve had the privilege of holding multiple roles within the therapy world. I was at 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.

The inspiration behind my logo & name of my practice came during a 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.

What sets me apart is that I use an alternative & holistic approach when providing services.
I help individuals navigate ancestral healing, generational and inter-generational trauma as well as other conditions that affect our mood, thoughts, and behavior. I tailor treatment to each individual and offer a safe environment where I listen without judging you, motivate and engage you.​ I bring years of experience, good energy, and unique interventions with a charismatic personality.

My passion is providing services to the re-entry population, treating psychotic disorders and most importantly working with the military/ veteran community.
My specialty is working with survivors of trauma through the use of psychedelics integration and animal assisted therapy.

Collectively, my clinicians and I work with communities such: the first gen population, LGBT+, sex workers, folks who are part of the lifestyle practicing consensual non-monogamy and BDSM/ Kink.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
-Theme parks -Museums
-Aquariums
-Steak house or a Churrascaria
-Ice cream locations
-Cigar Lounges
-Bars
-The Art District

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The private practice journey has been a long, scary and stressful one but it has also come with many great wins and community recognition. This growth wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for a powerful team and supportive community behind me every step of the way because this truly was created by a huge team effort. I strive to continue highlighting, uplifting and thanking everyone who has been a part of my journey from the day i made the decision to open up my own business and share this journey with my followers via online platforms.
The support starts at home with my husband, my son, my parents and siblings and goes beyond that to each one of my staff members, supportive friends, colleagues and organizations I have networked and collaborated with over the years.

Website: https://www.condorcenter.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/condor.center.lcsw/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joamenero/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CONDOR.CENTER.LCSW/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC51O5Nos0-Y1tWVar6O716w/featured

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/JoannaLCSW/_saved/