Meet Your Life Coach
Maria Gentile, MSW, LSW, CPR, CNA
Founder & CEO of Write Your Own Chapter LLC
With a deep passion for healing and understanding the human experience, Maria Gentile has dedicated her career to guiding individuals through life’s most challenging moments. Her expertise spans gerontology, hospice care, child therapy for domestic violence survivors, and crisis intervention, equipping her to support individuals across all stages of life with compassion and insight.
Maria’s diverse background has shaped her unique approach to supporting others. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, blending strategic thinking with her natural leadership. She has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in a hospital setting, providing bedside care and supporting patients with compassion and skill. Her experience as a former soccer player has instilled discipline, teamwork, and resilience—qualities she brings to her work as a therapist and coach. Additionally, Maria’s love for theater has given her a deep appreciation for self-expression, storytelling, and the power of personal transformation.
Maria’s therapeutic philosophy is rooted in the belief that trauma can cause us to lose our values, beliefs, and even ourselves—but healing is always possible. Having experienced childhood trauma herself, she understands the fear that holds many back from fully living. Through her work as a child therapist, Maria has witnessed the power of expressing emotions with respect, listening without judgment, and providing unwavering support. She believes in fostering a safe space where individuals can rediscover their strength, reclaim their voice, and move forward with resilience.
As the Founder and CEO of Write Your Own Chapter LLC, Maria’s mission is to help individuals and families navigate their journeys of growth, healing, and transformation. She is committed to empowering others to write their own stories—ones of hope, courage, and self-discovery.
Yolanda Haydee Avellaneda BS
Professional Ontological Coach | Domestic Violence Counselor | Writer
With a diverse professional background and a passion for personal growth, Yolanda Haydee Avellaneda has dedicated her life to transformation and individual well-being. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Communication from the University of Buenos Aires and is a Certified Professional Ontological Coach from CEOP Argentina. She also earned a Master’s in Holistic Psychology in Spain and holds certifications in Biodecoding and Psychogenealogy Therapy MCA.
Her training includes specializations in EMDR Therapy, which she obtained in Lima, Peru, and certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor from New Hope, Chicago. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Social Psychology, which she will complete in December 2025.
Professionally, Yolanda has over a decade of experience in the field of domestic violence. She worked two years as a volunteer and ten years as a Domestic Violence Counselor at Mujeres Latinas en Acción, where she also served as a supervisor for seven years. Later, she worked at Alivio Medical Center, providing behavioral health crisis intervention and case management for approximately two years.
Beyond her work in mental health, Yolanda is a passionate writer who has been published multiple times. One of her most significant contributions was her participation in the anthology "Basta," a national project to fight domestic violence. She has also collaborated with literary platforms such as Contratiempo, El Coyote, and Surco.
As part of Write Your Own Chapter LLC, Yolanda brings her vast experience and deep commitment to healing and empowerment, guiding clients in rewriting their stories with confidence and purpose.
Lucy Guerrero, MSW, LSW
Licensed Social Worker & Life Coach
Lucy is a dedicated Licensed Social Worker with a passion for helping individuals overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Aurora University in 2023, completing specialized internships as a Domestic Violence Counselor and a Child Therapist with Mujeres Latinas en Acción. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Social Justice with a minor in Sociology from Lewis University, where she completed an internship with Juvenile Probation.
Beginning her career as a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor in 2009, Lucy has devoted herself to working with the juvenile population. In 2023, she transitioned into social work at a mental health center, further expanding her impact on individuals seeking growth and healing.
As a Mental Health Professional (MHP) and a life coach, Lucy is deeply committed to helping clients break through barriers, build resilience, and create meaningful change. She blends empathy, accountability, and practical strategies to guide individuals toward their goals. With a warm and motivational approach, Lucy fosters a safe and empowering space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported in taking confident steps toward the future they envision.
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