We had the good fortune of connecting with The Aligned Collective Founders: Amber Casas, Amanda Rodriguez, Natalia Alamo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi The Aligned Collective Founders: Amber Casas, Amanda Rodriguez, Natalia Alamo, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One thing we’ve noticed, both from personal experience and working with clients, is that a lot of people still think therapy is just something you turn to in a crisis. But therapy isn’t just for when things are falling apart, it can also be a space to evolve, gain clarity, and prepare for what’s next. It’s about self-awareness and personal growth, not just problem-solving.

Even though the whole “best version of yourself” movement is trending on social media, people don’t always connect that message to what therapy can actually offer. You don’t need to have a big, obvious issue to benefit from talking to a therapist. Sometimes, it’s just about feeling more aligned with who you are and how you show up in the world.

And as Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) students, we’ve seen how misunderstood our field can be. People often assume we only work with couples or families, but it’s really about how we approach therapy from a relational lens. We understand that our relationships, whether with others or with ourselves, play a huge role in how we experience life. Also, the “M” in MFT doesn’t just stand for marriage, it stands for any meaningful connection.

Our training takes a different path than the traditional medical model. Instead of jumping straight to labels or diagnoses, we look at the bigger picture. We explore the systems, family, culture, environment, that influence someone’s current experience. We don’t see the person as the problem. We see the problem as the problem, and we work with our clients to understand it together.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Aligned Collective was built on the belief that therapy should feel human, approachable, and empowering, not clinical or intimidating. What sets us apart is that we practice what we preach. We’re not just therapists, we’re people doing the work alongside our clients. We go to therapy too. We check in with ourselves. We lead with intention. That level of personal integrity and alignment is at the heart of everything we do.
We came together as three individuals from very different walks of life, but our shared values and creative energy made it clear early on that we were building something special. Each of us had experiences in the mental health field that inspired us to ask, “What if therapy looked different?” We wanted to co-create a space where clients could feel safe, seen, and supported to grow in ways that honored their individuality, without stigma or shame. That question was the seed. The Aligned Collective was the answer.
We’re most proud of the community and culture we’re cultivating, not just for our clients, but for ourselves. It’s easy to feel isolated in private practice, especially in today’s remote world. But through collaboration, we’ve built something deeply connected. Where one of us feels stuck, another brings clarity. Where challenges arise, we lean into them instead of away. That sense of mutual support is what allows us to keep expanding while staying grounded in our purpose.
Getting to where we are now hasn’t always been easy. We’ve had to navigate creative differences, time constraints, personal sacrifices, and the vulnerability of doing something outside the traditional path. But every challenge brought growth. One of our biggest lessons was learning how to communicate openly and compassionately, even when it’s hard. We’ve created systems that support alignment, prioritized honesty over ego, and stayed rooted in our shared mission.
Another lesson we’ve embraced is that balance doesn’t always look like perfection. We wear many hats, therapists, business owners, daughters, partners, friends, and sometimes things can feel out of sync. But what keeps us going is our commitment to self-awareness, boundaries, and rituals that nourish us. We’re big believers in non-negotiables: time to recharge, creative expression, and emotional separation from our sessions so we can show up fully for our clients without losing ourselves in the process.
What we want the world to know about us is this: we are not just doing therapy, we are redefining how it can feel. Behind the scenes, we’re constantly thinking about our clients, researching better interventions, curating thoughtful resources, and staying mindful of what we consume mentally and emotionally, because it directly impacts how we show up in the room.
We don’t see ourselves as the experts in anyone’s life. Instead, we aim to help clients reconnect with their inner wisdom, make meaning of their experiences, and walk away feeling more empowered, not more dependent. Our goal isn’t to “fix problems,” but to walk alongside people as they grow, offering real support, honest reflection, and a safe space to land.
