Briana Cueva is a San Diego native, bilingual social worker, consultant, and advocate with more than 15 years of experience supporting children, families, and underserved communities. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and master’s degree in Social Work from California State University San Marcos. As an Associate Clinical Social Worker, she has completed her supervised licensure hours and is preparing to take the clinical licensing examination.
Briana’s expertise includes trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, foster care and child welfare, behavioral health, crisis intervention, substance use, and family systems. As a former foster youth and professional who has navigated complex systems personally and professionally, she brings a practical, compassionate perspective to strengthening services and promoting equitable access to care.
Her training and facilitation experience began 10 years ago and includes presenting at workshops and conferences, teaching life skills to youth, facilitating family meetings, and coaching fellow employees. She has served in a consulting role with the Academy for over a year and recently expanded her work to include curriculum development. Her approach connects research and professional practice with lived experience, helping learners build skills they can apply in their daily work.
Briana is committed to creating engaging, inclusive learning environments where professionals can reflect, share perspectives, and strengthen culturally responsive, person-centered practices. Outside of work, she is a dedicated sports mom who enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and sharing great food with family and friends.
