Ariana Franco,

• ASW

Ariana (Ari) was raised in the Northern California city of Oakley. Ariana attended San Diego State University, and graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. During her undergraduate years, Ariana dedicated much of her time serving youth in the Juvenile Justice System and gained clinical experience through her student worker and internship positions with the San Diego Probation Department. Through these positions, Ariana was able to provide administrative support to the Probation Department’s treatment director, as well as counseling and case management services to youth in juvenile hall.

Ariana continued her social work journey at SDSU, and earned her Master of Social Work and Pupils Personnel Services Credential in 2019. During her masters program, Ariana interned at a K-8 school in San Diego where she provided social emotional support services and was later hired on as the school’s first Social Worker. Most recently, Ariana worked at a San Diego outpatient community clinic where she provided therapy, crisis intervention, and case management services to youth at risk or currently involved in the juvenile justice system.

Ariana is excited to return to school-based services, and be a part of the Mending Matters Team. Ariana takes on both a trauma-informed and strength-based approach to therapy, and finds joy in empowering her clients to recognize their resilience and ability to create change within themselves.

Outside of work, Ariana loves to spend time traveling and exploring the outdoors,working out, volunteering at her church,and spending time with family and friends.