LSCW & CEO Eight16; Culinary Therapy

Eight16 is a Culinary Therapy Program that provides individual and group therapy sessions while cooking a therapeutic meal in the kitchen. Eight16, is the birthday of my grandmother Sarah. My love and passion for cooking were birthed in her kitchen. I have been cooking with her family recipes ever since I could remember, and I often recall her words: "You have to get your hands dirty, taste as you go, and really put your heart and soul into the bowl." As I continued to cook, I realized the therapeutic power of food: It is not only good for the stomach, food is good for the soul. Thus, Eight16 was born. Eight16 provides meals that HEAL.

Culinary therapy is a therapeutic technique that uses culinary arts, cooking, gastronomy, and an individual, personal, cultural, and familial relationship with food to address the emotional and psychological problems faced by individuals, families, and groups. Participants will participate in a cooking class that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; the evidenced-based intervention that is the framework for Culinary Therapy for:

Communication/ Team Building 

Self Esteem/ Confidence

Stress and Anxiety relief/management

Diversity/Intersectionality

Mercedes believes that every individual has the ability to overcome any obstacle placed before them. As a former foster youth herself, Mercedes has firsthand knowledge of how to triumph against adversity. Originally from South Central Los Angeles, she moved to San Diego 13 years ago to attend San Diego State University. Mercedes earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology in 2010. During her time at SDSU, she was a proud and active EOP Participant, Student Ambassador, and Alex Smith Guardian Scholar. She then went on to attain a Masters of Social Work degree with an emphasis in Community Organizing, Planning, and Administration from the University of Southern California in 2012. While at USC, Mercedes was also involved in Student Organizations and founded the Student Association of Black Social Workers. Go Aztecs and Trojans!

Mercedes is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CalWORKs and EOPS Counselor at Palomar City College and San Diego City College. As a counselor, her role is to encourage students while providing high-quality support services that enable students to complete their educational goals, find meaningful employment, and successfully transition into the workforce. Mercedes’ personal advising philosophy includes; intentional conversations, student/counselor partnership, and commitment to helping students navigate successfully through their academic careers while exploring their educational and career options. Mercedes firmly believes that the academic advising relationship should be a true partnership between counselors and the student to accomplish comprehensive student success. She believes it is much more than selecting the correct courses to graduate but partnering with students throughout their time at San Diego City College to promote holistic thriving.

Previously Mercedes spent 5 ½ years in Non-Profit as an Independent Living Skills Case Manager, teaching life skills to current and former foster youth, and as Clinician, providing therapy to Seriously Emotionally Disturbed (SED) homeless and runaway children and youth, and victims and survivors of Human Trafficking. Her passion and commitment for community service and social justice spreads beyond her career and personal life. Furthermore, as a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., San Diego Alumnae Chapter, Mercedes continues to impact others while serving those most in need.