SMJ Wellness: Innovations in Workplace Wellness and Motivational Leadership

I'm a bilingual (English & Spanish) champion for workplace wellness, diversity and inclusion, and motivational leadership. I believe in creating thriving, inclusive workplaces where individuals feel empowered — and where organizations achieve real, lasting success.

As the founder of SMJ Wellness, I have led numerous initiatives to integrate holistic wellness practices into workplace culture. I believe that employee well-being is the cornerstone of both productivity and innovation. That’s why I design programs that prioritize mental health, stress management, and work-life balance — ensuring that teams not only function but truly flourish.

I'm also deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in every space I enter. I work to break down barriers and build equitable environments where all voices are heard, valued, and celebrated. Through open dialogue, impactful training sessions, and inclusive policy development, I help organizations embrace the full richness of diverse perspectives and lived experiences.

My approach to leadership and problem-solving is rooted in creativity and collaboration. I’m known for tackling complex challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset — finding opportunities for growth in every obstacle. My motivational leadership style encourages teams to think beyond the conventional, stay resilient, and strive for their highest potential.

I believe in continuous learning and staying at the forefront of industry trends. By blending evidence-based strategies with a personal, human-centered approach, I bring both expertise and energy to every workshop, keynote, and consulting session. My mission is simple: to make workplaces healthier, more inclusive, and more successful — one organization at a time.

I hold a degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California and have been recognized as an accomplished trainer and speaker.

Outside of work, you’ll find me behind a camera lens or experimenting in the kitchen. I'm passionate about deep-diving into new experiences, whether they take me across the world or just around the corner.

Start Your Journey

The Approach

Steph’s approach is direct, practical, and rooted in action. She cuts through the noise to get to the heart of what’s not working—and then builds clear, evidence-based strategies to fix it. Grounded in trauma-informed principles and real-world leadership experience, her work focuses on creating psychological safety, breaking toxic patterns, and developing systems that actually support people.

No fluff. No jargon. Just real solutions that move teams forward.

  • To get started, you can contact Steph by phone or email to schedule a brief consultation. This initial conversation helps ensure a good fit and allows space to discuss your needs and goals.

  • A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is requested for cancellations or rescheduling. That said, life happens — flexibility and reasonableness are part of Steph’s approach to care.

  • Steph is not paneled with traditional insurance companies. She does accept two Employee Assistance Program (EAP) plans: Lyra Health and ComPsych.


    EAP benefits are short-term behavioral health supports offered through some employers.

  • Yes. Steph accepts private-pay clients. Her rates are intentionally kept accessible, with a commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that quality behavioral health care is not out of reach.

  • Yes. Steph maintains an office in the heart of Whittier, California and offers in-person sessions, as well as virtual therapy for clients located anywhere in the state of California.

  • Absolutely. Steph is a champion of diversity and practices active allyship. She is committed to creating spaces where everyone feels safe, respected, and seen, and she stands in solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities.

Practical Questions