Eliluz Pantoja

I am graduating from Fordham University's Mental Health Counseling program this Summer, with a strong passion for supporting children and underserved populations. Throughout my academic journey, I gained hands-on experience working with children with autism, utilizing approaches such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), play therapy, and other client-centered interventions.

During my time at Fordham, I interned at two clinical sites where I focused on strengthening my skills in evidence-based modalities, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These experiences deepened my clinical insight and reinforced my dedication to providing compassionate, tailored care.

I am currently seeking a position where I can continue to grow as a clinician, receive supervision toward licensure, and work with children, individuals with disabilities, or other populations in need. I am eager to bring my empathy, dedication, and growing clinical expertise to a team that values both professional development and meaningful client outcomes.

With a strong foundation in child and adolescent mental health, I bring a diverse range of experiences working with individuals across developmental and emotional spectrums. My passion for mental health advocacy and clinical work began early and has grown through years of hands-on experience, both in educational settings and clinical environments.

My journey started during my undergraduate years when I interned at a special education preschool. There, I developed an understanding of early childhood development and the unique emotional and behavioral needs of young children with disabilities. This experience sparked a deep interest in working with neurodiverse populations, which I pursued further after graduation by working at a special education school specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In this role, I provided direct support to children with autism, integrating behavioral interventions, communication strategies, and play-based learning to support individual growth.

Even before college, I was drawn to mental health education. In high school, I led mental health mentoring classes for freshmen, teaching emotional literacy, coping skills, and peer support strategies. This early leadership role cemented my desire to support others through both education and emotional guidance.

During my graduate studies in Fordham University's Mental Health Counseling program, I completed two clinical internships at private practices. These settings allowed me to work with clients across a range of ages and presenting concerns. I focused on developing skills in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while also learning the importance of flexibility and rapport in one-on-one therapeutic relationships. Under supervision, I worked with children, adolescents, and young adults, many of whom were navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, or neurodevelopmental diagnoses.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Hunter College, with a concentration in Clinical Psychology and a minor in Sociology. My undergraduate studies gave me a strong foundation in psychological theory, research methods, and the impact of social systems on mental health. During this time, I also interned at a special education preschool, where I developed an early interest in working with neurodiverse children and supportive interventions.

Building on this foundation, I pursued my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Fordham University. At Fordham, I deepened my clinical knowledge and practical skills through coursework, training in evidence-based modalities, and two intensive internships.