Mario Ismael Espinoza, LCSW (they, them, theirs) was born in Tijuana, B.C., Mexico to a large family of auto-mechanics and artists. Mario immigrated to the United States in 1998, attended the University of California, Irvine (2005) earning a BA in dance and went on to have a professional dance career that lasted 12 years. In addition to performing, Mario has taught Pilates in the Bay Area of San Francisco and in New York City, since 2006.

In 2017, Mario retired from the stage and attended NYU for a Masters Degree in Social Work. Since then, Mario has been integrating their expertise in movement and mental health to join clients on their journey toward physical and socio-emotional wellbeing. Taking a pluralistic approach in treatment, Mario’s work consists of partnering with individuals, families, and communities in the effort to heal, unite, and strengthen existing resources inherent in all.

In 2023, Mario completed a year-long apprenticeship of the Medicine Way with Irma StarSpirit Turtle Woman who dreamed for Mario the medicine name of Black-Obsidian Eagle Warrior. The Medicine Way work focuses on learning and using shamanic healing modalities and diagnostic techniques, which have been passed down as oral traditions by Curanderxs and Medicine Elders of Turtle Island. Mario continues their studies in Curanderismo with Bob Vetter and a global community of people devoted to mind-body-spirit healing.

Currently a full-time employee of The Entertainment Community Fund, Mario provides mental health services and clinical case management for Entertainment Industry professionals nation-wide. Mario is also a part-time Clinic Therapist at Ackerman Institute for the Family, working with the Latinx Youth & Family Immigration Project: Dímelo en Español.

Mario’s clinical focus is derived from a deep commitment to spirituality, social justice and mental health, which gives rise to a pluralistic and anti-oppressive approach to delivery of clinical services.

Mario is SIFI certified through NYU, and available for clinical supervision, consulting and dialog facilitation.

Mario’s clinical focus is derived from a deep commitment to spirituality, social justice and mental health, which gives rise to a pluralistic and anti-oppressive approach to delivery of clinical services. As a Social Worker, licensed by the state of New York, Mario Ismael Espinoza holds the NASW Code of Ethics in the highest regard for clinical practice.