Meet our Clinician

Ismery Lora is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York and Colorado.

From a young age, Ismery displayed a natural inclination toward helping others—whether it was assisting classmates with schoolwork, caring for her sister, or organizing community events in the Dominican Republic.

Her journey into social work began when she became a wilderness instructor, working with organizations such as Great Hollow Wilderness School, The Princeton-Blairstown Center, The Wilderness School, and New York City Outward Bound Schools. For over four years, she helped inner-city children experience the outdoors, broadening their perspectives and fostering a sense of community.

Her passion for helping families led her to work as a bilingual preventive case planner and supervisor at Children’s Aid. After earning her clinical license, she became a social worker with Lawyers for Children, advocating for children in cases involving neglect, custody, visitation, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), and voluntary placement.

Ismery's interest in the legal system grew, and she joined The Bronx Defenders as a social worker in the immigration practice before being promoted to Training Director. She has also worked as a clinical social worker at Bodega Roots Therapy PLLC and currently serves as a part-time Academic and Practicum Advisor at Columbia University School of Social Work.

In 2023, Ismery founded Journey to Self LCSW PLLC, continuing her lifelong commitment to supporting individuals on their personal journeys. She holds a BA in Sociology with a minor in African Studies and an MSW from Lehman College, CUNY. Additionally, Ismery is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Social Work at The University of Louisville and is expected to graduate in 2027.