Luz Hernández papers

Luz C. Hernández, a New York City public school guidance counselor and yoga instructor, is an advocate for non-traditional therapy modalities. She has developed programs to address student mental health and academic needs, especially in East Harlem and Bushwick Brooklyn.

She received a B.A. in Education from the University of Connecticut, a masters of education in guidance from Brooklyn College CUNY, and a second masters of education in psychology from Long Island University. Hernández received additional training at the Swedish Institute of Allied Health Science and Physiotherapy and the Bank Street College of Education, both in New York. Early in her career Hernádez worked as a counselor and instructor at Brooklyn College and Touro College.

As a guidance counselor Hernández provided individual and group counseling; monitored student socio-emotional and academic performance and interventions; and created school programs that integrate body and mind approaches to heal psychological and emotional problems.

As a Bilingual Guidance Counselor and Program Coordinator in District 32 in Brooklyn, New York Hernández taught dance (including folkloric dances) and creative movement at Bushwick P.S. 377. She implemented similar programs as a Bilingual School Psychologist and Guidance Counselor for District 4, which encompasses East Harlem. Transitioning to the High School of Fashion Industres in 2005, Hernández developed the Yoga-Dance Club which incorporated yoga, zumba, flamenco, belly dance, health, and nutrition for student well-being.

The United States Department of State awarded her a U.S. Speaker and Specialist grant in 2001 for her project examining art therapy for at risk kids. As of 2021 Hernádez resides in Manhattan and is a Senior Yoga Instructor at the Integral Yoga Institute.