About Us

Hello!

The YOU Initiative is a point of view with a collection of resources which may include therapy for those who wish to engage in 1:1 growth.

We believe awareness and nourishment of self are the sources for strength, love, and presence. The YOU acknowledges self-care needs vary and to be truly responsive to your needs you need options! In this space you will find a menu of resources ranging from – self-reflection through therapy to learning a new skill or practice through one of our many GROWshops (coming soon!). We aim to create a safe and inclusive space for all looking to grow and glow.

Sheyla Riaz, LCSW, RYT-200, pronouns she/her/ella, is the Director of Social Work for a charter public school region of 14 schools (k-12) and is the founder of The YOU Initiative, LLC, a mental health private practice and wellness space focused on mindfulness practices and collective healing. As Director of Social Work, she leads a team of school social workers and develops school-based, trauma-informed, and inclusive mental health resources for students, families, and teaching staff. Sheyla is a bi-lingual (Spanish/English) licensed clinical social worker, certified clinical supervisor, and registered yoga teacher in the state of New Jersey. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in psychology at The College of New Jersey and her master in social work degree at New York University Silver School of Social Work. Sheyla has 15 + years of experience in the field of mental health working in non-profit and profit settings with children, adolescents, and adults . Prior to her work in schools, Sheyla practiced as a psychotherapist and program director in outpatient mental health clinics in North and Central New Jersey.

Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.

Maya Angelou