Manuela Palacio, MBA, LPC, LPCC, LCDC

Director of Behavioral Health Services

Manuela has over a decade of experience in the behavioral health field, with a background in crisis response, inpatient psychiatry, community mental health, and correctional healthcare. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor, she has worked closely with individuals navigating complex mental health and substance use challenges, always with a focus on practical, compassionate care.

Over the years, Manuela has served in both clinical and leadership roles, supporting multidisciplinary teams and helping strengthen the systems that deliver behavioral health services. Her experience across diverse settings has shaped her belief that strong teams and thoughtful structure are essential to providing meaningful care.

Manuela holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Outside of her professional life, sports have always been a central part of who she is. Growing up with a father who was a professional soccer player, she developed a deep appreciation for discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Today, she stays active through bodybuilding and continues to find balance and motivation through fitness and travel with her husband and two dogs.