We recently had the chance to connect with Dr. Kristin Coronado and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Kristin, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Mental health still carries a lot of stigma, especially within the minority communities. Many people think seeking help means something is ‘wrong’ with them, or that it’s a sign of weakness. In reality, it’s an act of strength, self worth and self-awareness. I always remind people that checking in on your mental health is just as essential as your annual physical. We don’t wait until something is broken to care for our bodies,our minds deserve the same proactive care.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Kristin L. Coronado, a clinical psychologist and clinician-educator at a public university affiliated hospital where I provide therapy to faculty and staff. I diligently work to make mental health support more approachable and stigma-free. My path to this work has been shaped by both professional training and personal experience. Growing up, I saw firsthand how difficult it can be to access mental health care. Undiagnosed mental illnesses manifest into addictions, depression, and other forms of trauma that deeply affect everyone in the family and it doesn’t stop there. Lack of support and emotional tools to navigate traumatic experience hover your heart forever. Of all the things I know to be true, I know many of us suffer in silence. We push it down and push through. To some extent, it what immigrants everywhere pride ourselves on. We get it done, no complaints. But when it comes to our mental health there’s definitely space for all of us to reflect on the blind spots we have, address some of those issues that linger into our adulthood and come out stronger. The end to not the stigma starts with our generation, I feel it and I see it. My hope is to normalize asking for help. To create a safe/ strong space for not only any patient in my presence but any person who needs a listening ear.
What makes my work unique is that I focus on making psychology practical. Whether through one-on-one sessions, writing, or community education, my goal is to provide tools they can use immediately,not just in crisis, but in everyday life. Right now, I’m passionate about helping people see mental health care as part of their overall wellness, the same way they would exercise or eat well.
Outside of the therapy room, I’m developing creative projects to make psychological skills more accessible to the public:
SupportHER Village: an initiative to support families with babies in the NICU. We’re creating care packages with newborn essentials, postpartum recovery items, toys for siblings, and even grocery and ride-share support so parents can stay present with their little ones. Our goal is simple: no family should go through the NICU journey alone. “It takes a village.”, they say. But we all have different experiences, family dynamics, financial stressors. Life can change in an instant, I would love to bring some piece of mind to a family in such a vulnerable time.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My graduate school mentors saw me before I fully saw myself. They consistently reflected back my potential, even on the days I doubted I belonged in the room. Their encouragement, paired with their honest feedback, pushed me to grow into the psychologist I am today. All healthcare professionals are committed to ongoing learning and education. It’s our responsibility. Do I wish I could rush and be an expert in every scenario? Absolutely! But I choose to see each new experience as a learning and growing opportunity..They reminded me that my voice matters and that my perspective can create change, which is something I now try to do for my patients.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Dear youngest self,
You will spend a decade feeling lost and behind, grinding it out only to realize the greatest joys of your life don’t cling onto your Dr. title you’ll find you’re most fulfilled by being called Mrs. and Mom.
Take up space. Stop apologizing for being too much. You’re different and that’s okay, lean into it. Trust your discernment even if that means walking alone. You’ll learn you’re never truly alone. You will find your people. Stop comparing and rushing, everything you dreamt of is coming and it’s 10xs bigger than you anticipated.
“Every delay is divine redirection” read this and believe it! Trust it. God has so much in store for you. Don’t worry about figuring it out just trust it will come to pass. Guard your boundaries like they’re sacred. Lead with faith, not fear, and watch doors open you never knew existed. You are stronger,and more capable than you can imagine.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe the love and presence we pour onto others creates ripples we may never see.The calm we bring, the encouragement we offer, even the boundaries we set, they outlive the moment. Just because you can’t measure the impact doesn’t mean it isn’t transforming someone’s life. I believe God is weaving all of it together for good, even when we can’t see the full picture. Above everything else I believe anxiety and resentment in your heart is a tool of distraction. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our mental health is submit our worries onto HIM. Give yourself permission to rest, to not worry about it, let it truly go and stop wasting time coming up with solutions. God is an almighty God 🙂 he doesn’t need our assistance he just needs us to believe.Trust that he is God and he will always work in your favor.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
What would remain is my faith, my family, and my calling to serve. Titles and possessions don’t define me. The way I love my people and show up for others does. I was chosen and anointed to listen. Truly listen and be a safe soundboard for the people who need me. Whether that be a patient, friend or family member, or a stranger. Being the love and light you want to see in this world takes a daily effort, it’s humbling and I don’t always get it right but I try. At the end of the day, I want to be remembered for the peace I brought into the room, not the letters behind my name.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theretireditgirl__?igsh=Z2NzZ3QwMTFlajU1&utm_source=qr
- Other: Coming soon: SupportHer Village.com
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
