YC3 (Yale College Community Care)

La Casa’s YC3 Liaisons 

Yale College Community Care ( YC3), a program created through the collaboration between Yale College and Yale Mental Health and Counseling, expands mental health and wellness support to Yale College’s diverse undergraduate student community. In addition to the services that remain available to students via the department of Yale Mental Health and Counseling, the YC3 program offers students additional options for support. The YC3 program provides students the ability to drop-in with a team member during a day/time of their choosing. They meet with students individually and through group opportunities. In addition to these services, YC3 team members can assist students who are thinking about pursuing more formal, ongoing therapy through Yale Mental Health and Counseling. Students can schedule YC3 appointments directly. To learn more about YC3, please visit https://yalecollege.yale.edu/getting-help/yale-college-community-care-yc3
 
La Casa has the pleasure of having two YC3 liaisons, who have attended our community-wide events, hosted cafecitos at the center, led student workshops and training sessions, and much more. Learn more about them below!
 

Clara Mesa

Clara Mesa (clara.mesa@yale.edu) is a Colombian-American, bilingual Clinical Social Worker, who completed both her Bachelor’s degree and MSW from Boston College. As a first-generation college student, Clara is passionate about empowering students to navigate their college experience while prioritizing their mental health. She employs culturally sensitive and affirming therapeutic interventions in a range of specialties from trauma, anxiety and depression, to acculturation issues and identity exploration. Clara developed her therapy practice over the last 10 years with children, adolescents, and families in community mental health settings. For each student, Clara fosters a safe and inclusive environment in order to help each individual embrace their strengths, navigate challenges, and achieve their fullest potential. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and trying any lemon-flavored foods.

Cindy Avila

Cindy Avila (cindy.avila@yale.edu) is a bilingual New Haven native who has worked in the community for over 10 years with its culturally diverse population. She loves working with young adults and is passionate about supporting students through their personal growth and wellness. She uses a person-centered approach to helping clients navigate life challenges. Cindy has knowledge and experience teaching assertiveness and communication skills, creating boundaries, healthy relationships, exploring spirituality/faith, utilizing time management, improving self-care, and managing stress/anxiety. Cindy earned her Master’s in Community Mental Health Counseling at Southern Connecticut State University. In her spare time, she enjoys salsa dancing, New Haven pizza, reading, movies, and spending time with her friends and family.

Nicole Cepeda

Nicole Cepeda (nicole.cepeda@yale.edu), LCSW is a bi-cultural/bilingual Clinical Social Worker and native New Yorker, now residing in Connecticut. Nicole is dedicated to providing a safe, non-judgmental, therapeutic space for all individuals. Nicole’s background is in therapy with children, adolescents, and young adults. Her clinical approach is focused on helping people understand the effects of trauma and the healing journey, specifically gender-based and intergenerational trauma. Nicole’s sessions are student-centered, culturally-informed, and appreciative of the vulnerability and courage present in the room. Lastly, Nicole enjoys testing her strength through Powerlifting and always starts her day with a cup of Bustelo.