Monica is a music therapist, restorative justice facilitator and educator who has worked with youth in Worcester and Marlborough for over 20 years. Originally from South Oak Cliff, a suburb of Dallas, Texas, Monica attributes her upbringing and attending Bishop Dunne high school to leading her into the field of human service and education. Prior to shifting into a Co-director role at Orchard Street Academy (OSA), a therapeutic day school part of Assabet Valley Collaborative. Monica has worked in the role of music therapist and school adjustment counselor at OSA for 15 years. Monica’s main goal in teaching and counseling is to ignite youth’s inner voice and inherent strengths to promote outer lasting change. Monica incorporates both Hip Hop therapy and restorative justice practices with youth as a vehicle for self expression, empowerment and interpersonal connection. 

Monica is a natural lifelong learner who partners with others to dig deep and welcome vulnerability. She models this in the groups and classes she offers for students, in partnership with fellow educators and in adult professional development she co-facilitates. Monica believes that shared accountability is an integral part of our work with youth, and that when we lead with this intentionality, we anchor our youth to succeed and thrive. 

Monica holds a Leadership Certificate in Restorative Justice Practices from Suffolk University, a MA in Expressive Arts Therapy & Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University, and a BA in Music Therapy from Anna Maria College. Monica can usually be found reading about youth social justice activism, hiking and hanging out with her family, attending a Hip Hop concert, constructing lyrics, or watching her Dallas Mavericks.