She has a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). After graduation, she began working with families and youth in various capacities including crisis intervention and maintenance. Her hands-on experience has given her valuable insight into the damaging effects of trauma resulting from loss and the importance of dealing with negative emotions in order to move forward. In November 2019, the City of Corona and the County of Riverside, CA awarded Paulina the “Purveyors of Peace and Hope” award in reorganization for her “exemplary dedication and continued commitment to the community and her services to children and youth."  

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In 2009, she began writing healing from loss books after experiencing the loss of several members of her family. Her most recent one is titled, Life Resumed (2022). It empowers readers to reclaim their lives after a crisis and move forward with strength and confidence and is a follow-up to her previous book, Life Interrupted (2010). 

Paulina has also written history and culinary books. The American Southwest: Pride~ Prejudice~ Perseverance (2011, Revised 2019), is an overview of the various cultures that have populated the Southwest from ancient times to the present and focuses on the pivotal role that Latinos have played in the development of the Southwest. The book has been endorsed by Tom Rivera, Ed.D, Associate Dean at CSUSB and is on the shelves at various college and university libraries.

Her children’s cookbook book, The Littlest Chef: Fun and Healthy Recipes for Children (2015), was inspired by her hands-on cooking experiences with her granddaughters. The Littlest Chef contains healthy alternatives to common food ingredients, food facts and dozens of fun and easy recipes. The book appeals to children, parents, grandparents, educators, pediatricians, etc. and is part of the health education curriculum at local public schools.

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Paulina is a popular and versatile speaker and has spoken at various venues including colleges and universities. Some of her topics include Healing from Loss, Introduction to Writing Memoirs, Latinos and Education, etc. To schedule a speaking engagement or workshop please visit her websites,  www.Grief-Recovery.org or www.TheAmericanSouthwest.net.