Desimilar Connections was created to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space for individuals seeking guidance, balance, and personal growth.
My approach blends social-emotional learning (SEL), mindfulness techniques, and yoga-inspired practices to help clients build self-awareness and develop confidence in their daily lives. I focus on providing a compassionate, person-centered, and empathetic connection.
I work primarily with pre-teens, teens, and young adults, supporting them through challenges such as anxiety, emotional regulation, relationships, and life transitions.
I believe that true growth happens when there is an authentic connection where individuals feel safe, understood, and empowered.
Hello! I am Desiree Machado, the human behind Desimilar Connections.
I started Desimilar Connections with the intention of offering a calm, safe, and empathetic space where individuals feel truly seen and supported. As a youth counselor, I saw how often pre-teens and teens struggled with pressure, stress, and emotional overwhelm without feeling able to fully open up in the systems available to them.
Through my work in schools and community mental and behavioral health agencies, I learned how to build strong connections with young people and support them in meaningful ways. I facilitated individual sessions, small group support, classroom presentations, and teacher professional development.
Over time, I realized I wanted to take a more direct, flexible, and personal approach to supporting individuals outside of structured systems. This led me to create Desimilar Connections.
My goal is to provide a supportive space where individuals feel heard, understood, and encouraged to grow at their own pace—through practical tools, emotional support, and a human-centered approach to growth and well-being.
This is Desimilar Connections—support that is personal, practical, and centered on real human connection.
Social-Emotional Learning, often referred to as SEL, helps individuals build skills in understanding emotions, managing stress, improving relationships, and making responsible decisions. SEL is widely recognized as a critical set of life skills that support emotional regulation, interpersonal communication, and responsible decision-making. At Desimilar Connections, SEL is used to help clients develop practical tools for everyday life, confidence, and emotional well-being.
Mindfulness is the practice of staying present in the moment with awareness and without judgment, helping individuals manage stress and understand their thoughts and emotions more clearly.
Yoga-inspired practices use gentle movement and breath awareness to support relaxation, emotional regulation, and body awareness.
SEL, mindfulness, and yoga are not just trends, they are widely proven evidence-based approaches. These practices are not about performance, but about helping individuals feel grounded, calm, and more connected. Utilizing these approaches can improve the mind-body connection and overall well-being!
B.A. in Psychology
M.A. in Human Services Counseling, with specialization in Marriage & Family Counseling
200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher and Social-Emotional Learning Facilitator
Therapist & Counselor (3 years)
Middle School Guidance Counselor (3 years)
Teacher (2 years)