Karina Valles has dedicated her career to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery since joining Angels Recovery in 2008. Starting as an executive assistant, Karina’s passion for helping others and her commitment to growth propelled her into her current role as a counselor, where she specializes in substance use disorders and trauma-informed care. She provides individual counseling under the supervision of Lizz Toledo, LCSW, and brings a compassionate, client-centered approach to every session. Karina holds a CADC-II certification through ADCBGA and is a certified Youth Mental Health First Aider. She actively pursues continuing education to stay current with best practices and evidence-based modalities. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia State University, and she is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Georgia, with a focus on micro-level social work. Upon completing her MSW, Karina is preparing to transition into a leadership position within Angels Recovery, while also expanding her impact through private practice, continuing her work in trauma-informed care. Deeply committed to serving underserved communities, Karina has a strong connection to the Latino community and proudly offers bilingual services in English and Spanish. Her work is guided by a calling to advocate for equity in mental health and recovery services, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have access to compassionate, culturally competent care. Karina believes in empowering individuals through empathy, education, and evidence-based practices, helping them build resilience and reclaim their lives.