Today we’d like to introduce you to Joselyn Romero.
Hi Joselyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a first-generation Ecuadorian American who grew up in New York. My parents divorced when I was young, and much of my childhood was spent living with extended family while my mother worked tirelessly to make ends meet. We moved often, and stability wasn’t always guaranteed, but those experiences taught me adaptability, resilience, and the importance of connection and belonging.
I was deeply influenced by the women in my family; strong matriarchs who valued hard work, ambition and the importance of pushing forward “seguir adelante” despite the challenges. They modeled resilience and determination and taught me to keep going, even when the road was difficult. From them, I learned to stand up for what I believe in and to trust my own strength.
My professional journey began in child welfare, working within DCFS, where I first learned the importance of consistency, care, and showing up for others. Working with children and families grounded my early career, which later expanded into community work and ultimately led me into private practice.
I started seeing clients independently and just focused on showing up with care, building trust, and doing meaningful work one person at a time. Over time, that work grew naturally through word-of-mouth and community connection. What began as something small and intentional slowly expanded into the work I do today.
Now, my work is grounded in lived experience, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to creating spaces where people feel safe, affirmed, and supported. My path hasn’t been linear, but it has been guided by compassion, purpose, and the belief that healing happens when people feel truly seen.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting and growing a business requires significant financial risk, and securing the resources to build something sustainable was one of the biggest challenges. There were long stretches of long hours, limited work–life balance, and moments of loneliness that often come with entrepreneurship. As a business owner, I frequently prioritized paying my team and meeting operational needs before paying myself.
The growth also happened quickly. In less than a year, I transitioned from being a solo practitioner to leading a group practice, all while continuing to support clients. Balancing direct care with the demands of expansion was challenging and required rapid learning and adaptability.
In addition to the professional challenges, I navigated two major surgeries last year, including gender-affirming care. Managing my health while continuing to lead and grow a business required flexibility, self-trust, and a deep commitment to sustainability. Those experiences reinforced the importance of building systems rooted in care not only for clients and staff, but for myself as well.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Arches Healing and Growth?
Arches Healing and Growth is a mental health practice rooted in authenticity, cultural awareness, and meaningful connection. We provide affirming, trauma-informed care to individuals, couples, and families, with a strong focus on supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals, BIPOC communities, and those navigating complex identity, relationship, and life transitions.
What sets Arches apart is our commitment to meeting people where they are—without rushing, pathologizing, or minimizing their lived experiences. Our work is grounded in relational, attachment-based, and culturally responsive approaches that honor the full context of each person’s life. We believe healing happens through safety, trust, and genuine human connection, not through one-size-fits-all models.
We are known for creating a space that feels both professional and deeply human. Our clinicians are thoughtful, intentional, and values-driven, and we prioritize care not only for clients, but also for our team. As a practice, we emphasize sustainability, collaboration, and integrity; building systems that support long-term healing rather than short-term fixes.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the community Arches has built. What started as a small, intentional practice has grown into a space where clients and clinicians alike feel seen, supported, and empowered. I want readers to know that Arches Healing and Growth is more than a therapy practice; it’s a place where people can show up as they are and be met with care, respect, and honesty.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding mentors and building a network didn’t come naturally to me. I had to be intentional, reaching out to people I admired and inviting them for coffee, even when it felt awkward or outside my comfort zone. Many meaningful relationships began through simple conversations and small talk, especially in moments when it would have been easier to stay quiet.
What worked for me was starting small, showing genuine curiosity, and being willing to do the work of building connection over time. Mentorship often grew organically from those interactions rather than from formal asks. My advice is not to wait until you feel confident, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, ask questions, and take up space. Consistency and authenticity can go a long way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.archeshealing.com
- Instagram: @archeshealing
- Facebook: Arches healing and Growth
