FOUNDER
BOARD MEMBER

Devora Diaz is an accomplished social services professional with nearly 15 years of experience in personal counseling and community engagement initiatives. She offers a versatile and multifaceted palette of expertise to the Forward Hispanic Community Services team, including a vast background of working in multicultural settings, overcoming differences between individuals and establishing a comfortable common ground, Mrs. Diaz excels at using all forms of bilingual communication to establish positive and lasting therapeutic outcomes in all varieties of patients.

Mrs. Diaz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from St. Augustine College, and her specialties cover a broad group of therapeutic subjects, including anger management, interfamilial relationships, mental health, addiction, and sexuality. Furthermore, she has received additional certification and training in the fields of sexual offenses treatment, suicide prevention, domestic violence and abuse intervention. Through her involvement with Forward Hispanic Community Services, Mrs. Diaz seeks to make valuable contributions towards improving the lives of community members, and ensuring safer, healthier and more positive environments for families and youth.

CO-FOUNDER

Father Carlos A. Plazas, Ph.D. is a well-established and nationally certified psychologist with a rich history in education, community engagement, excellence in clinical counseling, and entrepreneurship. As the founder of St. Augustine College, the first bilingual institute of higher education in Illinois, Dr. Plazas has devoted his life’s work to educating and improving the welfare of Chicago’s Hispanic communities.

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
BOARD MEMBER

Kevin is a full-time Licensed Professional Counselor and supports individuals and families navigating a variety of multilayered mental health issues. Kevin provides a wide range of psychotherapy services including individual, couples, and group counseling.

CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

Mrs. Flores holds a Master of Social Work specializing in Mental Health with a sub-specialization in Migration Studies. From Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from St. Augustine College.

For the past 16 years, Mrs. Flores has been the owner and director of a childcare facility. This facility has a high certification for Rate Excellence in Early Learning and Development in Illinois. Since 2017, she has been a worker in clinical mental health in multicultural settings. She has a large Experience in facilitating psychoeducational such as parenting, D.V, and PAIP groups.

School Credential, LSW

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK INTERN
BOARD MEMBER

Herman is a clinical social work intern who collects clients' medical histories and helps maintain client records. Herman exclusively evaluates client's needs and treatment options.