I started my career as a sleep technician in Garland, Texas. Patients often told me I made them feel calm and understood during a vulnerable medical exam, and that experience nudged me toward rehabilitation counseling. I entered the field in 2004, and the same night-shift approach still guides my work: steady the person, create a plan, and help them move forward.

After completing my PhD, I tried a faculty role in Alabama that did not align with my direction. I moved to Colombia and taught online while strengthening my Spanish and building community around men’s wellness, research, entrepreneurship, family, culture, and digital media. I later returned to the Deep South to continue in a faculty role and to grow Becerra Wellness. I also remain involved in clinical research trials that support my work with emerging therapeutic approaches.

Today I am following an independent path in clinical work, research, training, and opportunity-building after years on the tenure track. Higher education is shrinking, but the need for solid training remains. I am committed to preparing the next generation of clinical mental health, family, and vocational rehabilitation counselors and to serving my community with practical access to care, clear plans that use new technologies, and partner-led support.