Pro Bono Counseling’s staff has increased with the addition of four new staff members: Marcela Carbajal is a Clinical Associate, Melanie Garcia is the Outreach Associate, and Marylin Landrau and Marjorie Merilus are WARMLine Associates.
Marcela Carbajal began her career with Pro Bono Counseling during her practicum semester and is also fulfilling a clinical internship position. She received her B.A. in Psychology and Child Development and is in her second year of an M.A. program in Mental Health Counseling. Originally from Mexico City, she currently lives in Colorado.
“I joined Pro Bono Counseling because I wanted to be part of an organization that cares about diversity and inclusion and is committed to supporting individuals who are in need of mental health services,” Marcela said.
In her free time, Marcela enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors photographing nature and playing fetch with her dogs, and traveling.
Melanie Garcia has worked in the mental health field as an interpreter for ten years and was previously employed by Advanced Behavioral Health as an interpreter and outreach assistant. Originally from San Miguel, El Salvador, she came to the United State when she was 11 years old and now lives in Maryland.
“I applied to Pro Bono Counseling because I am passionate about mental health,” Melanie explained. “As someone who at one time had very limited resources due to immigration status, it feels great to be a part of an organization that helps to remove those barriers. In this position I can share what PBC does with people who may be experiencing similar circumstances.”
Melanie is a wife and mom to three wonderful children, a dog named Maggie, and a cat named Ringo.
Marylin Landrau has spent about ten years in the mental health field, earning her MSW from Hunter College.
“I have been lucky enough to experience all the different hats that social work can offer,” Marylin stated.
Marylin is originally from Brooklyn, NY, and although she feels there is no place like New York City, she currently resides in Macon, GA, which is quite a change for her. Marylin also shared that she is 100% a Disney adult.
“I wanted to work for Pro Bono Counseling because I wanted to shift to a position that would allow me to interact with individuals in a more direct way,” Marylin said. “I appreciate PBC’s vision of connecting individuals with mental health support, regardless of barriers, and I also wanted to be a voice of support for Spanish speakers.”
Marjorie Merilus earned her B.S. in Health Behavior Science from the University of Delaware and an MSW from Rutgers University. She is an LMSW and also works for the Maryland Department of Human Services as a Foster Care/Adoptions social worker.
Marjorie was born and raised in Delaware, and although she lived in New Jersey and Maryland for a few years, she reports that all roads led back to Delaware where she currently resides.
“I applied for the WARMLine Associate position because it is a great flexible opportunity to aid individuals experiencing mental health concerns,” Marjorie explained. “I have a huge heart for individuals who are a part of vulnerable communities and Pro Bono Counseling seeks to serve those individuals.”
Marjorie is a wife and mother of a very bright and energetic two-year-old girl. She loves to take long scenic walks outdoors, spend time with family, and craft with her Cricut machine.
Please join us in welcoming Pro Bono Counseling’s newest team members!
