COMPAS was founded in 2026 by bilingual clinical social workers Ryan Durand and Vanesa Diaz. After years of witnessing the growing disparity in access to high-quality mental health care for youth and families particularly within Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities. At a time when many immigrant families are facing increasing adversity, uncertainty, and systemic barriers; the co-founders recognized the urgent need for an organization intentionally designed around accessibility, cultural responsiveness, and long-term sustainability.
After working alongside local and statewide nonprofits, schools, and short-term grant funded initiatives, Vanesa and Ryan saw first hand how families were too often left navigating fragmented systems, long waitlists, language barriers, and financial obstacles that limited access to meaningful care. They also recognized the need for a model that supported clinicians in delivering the kind of thoughtful relationship centered treatment that families deserve.
About COMPAS
COMPAS was created to bridge that gap.
Our organization is built on the belief that every child, adolescent, and family deserves access to compassionate, culturally responsive mental health services regardless of language, immigration status, or financial circumstances. By prioritizing language accessibility, eliminating financial barriers to care, and partnering with highly qualified bilingual clinicians, COMPAS seeks to provide the quality and consistency of care families might expect in a private practice setting while remaining deeply rooted in community values and accessibility.
At the same time, COMPAS is committed to creating a sustainable model that values and supports therapists, recognizing that quality care begins with clinicians who are empowered to do their best work. Through collaboration, community partnerships, and a shared commitment to equity, COMPAS strives to create systems of care where youth and families feel seen, supported, and connected.
Meet the Founders
Meet the Founders
Meet the Founders
Vanesa is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Louisiana and the founder of Carnero Clinical Services LLC, a private practice dedicated to providing culturally responsive mental health services to Spanish-speaking individuals and families. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with immigrant youth and families, supporting clients navigating trauma, systemic barriers, and complex life transitions. Vanesa has extensive experience conducting trauma-informed clinical services, collaborating with schools and community organizations, and advocating for increased access to mental health care for underserved communities. Her work focuses on creating safe and culturally responsive spaces where immigrant youth and families can access support and resources. As co-founder of COMPAS, Vanesa is committed to expanding access to mental health services and strengthening community partnerships that support the well-being and resilience of immigrant youth.
Vanesa Díaz, LCSW
Ryan is a bilingual clinical social worker with extensive experience providing mental health services to immigrant and Spanish-speaking communities in the Greater New Orleans area. His work has focused on trauma-informed care with youth and families, particularly those navigating recent migration and systemic barriers to care. He has supported students in school-based settings and continues to provide therapy primarily to Spanish-speaking youth and families in his private practice, Respiro Therapy Services, LLC. His clinical specialties include treatment for post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and challenges related to disrupted attachment. Through COMPAS, Ryan brings a commitment to building collaborative, culturally responsive systems of care that expand access to high-quality mental health services for individuals and families facing barriers to care.
Ryan Durand, LCSW-BACS
Our Model
COMPAS operates through a collaborative community-based model. Through partnerships with foundations, schools, community organizations, and grant-funded initiatives, COMPAS secures funding that helps reduce or eliminate financial barriers for participating families.
Rather than functioning as a traditional clinic, COMPAS partners with licensed bilingual mental health professionals who already serve the community in a variety of capacities—including private practice, school-based settings, and other nonprofit organizations. This flexible provider network allows COMPAS to match youth and families with clinicians whose specialties, language abilities, cultural understanding, and availability best fit their needs. Services can be offered across multiple settings, including the therapists’ offices, community locations, telehealth, and in nontraditional hours, helping families access support in ways that are practical and sustainable.
The COMPAS model also supports clinicians by creating opportunities for meaningful community-based clinical work while maintaining flexibility around their pre-existing responsibilities and schedules.
Our Board of Directors
Serves as President of COMPAS. Director of English Learner Programming for NOLAPS. Co-Founder and Director of Routes of Strength Academy (ROSA), previously founded and director Las Sierras Academy.
Emma Merrill, M. Ed.
Serves as Secretary of COMPAS. Founder and Director of New Orleans Hispano America Dance (NOHA). Has extensive experience serving unaccompanied children and their families through community-based support.
Belinda Ávila
Serves as a board member and is a cuir Honduran community organizer, researcher, writer, and professional English and Spanish Interpreter.
Edith Romero
Serves as board member and is a bilingual mental health provider for Jefferson Parish School Based Health Centers.
Laura García, LCSW
Serves as board member and currently is a second-year law student at the University of Minnesota Law School, where he is pursuing an immigration and human rights concentration.
Victor Paz
Serves as board member and has experience working as a Program facilitator for Puentes. Currently provides support for Latino families, particularly mothers with infants in the NICU, and facilitating community support groups.
Kimberly Ordoñez
Co-Founder of COMPAS and a bilingual mental health provider with years of experience serving the New Orleans community. Has extensive experience supporting immigrant youth as a provider in the public school system. Owner of Respiro Therapy Services LLC.
Ryan Durand, LCSW-BACS
Co-Founder of COMPAS and a bilingual mental health provider with years of experience serving the New Orleans community. Has extensive experience supporting unaccompanied children, immigrant individuals, and their families through culturally responsive mental health services. Owner of Carnero Clinical Services LLC.