Nicole Aranda, MSW, LICSW

My aim is to provide a safe, warm, non-judgmental space for patients to feel accepted and empowered to reach their own goals. Whether I meet with them one time or for many months, I would like for them to walk away with a skill they did not know before and the knowledge that they are treated with respect, compassion and empathy at Seattle Roots.

I see myself, family and friends reflected in our clinic. I think about how my Mexican grandmother, a widow with 7 children in rural Southern California would have benefited from a clinic center such as Country Doctor and how I am continuing a tradition from my Filipino grandfather, who was a dentist to the farm worker community in his province in Pampanga and had to restart as an orderly when moving to the United States in his 50s. I have observed the team here show their deep care for one another, as well as our patients, and I wanted to be a part of this rich culture and history.

I am a strong proponent of long walks and deep talks in nature, as well as healthy doses of belly laughs that make one tear up. Preparing and eating delicious food and imaginative play with little ones also are within my weekly needs of well-being.