Anita Guajardo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and approved clinical supervisor in Texas deeply committed to a holistic approach in direct social work practice and education. As a proud daughter of immigrant parents and a first-generation college graduate, she passionately connects with individuals navigating the complexity of multiple cultural worlds, providing validation, companionship, and support.
With Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Science in Social Work degrees from The University of Texas at Austin, Anita’s career took root in aiding refugee children and adolescents from Mexico and Central America. This experience enriched her understanding of complex trauma, community violence, abuse, human trafficking, and displacement. Her trauma-informed care and clinical practice expertise was refined through opportunities to work in community-based, school-based, and medical settings. Intertwined with clinical practice has been the ever-present interest in mentorship, supervision, and education, and during her time with LifeWorks in Austin, Anita had an opportunity to become affiliated with the Steve Hicks School of Social Work as a Practicum Instructor.
Currently, Anita is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work, guiding students in practicum education and offering support through the Rising Roots mentorship program. Simultaneously, she continues her clinical practice, using EMDR and trauma-informed, culturally attuned, and socially just psychotherapy services to help clients liberate internalized oppression, promote healing, and gain empowerment.
Beyond campus, you might spot her paddle boarding, hiking a trail with a pup, snapping pictures of trees, animals, and nature, and on her way to find pizza in a baseball cap.