Monique Jalca CSWA

Bio

Growing up, I always felt like there was something off with me, almost like I didn’t belong. Despite my background, I always knew and felt the pressure that I had to conform to what others expected of me. Talking about how I felt was a big no and if I did, I was made fun of or shamed. To survive, I quickly learned to withhold what I felt and move through life as though it was a part of what life was supposed to be or so I thought.

It wasn’t until about 7 years ago, I realized that I have so much more in me that I had not yet understood. There was still a drive and motivation that lived in me that had come up to the surface and while I felt scared and unsure, I listened. I felt a need to respond to the voice inside me to keep moving forward and continue my journey into the unknown. While I knew this was something outside of what I was used to, I decided to pursue and listen to what it had to say.

The ongoing personal self-growth and background as a social worker has encouraged me see people for who they are with deep compassion. To live with an open and compassionate heart in honor of those that accepted me for who I was in the moments I most needed it. To be a witness to someone’s story as some were to mine. Sometimes life can be hard and taking a journey inward can be the scariest and most difficult part and yet the most gratifying whether we see it or not. I am privileged to walk alongside those that are ready to take that journey.

I’m originally from Los Angeles, California but have lived long enough in Oregon to call it home. I have also lived in New York, which is where I met my husband of 19 years. I have two boys (ages 9 and 14), two dogs, and one cat. I enjoy the outdoors, reading, spending time with my family, and taking my dogs to the dog park.