Welcome to Forward Hope

Xiomara Ramirez is the founder of Forward Hope, LLC, a remote private practice dedicated to providing holistic approaches to mental health and wellbeing. Her professional journey spans diverse roles, including clinical director, clinical supervisor, and field instructor. She has also worked as a substance use counselor, migration and trauma therapist, infant-toddler specialist, and family support specialist. In addition to her private practice, she contributes her expertise to the State of Illinois, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to making a positive impact. Xiomara is also the author of Our Way to Licensing, a practical guide designed to support aspiring professionals as they navigate the behavioral health field. 

 

Xiomara holds a master’s degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work and a graduate certification as an Infant Toddler Specialist from Erikson Institute. Xiomara is a registered Clinical Supervisor with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She is also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and an Integrative Mental Health Professional.

 

Most recently, Xiomara earned the Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist (IEDS) certification to better support her son and address the need for culturally informed eating disorder treatment, particularly within the Spanish-speaking community. Her commitment to professional growth has also led her to earn certifications as a Mental Health Coach, Trauma-Informed Practitioner, Perinatal Mental Health Specialist, and Domestic Violence Advocate. She is also certified in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT). Additionally, she is certified as an Enneagram Instructor, emphasizing her dedication to understanding individual differences and fostering personal growth.

 

Xiomara serves as Secretary on the Board of Loyola School of Social Work Alumni and mentors aspiring social workers. With over a decade of community service, including ten years of volunteer work in the faith-recovery community, she continues to host free online support groups, providing invaluable guidance to those in need.

 

Her personal philosophy centers on continuous learning, collaboration, and empathy, which she approaches with curiosity and a strong commitment to personal growth. Her values are exemplified by her favorite quotes, including, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better” by Maya Angelou and, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” by Helen Keller.