Languages Spoken at Serengeti Wellness

Here, Culturally Conscious Care Isn’t an Afterthought—It’s our Foundation.

For many in our diverse Chicago community, access to mental health care isn’t just about finding a therapist—it’s about finding the right one. We understand the value of connecting with a therapist who not only understands your story but can truly hear it in your native language. Our bilingual and multilingual therapists are here to meet you where you are. We invite you to explore the therapists listed here and take the next step toward mental wellness that feels like home.

Spanish Speaking Therapists

We’re proud to offer therapy in Spanish to better serve the diverse communities of Chicago, creating a space where Latinx and Spanish-speaking clients can feel seen, heard, and supported. Our Spanish-speaking therapists are deeply attuned to both language and culture, ensuring care that’s not only accessible but truly affirming.

Natalia Gurmendi

Psychotherapist | MAATC, ATR-P

Natalia holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with minors in Studio Arts and Spanish from Auburn University and a master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Trained through a social justice lens, she empowers clients to embrace their identities and brings this intentionality into her work. With experience in both individual and group settings, Natalia has supported adolescents and adults across community mental health, non-profits, and private practice. She integrates trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches—such as CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, and Feminist Therapy—using a person-centered, strengths-based framework to help clients explore their past, understand their present, and build tools for healing. Natalia speaks Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese.

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Olivia DeLeon-Yi

Clinical Psychotherapist | LCSW, MSW

Olivia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with degrees from Northwestern University and UIC’s Jane Addams College of Social Work, as well as an Illinois PEL (Type 73 School Social Work Certification). With experience in both schools and private practice across Chicago and its suburbs, she has spent the past five years supporting individuals of all ages through life’s complexities. Olivia draws from evidence-based, trauma-informed interventions such as ACT, CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing, and uses person-centered, strengths-based approaches to create a supportive, goal-oriented space for healing and growth. Olivia is conversational in Spanish.

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Hindi & Marathi Speaking Therapists

Our Hindi- and Marathi-speaking therapists are here to support South Asian clients in a language that feels natural, familiar, and safe. By offering services in these languages, we continue our commitment to inclusivity and to honoring the rich cultural identities within our Chicago community.

Shirley Gonsalves

Psychotherapist

Shirley is a clinically trained mental health professional with over three years of experience working across India and the United States. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Economics from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai, a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the University of Mumbai, and a second Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Shirley has worked with a diverse range of clients, including serving as Lead Clinical Psychologist at a major community mental health center in India, where she supported over 120 individuals dealing with trauma, abuse, and mental health challenges. In the U.S., she completed her clinical internship at the Anixter Center in Chicago, offering therapy across the lifespan and leading psychoeducational groups. Shirley’s therapeutic approach is rooted in compassion and draws from a wide range of evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, trauma-focused therapy, Narrative Therapy, ACT, Gestalt, Internal Family Systems, and Hypnotherapy. She brings a deep commitment to culturally responsive care, blending academic insight and international experience to support clients on their path to healing. Shirley is fluent in Hindi and Marathi.

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Brazilian Portuguese Speaking Therapists

At Serengeti Wellness, we’re committed to making therapy accessible and affirming for every voice in our community. Our Brazilian Portuguese-speaking therapists provide care that honors both language and cultural identity, creating a space where Brazilian and Lusophone clients can feel deeply understood. This offering is part of our broader mission to support healing that’s rooted in connection, trust, and cultural respect.

Natalia Gurmendi

Psychotherapist | MAATC, ATR-P

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Language Should Never be a Barrier to Healing—It Should be a Bridge

Welcome to Serengeti Wellness, where your experience and full cultural identity is honored. Every journey is personal, and finding a therapist who speaks your language, figuratively and literally, is a powerful first step. We invite you to explore our team and reach out when you’re ready. Your story matters—and we’re here to walk beside you.