Linda Velasquez

Linda P. Velasquez, LCSW, PPS, CWA is an experienced mental health and education professional with over 20 years of service in the areas of education and social services. She is dedicated to supporting youth and families through equitable, school-based systems of care and advancing student well-being through inclusive, healing-centered practices.

A proud first-generation college graduate from Pacoima, California, Mrs. Velasquez earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles while working as a teacher assistant. She began her career in behavioral health, supporting children and youth with diverse learning and developmental needs, before earning her teaching credential from the University of California, Los Angeles. She went on to teach in the Los Angeles Unified School District, where her experiences with students inspired her to pursue a Master of Social Work at the University of Southern California, along with credentials in Pupil Personnel Services and Child Welfare & Attendance.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Mrs. Velasquez brings clinical expertise to her work in education, bridging the gap between mental health and academic success. In 2016, she became the first School Social Worker within a national charter school network, where she developed Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) frameworks and founded a social work internship program that has trained and mentored over 100 Master of Social Work students.

Currently, she serves as a School Social Work Coordinator, providing guidance and coaching to school site social workers and collaborating with administrators to implement student-centered policies and practices. Her work focuses on systems-level change to ensure equitable, inclusive, and supportive educational environments for all learners.

Her professional mission centers on empowering schools and communities to work collaboratively in creating environments where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally