Meet Mariana Ortiz-Padilla, a Diversity Fellow at CLD!
Working at the Center since January 2018, Mariana serves as a Diversity Fellow and has become one of three bilingual Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructors in the state of Georgia. As part of CLD’s Latino Community of Practice, focused on Spanish-speaking Georgians, Mariana provides resources in Spanish for families of children with autism. She has also supported the Spanish track of the annual Autism Conference & Expo, as well as the Spanish Positive Behavior Support Group. Mariana says that she “loves having the opportunity to help and interact with so many Latinx families in Georgia. The CLD has been a huge part of my undergraduate career and provided me with opportunities to learn and grow as a person and leader.” Born and raised in Marietta, GA, Mariana has two younger sisters. Her favorite hobby is reading and putting together puzzles. “It is super relaxing and a great way to practice self-care.” The three words she’d use to describe herself are Persistent; Passionate; and Empathetic.
Thank you Mariana, for all you do at CLD!