"Even in the darkest hours, the brilliant sanity that is in our heart exists. We need to come together to recognize that we are one spirit and that we are interconnected and we can be here together with support and love. And that love truly is the way and truly is the way of healing.”

Eva was a visionary whose expansive compassion stretched far past any rigid, binary, or traditional constructs. She was a believer in the power of the human connection and people finding what works for them and knew that humanity is infinite, limitless in their ability to heal, support, and care for one another.    Eva had the ability to hold space for anyone and she had an innate ability to empathize in ways that cannot be taught by academia or otherwise. She never shamed, she never condescended; she nurtured and she healed. She was a sage, a born healer, and a gently fierce advocate for LGBTQ+, Hispanic, Migrant communities and beyond.    Peer Support Space is but one of many legacies Eva is leaving behind. In all she did, she did it with love, compassion, and humility. She worked as a counselor for counselors following the Pulse tragedy to bolster the healing of our community, she dedicated herself over the years to volunteer work for innumerable mental health and food justice initiatives, and spent a lifetime career of over 35 years as a counselor, space holder, and healer in both private practice and through various organizations. Though she would refer to herself not as a counselor, but a listener and confidant.   

Eva radiated love and she had an uncanny ability to impact those she met long after their initial conversation or even those she only had brief interactions with. Truly unique, wise, empathetic in ways seldom seen in one lifetime.   

We are better for having known Eva. The world is a better place for her being in it. Eva’s legacy and memory will be held firmly in our hearts as we move forward and we are resoundly committed to honoring her in all we do to cultivate spaces for that limitless humanity, healing, and connection that she believed in so fervently. You were a rare one, unforgettable, unparalleled. We love you, Eva.