Leslie Gutierrez is passionate about reducing barriers to mental health services and expanding access to culturally responsive care in Yamhill County, Oregon. Growing up as a young Latina, she witnessed firsthand the limited access to mental health care within her cultural community. This experience helped shape her decision to pursue a career focused on improving access, reducing stigma, and supporting better outcomes for underserved populations.
“There’s already stigma around mental health services in the general population, and that stigma can be even greater within Latino communities. Language is often a significant barrier, but so can finding a safe, welcoming space where people feel comfortable having open conversations—especially with a provider who shares or understands their cultural background.”
Leslie joined Lutheran Community Services Northwest in 2019 and has served in a variety of clinical and leadership roles. As Behavioral Health Program Director, she provides leadership and oversight for six mental health programs serving children, adults, and families throughout Yamhill County. Her work includes strengthening access to clinic- and school-based mental health services, family support, healthy relationships programming, and other community-based behavioral health services.
One initiative close to Leslie’s heart is Prosperando Juntos, a Spanish-speaking mental health program launched by LCSNW in 2022 to help reduce disparities in access to mental health services for Latino families in Yamhill County. The program promotes awareness of and access to culturally and linguistically responsive mental health services through partnerships with schools, churches, and community organizations. Through efforts like Prosperando Juntos, Leslie and her team work to make behavioral health services more accessible, welcoming, and culturally responsive for Latino families in the community.
In her leadership role, Leslie is committed not only to serving clients, but also to developing and supporting the behavioral health workforce. She focuses on creating strong teams, improving quality and outcomes, and finding innovative ways to respond to the evolving behavioral health needs of the community.
Away from work, Leslie finds balance through time with family and friends, hiking, baking, and crafts. Her greatest joy, however, is her mini dachshund, Cooper.
