Today we’d like to introduce you to Luciana Lorino
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all started in my 10th grade AP Psychology course in Felix Varela Senior High School (Go Vipers!). I was immediately drawn to the subject of psychology. I had an amazing teacher, Mr. Caroddo, who really helped me grow interest in the field. I was always in between psychology and education and I was never sure how I was going to mix the two. Fast forward my sophomore year of college, I began working at a private special education school as a paraprofessional. I truly enjoyed the concept of special education and working with students that had learning deficiences and other disabilities. I began to pursue my bachelors degree in Education at Florida International University. I finally became a 1st grade special education teacher. However, after a year of working as a teacher, I knew I wanted to do more. I began working at a tutoring company as an assistant and quickly became a program coordinator. One on One Learning helped me excel in my career in so many ways. I began to understand the role of a leader and I was able to create programs using my teacher skills for schools all over the United States. The focus was to improve student learning and approach tutoring in a worldly view. Being part of this company introduced me to the field of School Psychology. I had finally found my niche, the perfect mix of psychology and education. I started my post grad program at Florida International University (Go Panthers!). The entire program was 3 years. The last year of my program, I completed my internship with Miami-Dade County Public Schools. After 3 years of working as a School Psychologist under supervision for the school district, I applied for my licensure and became a licensed practitioner. 2022 is when Minerva Bilingual was born. Minerva stands for knowledge/wisdom. I decided to name my company Minerva with the idea that I was providing wisdom and knowledge to others through my psychoeducational evaluations and shedding light on each individual’s learning needs. As a bilingual school psychologist, I feel my company has been able to thrive particularly within the immigrant community in Miami, FL.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It is never a smooth road. I have had several bumps in the road. I am a first generation immigrant in Miami and I had to figure out my way through college. I knew I needed to pay for my education which meant beginning to work my junior year in high school. I had to accrue several student loans and work all 8 years of my college education in order to afford it. Balancing work and school was not an easy task, but I would not change anything about my experience! One of the biggest hits I took during this time was losing my dad. Losing him at an early age meant I had to make things happen on my own, I no longer had anyone providing for me. However, this circumstance became the fuel I needed to complete my program and become the professional I am today.
We’ve been impressed with Minerva Bilingual, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Minerva Bilingual is a private practice and I am the licensed practitioner who completes psychoeducational evaluations. This is a comprehensive evaluation that statistically proves any concerns that may be impacting the person academically, intellectually, behaviorally, emotionally, and/or socially. I work with age groups from 2 to 18 years old and I recently partnered with FIU to work with college students. My licensure and specialist degree allows me to complete these comprehensive pscyhoeducational evaluations which will provide insight on how the person is functioning overall and if there are any deficits. This information allows me to provide recommendations and accommodations to improve learning and overall experience in school/college or at the time of any required examinations. What sets me apart from others is my expertise. I have been working with students in the field of education for over 13 years. I am also bilingual which allows me to complete these evaluations in English and Spanish. This is an essential skill as a private practitioner in Miami. I want my readers to know that as an immigrant child, I understand the struggles one may face being a first generation student.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
When I was growing up I knew I wanted to help and work with people. I was always the child in school helping my friends, I was always the friend giving my shoulder to cry on. I was always voted “most friendly” in class for helping my classmates. I enjoyed volunteering and being part of the community. I knew if I was helping others, I would be just fine and I truly feel that is how I have gotten so far in my career.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minervabilingual/
Image Credits
@magiccitymel for headshots
