Ricardo shared how he was born in El Salvador and came to Canada at six years old, speaking only Spanish and no English. He said he did well in school and encountered racist moments by being called an immigrant and “you people.” He voices how he became a teacher and psychologist partly due to resonating with being relational. He indicates the importance of studying, learning about people’s stories, and using care to continue to grow, unlearn, and cultivate empathy.
Ricardo Avelar - (he/him), Registered Psychologist - has worked in various fields, including non-profit organizations, K-12 schools, and post-secondary settings, as teacher, counsellor, and supervisor. Currently, he is a Counsellor (Instructor) in Student Wellness Services at the University of Calgary.
