Centered on Healing. Driven by Justice.

Dr. Gena Castro Rodriguez is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, educator, and nationally recognized leader in trauma-informed care, victim advocacy, mental health services, and community wellness. With over three decades of experience, her career is built on a strong commitment to social justice, equity, and expanding access to culturally responsive care. Her work primarily focuses on communities historically underserved by traditional systems, particularly survivors of violence, individuals affected by trauma, and those impacted by systemic inequities. Throughout her career, she has developed innovative services and interdisciplinary interventions aimed at promoting healing, resilience, and meaningful systems change in trauma recovery.

Dr. Castro Rodriguez has held leadership roles across various sectors, including academic, nonprofit, public, and justice settings. She served as Executive Director of the National Alliance for Trauma Recovery Centers at UCSF, where she played a pivotal role in advancing a national movement to increase access to comprehensive, survivor-centered trauma recovery services. In her capacity as Chief of Victim Services for the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and Director of the Survivor Center at the Prosecutors Alliance, she led initiatives to enhance trauma-informed and survivor-centered practices within the criminal justice system. Earlier in her career, she co-founded and served as Executive Director of the Youth Justice Institute, where she developed programs that fostered healing, leadership, and community engagement among young people affected by the juvenile justice system.

Currently, Dr. Castro Rodriguez is an Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Practice for the Marriage and Family Therapy program in the University of San Francisco’s Graduate Counseling Psychology Department. In this capacity, she teaches and mentors emerging mental health professionals, advancing clinical training and scholarship at the intersection of trauma, crime victimization, mental health services, and social change. As Co-Director of USF’s Center for Counseling and Community Wellness, she works diligently to expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive mental health services for communities across the Bay Area.

As a frequent speaker, trainer, consultant, and advisor to organizations nationwide, Dr. Castro Rodriguez integrates her clinical expertise with community practice, education, and systems leadership. Her work promotes a vision of mental health, public health, and public safety that is grounded in dignity, equity, healing, and the strengths of individuals and communities.