Ultimately, The Aligned Collective is about helping people live in alignment with who they truly are, and creating ripple effects of healing that extend far beyond the therapy room. That’s what keeps us inspired, and that’s what makes this work feel like home.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since we don’t all live in the same area, our recommendations vary a bit, but one thing we all agree on is that movement and health are key. So, we’d plan a mix of nature, good food, and some fun.
For Fort Lauderdale, Natalia (the local expert) would take them to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. It’s a perfect spot to get grounded and connect with nature, especially if you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed. After a nice walk, we’d probably hit up the beach farmers market to grab fresh fruit, local goodies, and support small businesses. There’s nothing better than the community vibe of a farmers market, and it’s the best way to explore a new place. Then, we’d head home to make a homemade meal with our market finds, this is really our love language.
If you’re in the mood for some shopping, Natalia also loves taking people to Oddballs Nifty Thrift in Fort Lauderdale. It’s a vintage shop with rooms full of finds from every decade. You can easily spend hours browsing here for cool home décor or vintage tees, we’ve definitely done this, and it’s such a fun and unique spot.
For Amanda, her ideal day would start with a walk through South Pointe on a Sunday. Then, she’d stop at Joe’s for lobster rolls and finish up with some delicious Gelato for dessert. It’s simple, but it’s the perfect mix of outdoor movement and great food.
Amber’s perfect day would begin with a cafecito from one of Miami’s legendary spots, Versailles. For the authentic Cuban experience, she recommends ordering a cafecito and croquetas from the ventanita. Suite Habana Café is another great stop if you’re craving a quality coffee. After that, we’d stroll through Coral Gables and grab lunch at one of Amber’s favorites: Hillstone (for the vibe) or Fugato for some delicious Italian food. To cap off the day, she’d recommend catching a Miami Heat or Marlins game soaking in the energy of Miami’s vibrant sports culture.
Since we’re best friends, not just business partners, a lot of our relationship is built on visiting each other in different areas and curating these kinds of days. We even call them “business retreats,” because they’re really a time for us to reconnect with one another. It’s easy to get caught up in the business side of things, so these moments are our chance to step away and just enjoy each other’s company while still prioritizing our values.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The idea for The Aligned Collective was truly born during our time in a Private Practice course at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Grandison, also the founder of the New Balance Group, encouraged us to challenge the limitations often placed on this field, think entrepreneurially, and most importantly, support one another because there is room for all of us to thrive. His work in the community reflects the kind of impact we hope to make as well.
We’ve also been incredibly lucky to learn from a range of professors at NSU who are not just educators but practicing clinicians who model what it means to stay curious, grounded in theory, and open to expansion. Some have deeply shaped our personal and professional journeys, whether through theory, their presence in the room, or their fearless commitment to growing the MFT field beyond rigid frameworks.
As a group, we just want to take a moment to thank a few people who have played a huge role in shaping who we are, both as individuals and as a collective.
First, Dr. Grandison, thank you for showing us what’s possible in private practice. Your class truly opened our eyes to the idea that we could create something meaningful, something of our own. And to Dr. Popham, thank you for creating space in our program to grow professionally. From networking to presenting, you pushed us in ways that have made a real difference.
We also wouldn’t be the clinicians we are today without the mentors and supervisors who walked with us during internship. Each of us has had such a different journey, and we’re so thankful for the people who shaped our growth along the way.
For Natalia and Amber, that person was Madison Wolfe, LMHC. Madison, you helped us find our confidence and clinical voice, we still carry your guidance with us into every session. You’ve truly been the kind of mentor we feel lucky to have crossed paths with at The Family Therapy Group of Weston..
For Amanda, continuing mentorship with Dr. Grandison after class helped her see how creative and flexible this work can be. Your support made it clear that therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that there’s beauty in tailoring the work to each individual client.
At the end of the day, what we’ve learned most is that this work isn’t about competition, it’s about connection. There’s space for all of us to do meaningful, impactful work when we stay rooted in our “why.”

Website: https://www.thealignedcollective.com/

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