About Us
Founded in 2019, Bodega Roots Therapy was born to destigmatize mental health in NYC’s communities of color. We support first-generation clients navigating intergenerational trauma with culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care. Because strength isn’t found in silence—it’s found in healing.
Why “Bodega?”
Our name reflects who we are. Like your neighborhood bodega—always open, full of life, and rooted in community—we are here to hold space, to listen, and to heal. All of our therapists are people of color, and we believe representation matters—especially when facing mental health challenges.
How We Serve
We blend lived experience with professional care to nurture healing in communities that often feel invisible. Therapy with us centers culture, community, and care—and offers real tools to heal across generations.
What We Specialize In
We offer culturally attuned therapy for a range of concerns, including:
- Intergenerational and developmental trauma
- PTSD, anxiety, depression
- Adult and childhood sexual abuse
- Domestic violence Pregnancy, postpartum, relationships, parenting
- Support for children, teens, and couples
Meet the Team
Carmen Fajardo, LCSW
Founder & Lead Therapist (she/her)
Licensed in New York State, Carmen specializes in developmental trauma and gender-based violence. She brings an anti-oppressive, client-centered approach to every session—creating caring, calm, and safe therapeutic spaces. Outside of Bodega Roots Therapy, she serves as the “Enough Is Enough” coordinator with the DOVE Program at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia, providing training on bystander intervention, trauma awareness, and prevention. She also offers trauma-informed psychotherapy to survivors and contributes to anti-violence coalitions in Northern Manhattan. Carmen holds a BSW from Long Island University and an MSW from Columbia, and teaches as an adjunct at both Columbia and Manhattan College. Proudly Honduran-American, she balances her professional life with motherhood, her partner and daughter, and Luna, their Shiba Inu. You’ll find her nurturing herself outside of work by the beach, on hiking trails, with a good book—or indulging in reality TV.
Renita Pagan, LMSW
Renita Pagan is a Licensed Master Social Worker of Puerto Rican and African American descent with a degree from Hunter College’s Silberman School of Social Work. She is passionate about serving marginalized communities and committed to breaking the stigma around mental health in Black, Brown, and Latinx populations. Renita has supported individuals through challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, childhood experiences, daily stressors, and relationship struggles.
Renita’s approach is warm, supportive, and empowering. She draws on cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, solution focused strategies, and trauma informed care to help clients heal and grow. Her goal is to provide a safe space where people can explore their experiences, strengthen coping skills, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Allison Baidoo, LMHC
Licensed in New York State, Carmen specializes in developmental trauma and gender-based violence. She brings an anti-oppressive, client-centered approach to every session—creating caring, calm, and safe therapeutic spaces. Outside of Bodega Roots Therapy, she serves as the “Enough Is Enough” coordinator with the DOVE Program at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia, providing training on bystander intervention, trauma awareness, and prevention. She also offers trauma-informed psychotherapy to survivors and contributes to anti-violence coalitions in Northern Manhattan. Carmen holds a BSW from Long Island University and an MSW from Columbia, and teaches as an adjunct at both Columbia and Manhattan College. Proudly Honduran-American, she balances her professional life with motherhood, her partner and daughter, and Luna, their Shiba Inu. You’ll find her nurturing herself outside of work by the beach, on hiking trails, with a good book—or indulging in reality TV.
Nicole Evans, LMHC
Nicole is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a master’s degree from Antioch University New England. She brings extensive experience from inpatient mental health hospitals, outpatient substance use treatment centers, and private practice, where she has supported both children, individuals, and families. Nicole specializes in mindfulness techniques, CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, relationship-based interventions, and solution-focused therapy, working with adolescents and adults.
Her clinical expertise includes treating anxiety, depression, grief, substance use, and trauma. As a proud Jamaican American, Nicole is dedicated to advocating for people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. She offers a safe, supportive, and non judgmental space where clients can process difficult experiences and build resilience. Deeply committed to community wellness, Nicole is passionate about raising awareness, fostering positivity, and promoting education around mental health.
Orleida Matos, LCSW
Orleida Matos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Latina therapist who provides individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. She supports clients in navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, interpersonal challenges, and intergenerational trauma.
Orleida takes a holistic, client-centered approach, drawing from CBT, DBT, Solution Focused Therapy, and ACT to tailor treatment to each individual. She is dedicated to creating a warm, affirming space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered in their healing journey.
Kimberly R, LCSW
Throughout my professional history, I have gained experience working with people dealing with a variety of difficult life circumstances and mental health concerns, including: chronic mental illness, homelessness, intimate partner violence, and complex trauma. I graduated with my MSW from NYU and have certifications in TF-CBT, Parenting Journey and DBT, usually combining all of my training to help my clients with their particular issues. My approach includes humor, empathy and honesty as a way to form genuine human connections with others.
Greisse Aquino, LMSW
Greisse is a Licensed Master Social Worker from New York City and a proud graduate of New York University’s MSW program. As a first generation social worker of Honduran descent, she brings cultural awareness, empathy, and lived experience into her practice. Passionate about supporting marginalized communities, Greisse is dedicated to creating a safe and affirming space for healing, growth, and self-discovery.
Using a client centered lens, she provides culturally sensitive, trauma informed care tailored to each individual. She has supported clients navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, mood and emotion dysregulation, and daily life stressors. Her approach is rooted in compassion, respect, and a strong belief in each person’s resilience and ability to change.
Not Sure Where to Begin?
Starting therapy or reaching out for help can feel overwhelming—that’s normal. We’ll walk you through the process step by step.
Visit How to Get Started to learn about FAQs, insurance, and booking. →