Zenit Centro de Serenidad

The Latine community in the Portland metro area continues to face significant barriers to accessible, culturally responsive mental health care. From the lasting impacts of migration-related trauma to the complexities of acculturation, intergenerational conflict, and stigma, the need for culturally specific and community-centered mental health therapy has never been more urgent.

Zenit Centro de Serenidad was founded in direct response to this need, a vision brought to life through collaboration, advocacy, and an unwavering belief in the power of “la cultura cura”. With a bilingual, bicultural team grounded in the values, strengths, and lived experiences of the community, Zenit Centro de Serenidad is committed to offering care that honors identity, builds trust, and fosters resilience.

Zenit Centro de Serenidad represents more than a service; it is a movement toward equity in mental health, rooted in compassion, cultural humility, and collective care. Zenit Centro de Serenidad will serve as a hub for healing, connection, and transformation for individuals, families, and future generations.

Areas of Focus

We understand the distinct challenges faced by the Latine community, including:

  • Acculturative stress and identity issues

  • Family dynamics and intergenerational conflict

  • Trauma related to migration experiences

  • Grief and loss in the context of cultural expectations

  • Stigma around mental health within the community

OUR SERVICES

  • Individual therapy

  • Family therapy

  • Group therapy

  • In-person and telehealth options

 

Find Us At:

510 SW 3rd Ave

Portland, OR 97204

Clinic Hours:

  • Monday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Tuesday & Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Located in Downtown Portland, our office is easily accessible via public transit. The area is well-connected through TriMet buses, MAX Light Rail, and Portland Streetcar services, providing convenient access from neighborhoods throughout the city.

Nearby MAX Light Rail Stations:

  • Morrison / SW 3rd Ave – MAX Blue and Red Lines

  • Lincoln St / SW 3rd Ave – MAX Orange Line

  • SW Washington St & 3rd Ave – Bus stop near MAX corridor (Route 15)

Bus & Streetcar Options:

  • SW 3rd & Harrison – Portland Streetcar Lines A, B, NS

  • Nearby TriMet Bus Routes:

    • SW 3rd & Harrison – Routes 35, 40, 54

    • SW 4th & Hall – Routes 12, 44

    • Transit Mall (5th & 6th Ave corridor) – Major downtown hub for MAX and multiple bus lines

THE ZENIT TEAM

Lucrecia Suarez has dedicated 30+ professional years to offer and develop Latine affirming mental health services for children, adolescents, families and individual adults. Her passion has focused on offering and building services that build transgenerational healing and resilience. She has also provided supervision and training to a diverse group of professionals interested in further integrating skills to support Latine affirming, trauma informed and specific services. She obtained her “Licenciada en Psicología” degree in Caracas,Venezuela in 1988 and obtained her MSW at Portland State University in 1992. In March 2010, Lucrecia received the Social Work of the Year award by the National Association of Social Workers, Oregon Chapter.

Clinical Supervisor

Amy Salazar-Garcia is a bilingual, bicultural mental health provider with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from George Fox University, a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW), and is working toward her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. A Certified Social Work Associate (CSWA) and Qualified Mental Health Professional – Registered (QMHP-R), she provides services rooted in cultural humility, compassion, and a strengths-based approach. Amy has experience with children, adolescents, LGBTQ+ clients, and individuals navigating self-harm, eating disorders, PTSD, grief, and identity-related challenges. She integrates art-based activities and mindfulness tools to foster emotional regulation and self-expression, meeting each client where they are in their healing journey.

Mental Health Provider

Jimena is a bilingual mental health therapist born and raised in El Salvador. With a background in psychology, she earned her Master's in Developmental and Educational Psychology at University of Padova. Her multicultural experiences have shaped an inclusive, client-centered approach to therapy, working with individuals of all ages, with a special focus on supporting children and their families. 

As a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP-R), Jimena is deeply committed to the Latino community, providing culturally responsive, compassionate care. Striving to foster emotional growth and healing by creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel understood, valued and empowered.

Mental Health Provider

AMY MENDEZ

Amy Mendez is a bilingual QMHA, dedicated to bridging the gap between mental health services and the Latine community. Drawing on her deep cultural understanding and trauma-informed approach, Amy supports clients in navigating healthcare systems, accessing social services, and overcoming barriers to care. She is passionate about empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being through culturally relevant education and advocacy. 

Qualified Mental Health Associate

ALMA FERNANDEZ

Alma Fernandez is a bilingual, bicultural Latina and second-year Master of Social Work student completing her clinical practicum at Latino Network. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is passionate about supporting Latine youth and families through culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. As a clinical intern, Alma’s work is grounded in relational healing, cultural humility, and a deep respect for each client’s lived experience. She strives to create safe, affirming spaces where individuals and families feel heard, valued, and supported in their healing journeys. Alma is committed to growing her clinical skills while honoring the strengths and resilience of the Latine community. Her clinical interests include grief and loss, life transitions and identity development, and intergenerational trauma within Latine communities.

Mental Health Counselor Intern

SARAYD ALVARADO ALVAREZ

Mental Health Counselor Intern

Sarayd Alvarez was born and raised in Hillsboro, OR by two migrant parents who migrated to this country for a better future. She developed a strong interest in social work when she was in middle school and pursued her education at Portland State University, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. During this time, seeing the high need there was, she discovered that low income and Latine families were the communities she wanted to serve since they were families with whom she could relate best. As part of her clinical practicum for her MSW her goals are to empower individuals and families, help clients build resilience and self-sufficiency through support, resources, and education, and advance mental health access, especially for underserved populations.

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