About
Kindred was born out of lived experience — out of cycles of courage, migration, healing, and remembrance.
Growing up, I witnessed both joy and generational wounds: addiction, survival, racism, and the power of culture to carry us through. These experiences didn’t just shape me — they became the soil from which Kindred grew.
The name Kindred carries many meanings:
Kinship — the bonds of family, chosen and ancestral.
Kindred spirits — those rare connections that make us feel seen, understood, and less alone.
Healing in relationship — we believe healing cannot happen in isolation; it is always held with self, with others, with community.
Intergenerational Spaces for Healing & Growth
Intergenerational Spaces for Healing & Growth
Our Values
Our work is guided by values of:
— Reciprocity over extraction.
— Collective care and intentional practice.
— Cultural and spiritual reverence.
— Equity and access as practice
Through Casa Kindred, schools, hubs, and gatherings, we create spaces for stories to be told, wounds to be tended, and new possibilities to be imagined.
Meet the Founders
Jessica Juarez, M.Ed, LPC, NCC
Founder of Kindred
Jessica is a counselor, artist, and circle-keeper with over 20 years of experience walking alongside youth, families, and communities. Her work blends art with emotional wellness to honor culture, identity, and the sacred act of gathering.
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Born into a family that carried both joy and generational wounds, Jessica’s life has been deeply shaped by witnessing cycles of addiction, mental health challenges, migration, racism, sexism, and survival. These early experiences didn’t just shape her worldview — they lit the path toward her purpose.
Whether in classrooms, community centers, or circle spaces, Jessica shows up with grounded presence, a healing-centered lens, and deep respect for people’s stories.
Jessica is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and holds a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a background in Educational Psychology. Certified in restorative justice and community justice for youth, her practice is anchored in Liberation Psychology, Narrative Therapy, and culturally responsive care.
Currently based in Chicago, Jessica’s heart is always in conversation with her ancestral roots in Guatemala and the sacred landscapes that guide her. She offers her work as an ofrenda — a living tribute to those who came before, those walking beside her, and those yet to come.
Fausto López, M.Ed
Partner in Kindred
Fausto is a DJ, graphic artist, and coach who has spent more than two decades weaving creativity with education and community care. His work lives at the intersection of rhythm, design, and healing practice. Whether behind turntables, sketching visuals, or guiding groups through reflection, he brings presence, play, and purpose.
