Andrea Montero-Vasquez, Intern

Andrea was born in Los Angeles, California, and moved to eastern North Carolina as a teenager over 20 years ago. She considers North Carolina home and values the experiences that have shaped her both personally and professionally.

She brings nearly a decade of experience working within the Department of Social Services, where she has served in multiple roles including receptionist, Spanish interpreter, Family and Children’s Medicaid caseworker, and Child Support Agent. She has also worked as a Spanish medical interpreter at ECU Health (formerly Vidant Medical Center). This background has given her a strong understanding of how systems impact individuals and families, and allows her to help clients better navigate andunderstand these processes when relevant.

Andrea works with adolescents and adults experiencing a wide range of life challenges. She believes that people are shaped by everything they have experienced, both good and difficult, and approaches counseling with a genuine interest in understanding each person as an individual while also exploring the systems that have influenced their lives. She recognizes that unmet needs can impact growth and well-being, and that sometimes the work involves building forward, while other times it involves slowing down to explore and heal from the root of what is going on.

In session, Andrea uses practical, skills-based strategies to help clients identify patterns, regulate emotions, and cope with stress, while also creating space for deeper reflection. She considers the role of family, relationships, culture, and environment in shaping each person’s experience and works collaboratively with clients to find approaches that are meaningful and useful in their everyday lives. She is also able to provide counseling services in both English and Spanish.