Hi, I'm Jen

My Story

My name is Janizelle Marichal, but I like to go by Jen. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor - Associate under the supervision of Amanda Sherman, LPC-S, and an Elementary School Counselor in Dallas ISD. 

I focus primarily on children, teens, and young adults involving areas of anxiety, self-esteem, self-regulation, social skills, life transitions, and grief. Being a first-generation Cuban-American, I also have a special place in my heart for first-generation Latinx individuals facing difficult life transitions and stressors with generational hardships. 

I like to approach all my clients with unconditional positive regard and believe in the healing power of connection. The emphasis of my style is on genuine, unconditional positive regard, where the client feels accepted and valued for who they are, allowing them to open up and share their innermost thoughts and emotions. 

I knew from very early on that I had a passion for children/teens, education, and psychology. I attended Florida International University for my undergraduate degree where I obtained my Bachelor in Psychology.I knew from very early on that I had a passion for children, education, and psychology. I attended Florida International University for my undergraduate degree where I obtained my Bachelor in Psychology. During my undergraduate studies, I worked at the School R.E.A.D.Y Lab under Dr. Katie Hart where I focused on different research/interventions to help young children with disruptive behaviors improve early academic readiness. I also participated in the Summer Treatment Program (Pre-K) for 3 summers in helping children with ADHD, ODD and other externalizing behavior problems entering Kindergarten develop social skills needed to be ready for school. 

After graduation, I knew I wanted to become a School Counselor and entered the teaching world. I taught Kindergarten for 4 years combined at Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Dallas Independent School District. Although being in the classroom brought me so much joy, I knew my end goal was always in mental health. This is how I ended up attending Texas Woman’s University where I obtained my Masters in Counseling & Development with a dual track in School Counseling. I’ve been an Elementary School Counselor for the last 2 years, where I focus on psychoeducation, social skills, individual counseling, group counseling, and guidance lessons for children ages 3-13. Being in education I’ve seen how much need there is for students' mental health wellness, which is why I’ve known I want to do more than what schools can provide.  

Now my path has brought me to Wellnest, where I am eager to work with children & teens outside of schools to help process, heal, and thrive in our ever-developing lives. 

When I am not working I love to go thrifting/antiquing, reading fiction, playing with my standard poodle Kali, and traveling with my husband.