Liberated Wellness Center (LWC) is an exciting new initiative that provides intentional, holistic, and thoughtful interventions that promote healing and well-being, particularly for Black, Brown, Queer and other marginalized individuals and communities -who have historically lacked access to such care. We aim to empower our clients to achieve greater overall well-being and foster thriving communities. Our center will be home to a variety of providers and healers of and from the very communities we serve. Services incorporate culturally sensitive therapies, trauma-informed care, and community-centered initiatives that empower individuals to engage in their healing journey. We believe in the power of representation and strive to amplify the voices and expertise of those who have been marginalized. We take a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being as well as the power held in social connections and creative arts. As an up-and-coming center, we also aspire to create an inclusive space that serves as an umbrella for Black, Brown and Queer providers, leaders, visionaries, and healers to come together and provide culturally sensitive care.
Meet the team
LWC Co-Founders
Nicolalita Rodriguez de Melgar, she/ella
Little People’s Victory is a community focused wellness organization dedicated to cultivating liberated community wellness through decolonial therapy, coaching and consulting. We aim to assist those society has historically deemed as “little” by way of marginalization, oppression and abuse, in discovering and achieving their own path towards wellness- their “victory.” Our approach is inclusive, holistic and liberation focused, centering anti-oppressive, restorative, and trauma informed values, principles and practices. We believe centering the body, mind and spirit in all that we do is essential to the work, and as such we are grounded in utilizing dance, movement, somatic and liberation education and practices as culturally empowering tools for community-based healing.
Kenisha Velez-Lopez, she/her
Whole Soul Wellness serves as a holistic health & wellness organization offering trauma therapy, radical self-love & somatic parts work coaching. Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Kenisha Velez-Lopez works with children, adolescents and young adults as well as their families to address challenges related to depression, complex trauma, family conflict, dissociation and traumatic grief. She is trained in several trauma treatments including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY). Kenisha is also a Level I Reiki Practitioner and skilled astrologer able to utilize energy healing, yoga and astrology in her work.
Rose Jade Consulting
Emily Terrana, She/her Harper Bishop, he/they
Rose Jade is a cooperatively run movement, small business and nonprofit consultancy firm rooted in feminist and anti-oppression values, practice and vision. Rose Jade serves as a resource for social justice movement organizations, organized labor unions, progressively minded political candidates, individuals and/or businesses looking to deepen their commitment to building the just world that we all need.
Bending Buffalo
Twisted Gardens
Shaquille Jones, he/him
Bending Buffalo is a community wellness organization that centers mental health and community healing. Guided by the quote “healing through movement” our founder, owner and lead yoga teacher Shaquille Jones, looks to provide access to healing spaces and services in traditionally overlooked communities.
Pedro Velez-Lopez Jr.
Twisted Gardens is a naturopathic wellness organization committed to providing high-quality, herbal-based products, workshops and education designed to support your well-being. We’re here to reconnect people with the wisdom of nature. Through our products and educational workshops, we strive to build a community that values sustainability, self-care, and the healing power of herbs.
Brandon Melgar-Escalante, he/him
Poised Cuisine serves up a unique blend of art and Salvadorian cuisine with a local (Buffalonian) twist. Chef and Teaching Artist, Brandon Melgar-Escalante, combines his passion and expertise in visual and culinary arts with the love of his culture. His goal is help others overcome adversity and embrace cultural diversity through art, culture and cuisine. In need of a private chef, catering, or cooking workshops? Check our Poise Cuisine and keep an eye out for pop-ups!
