Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Labadia.
Hi sandra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My parents are both immigrants to the US from Bavaria; Germany and I grew up in the state of Connecticut.
My life journey began after attending travel school and was recruited to work as a French reservationist translating for Amtrak and later, I worked later worked in as travel agent. On one of my trips to the Island of Cyprus, I met a woman who told me I would teach the international language to the Deaf. Upon my return to Connecticut, I became curious and went to learn Sign Language at the National Theatre for the Deaf (NTD) in Chester, CT. and went on to attend an interpreting school to become an ASL Interpreter. I landed a position at the first school in the world for the deaf, The American School for the Deaf (ASD) as a interpreter/ job coach. This position was to assist deaf ASD graduates in secure jobs in the community in various positions and interpret between them and their employers until they could work independently. I was later offered a position to work at the New York Society for the Deaf (NYSD) where I became an interpreter and case manager for 11 Deaf Holocaust Survivors. I assisted in managing their day to day their lives and activities and I taught Judaism on Fridays with a Rabbi to the deaf and DeafBlind.
I wish to further my assistance and advocacy for the deaf, so I went to school to educate myself to become a psychotherapist/counselor. When I met moved to Texas, I decided to go back to school once again to become a Chaplain and I worked 1 year in Hospice and in 4yrs at UTSW Medical Center, Zale Lipshy, Simmons Center and Methodist Level 1 Trauma hospital. Simultaneously, I opened a non-profit in 2015, for the deaf to serve the Deaf community in Texas. & nationwide.
We provide ASL classes, ASL Interpreting Services, Disability presentations, ASL Matrimonial Services and trips to the Holy Land. We plan to offer future educational trips to Spain and for an African Safari.
In 2016, My chaplain colleague Dr, Reverend Tom Hudspeth and I took a group of Deaf Christians and Muslims to the Holy Land to meet with Deaf Jews in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as an intrafaith tour. We brought a film director to create the film a ‘Deaf Light of Hope” My goal was to create awareness, understanding and peace amongst the Abrahamic faiths.
In 2025, I took the first of Deaf Muslims pilgrims to Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
Currently, I am licensed in 18 states in the US as a Psychotherapist. I provide therapy both in person and remotely. I I am currently interested in providing Mental Health Retreats for MH Providers as I see the need and an opportunity for selfcare nationwide to prevent Compassion Fatigue. It seems I have come full circle in returning to my love for travel and combining this with the goal of selfcare for clinicians.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have certainly met struggles and challenges along the way but that is a part of the journey of life. It is important to always believe in yourself, never give up hope and keep creating new and different opportunities to help me manifest my dreams.
I have been fortunate to have an optimistic approach and attitude in life, and this has served me well. I believe that my faith has always been my inspiration and provided the courage to chase after my dreams in life.
I think that part of the joy is the creative process and the challenges are the learning path to reach your success.
Life is not always about financial gain as it is about how many lives you are able to impact and help along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a therapist/counselor as a professional and own my own practice. Centrapeutic Counseling Https;//www.centrapeutic.com
My work is inter-generational, inter-faith and multi-cultural. I enjoy serving a plethora of diverse individuals from around the globe. I may be most known for my advocacy work in the deaf community. Perhaps, this sets me apart from others in the fact that I am able to be the interpreter and counselor at the same time.
I am most proud of founding the Non-profit ISDHH. Islamic Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in 2015
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have been very blessed to have a wondaful husband, who has been my mentor, constant supporter and Number 1 cheerleader for the past 22yrs. He empowers me every day to strive to be better and to continuously improve myself.
I have also been inspired by an excellent business partner, Rebecca Hossain (deaf) who inspires me every day with her generosity of heart, insightful perspective and wisdom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.centrapeutic.com
- LinkedIn: sandralabadia
- Other: https://www.isdhh.org
