Cherina Medina

Cherina (CJ) Medina, LCSW, CSW, is a trauma-informed therapist who is licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Colorado and California. With 15 years of experience across settings from kindergarten through higher education and beyond, Cherina has supported at-risk youth, veterans, and people with disabilities, and has also worked with adults in a wide range of roles. While much of Cherina’s recent work has focused on children, they welcome a balanced caseload that includes adults and teens ages 13-19. For younger children, telehealth is not an ideal fit due to the value of in-person play-based work.

Cherina brings deep expertise in Special Education and the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, including disability law and targeted counseling supports. ADHD has been a longstanding clinical focus for both children and adults, and Cherina offers practical psychoeducation along with coping tools clients can use in daily life. They are also trained to support survivors of sexual assault and approach therapy through a trauma-informed lens that emphasizes steadiness, respect, and choice.

As a Native American therapist (Apache and Navajo/N'de Dine), Cherina may incorporate elements such as mindfulness, prayer, meditation, and instructive storytelling when a client is open to it. Sessions are shaped around the client’s pace and goals, with Cherina offering a grounded, attentive presence and a strong sense of humor when it is helpful. They view laughter as a meaningful source of relief, while also knowing when to slow down, listen, and hold space for the serious parts of a client’s story.