For Dr. Alecia Rodriguez, family and transformation are deeply connected.
Today, the 41-year-old South Florida resident is a licensed psychotherapist, nonprofit founder, wife and mother of three adult children. She is also a foster parent who has opened her home to children in need, helping provide the stability and love she once longed for herself.
But Rodriguez’s journey to success began with trauma, loss and uncertainty.
“Family for me started with my biological family,” Rodriguez said. “However, that was disrupted and I was placed in care and moved from foster home to foster home.”
As a child, Rodriguez was sexually assaulted. Her mother struggled with substance abuse, and Rodriguez eventually went to live with her grandmother. Instead of finding the safety she needed, she faced additional hardship.
“Unfortunately, my grandmother struggled with alcohol abuse and her abuse of alcohol caused her to physically abuse me for many years,” Rodriguez said.
Eventually, Rodriguez found her way to Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services, a turning point she credits with changing the course of her life.
“When I walked through these doors as a teenager, I didn’t know how impactful it would be,” she said.
After time at Miami Bridge, Rodriguez was placed with a foster mother she still calls “Mom” today.
“Miami Bridge was the last group home and my last stop was my foster mother who I call mom now,” she said.
For the first time, Rodriguez experienced what it felt like to be valued, protected and supported.
Another major turning point came when she became a mother herself at just 17 years old.
“I have a whole human to be in charge of and I want to do something for her,” Rodriguez recalled.
Determined to build a better future, Rodriguez graduated from high school and enrolled in college with the support of her foster mother and case manager.
A psychology course sparked a passion that would shape the rest of her life.
“I took this one psychology course and this is what I want to do,” she said.
To help support herself and her daughter, Rodriguez modeled while attending school. She earned a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree in mental health. She later completed a doctorate and continues pursuing advanced education.
“I got my doctorate, and I’m on my third doctorate and I’m running my own practice with therapy,” she said.
Today, Rodriguez owns a therapy practice and leads Sadie’s Daughter, a nonprofit organization named in honor of her late mother. The organization advocates for children and young adults in foster care, providing resources, mentorship and support.
“I feel like anyone can be a Sadie’s Daughter or a Sadie’s child or Sadie’s kid,” Rodriguez said.
The nonprofit has already helped hundreds of young people, and Rodriguez hopes its reach continues to grow.
“There have been hundreds of kids served and I hope the numbers continue to grow as the years go by,” she said.
Her commitment to foster children extends beyond her professional work. Nearly four years ago, Rodriguez and her family became foster parents.
“We have been fostering for almost four years now,” she said.
During that time, 14 children have come through their home.
“And we have had 14 children come through our doors, (who) we have raised and brought up as our own,” Rodriguez said.
For Rodriguez, the most important lesson she hopes to pass on is one she learned through her own experiences.
“What is the greatest gift you have and can give to your children? Empathy,” she said.
Those words now define the mission of a woman who once knew neither empathy nor empowerment, but who has dedicated her life to helping others heal.
Her message to children facing difficult circumstances is simple:
“You woke up this morning. You’re here. Your story doesn’t stop here,” she said.
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