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Hanna Otero, LSW

Education & Background

Hanna’s path into social work has been shaped by more than 25 years of experience in education, leadership, and the development of social-emotional learning programs for children. This unique background allows Hanna to connect deeply with clients of all ages, drawing on both her clinical training and her understanding of child development, cultural responsiveness, and the power of communication. Hanna holds a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University, a Master of Arts in International Journalism from the University of Westminster, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Riverside. 

In her clinical work, Hanna has supported children, adolescents, adults, and couples in outpatient and school-based settings. She is LGBTQ+-affirming with experience in working with transgender youth and their families. She is particularly passionate about helping young people develop strategies to manage adversity, improve relationships, and fortify self-esteem.

Approach

You are the expert on your own life, yet it’s often difficult to hear your inner voice beneath the roar of stress and worry. Hanna offers a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings openly. Here, every part of you is welcome. She approaches each session with compassion and unconditional positive regard, holding a deep belief in every person’s capacity for growth and self-discovery. Her work is grounded in a client-centered, Rogerian orientation. She integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed care, while always centering the client’s own voice, values, and goals.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill