Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)
Doctoral Student and Chancellor's Fellow
Currently pursuing doctoral studies focused on youth mental health, lived experience, and the systems that shape young people's lives.
L. Patty Flores, MSW, ASW is a researcher, public scholar, and a bilingual trauma‑informed youth and foster care expert whose work spans mental health, research, consulting, coaching, and public speaking. She approaches her work through culturally humble and evidence-informed practices to support young people, families, schools, and youth‑serving organizations.
She is currently a doctoral student and chancellor's fellow at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), where her research explores lived experience, trauma, and the impact of institutions such as foster care, the juvenile legal system, and education. Patty's perspective is informed by her lived experience navigating multiple systems as an immigrant, LGBTQ+ individual, former foster youth, and someone who experienced homelessness and involvement in the juvenile justice system.
Born in Central America, she migrated to the United States at the age of nine and spent much of her adolescence in foster care. Despite significant obstacles, including periods of incarceration as a youth, Patty pursued her education. She ultimately graduated from high school and enrolled in college while incarcerated.
She later earned an A.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences and an A.S. in Administration of Justice from Pierce College, a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Smith College. Through her work, Patty seeks to elevate the voices and experiences of youth navigating complex systems to contribute to research, policy, and practices that better support young people.
Patty has been interviewed multiple times by public radio (KPCC) and television news outlets. She has served as a panelist and keynote speaker for organizations including the Los Angeles Unified School District, DCFS, CDSS, and multiple universities. She frequently presents to diverse audiences including administrators, professors, counselors, attorneys, judges, and probation officers.
Professional Training & Certifications
I am a first responder crisis therapist with field experience supporting individuals, families, and community members during high‑risk mental health crises.
- CPI Certified – Blue Card ID: VI3286CD6
- CPR Certified
- Trained and qualified through the Los Angeles County Unarmed Mobile Crisis Response Team (UMCR), specializing in trauma‑informed, de‑escalation‑focused crisis intervention
- Skilled in Harm Reduction approaches for youth and families
- Trained in Motivational Interviewing to support behavior change and emotional readiness
- Experienced in crisis assessment, safety planning, and rapid response decision‑making
- Trained in immigration psychological evaluations under Dr. Cheryl Aguilar, LCSW, LICSW, PhD
Academic Path
Education
Patty's academic journey reflects a commitment to research, advocacy, and advancing youth mental health across systems.
Smith College School for Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Advanced training in clinical social work with a foundation in trauma-informed care, advocacy, and community-centered practice.
University of California, Riverside
B.A. in Sociology
Academic training in social systems, inequality, and the structural factors shaping the lives of marginalized communities.
Pierce College
A.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences
A.S. in Administration
of Justice
Early academic foundation in human behavior, social systems, and justice-related institutions.
Media & Research
Featured In
Articles, interviews, features, and published work
Featured In & Published Work
L. Patty Flores on Child Welfare Abolition: A Counter Perspective
SAGE Perspectives
When Advocacy Silences Featuring L. Patty Flores
UPenn Field Center
Noah Cuatro & Double Standards in Child Welfare
The Imprint
Tiffany Haddish, L. Patty Flores, Chief of Probation Talks to Foster Graduates
NBC Los Angeles
She Proved Them Wrong Featuring L. Patty Flores
LAist
Superar Años de Violencia Featuring L. Patty Flores
Univision
Learning After Lockup
LAist
Interview & Storytelling Featuring L. Patty Flores
YouTube
✦ About L. Patty Flores
Frequently Asked Questions
L. Patty Flores is a researcher, public scholar, therapist, and speaker whose work focuses on foster care, migration, trauma, and youth impacted by systems of care.
Her research examines foster care, child welfare, migration, trauma, lived experience, mental health, and the experiences of system-impacted youth and families.
Yes, L. Patty Flores offers one-on-one educational coaching, academic mentorship, graduate school application guidance, research mentorship/consultation, and professional development support. Her approach combines lived experience, research, and years of work with youth, families, and higher education institutions.
Yes. L. Patty Flores speaks for universities, nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and community organizations on foster care, migration, youth mental health, lived experience research, trauma-informed practice, homelessness, and systems change.
Her writing and commentary have been featured through SAGE Publications and Sage Perspectives, The Imprint, the University of Pennsylvania Field Center, LAist, Univision, NBC Los Angeles, and other educational and media organizations.
Yes. She provides educational consulting, research consultation, workshops, keynote presentations, and professional training for organizations, educators, researchers, and community agencies.