Ana Luz Rodriguez-Paz’s name resonates with empathy, expertise, and cultural pride in Florida’s mental health community. While some may know her as the wife of NFL legend Ahmad Rashad, her professional journey and impact stretch far beyond the headlines.
She has built an inspiring career as a bilingual clinical psychologist, with a special focus on serving Hispanic and multicultural families through therapy, education, and advocacy.
Early Life, Education, and Cultural Roots
Raised in a bilingual environment, Ana Luz Rodriguez-Paz grew up keenly aware of the importance of language and culture in shaping personal identity. This background was a driving force behind the pursuit of psychology, where she saw a gap in culturally attuned mental health services for Hispanic communities.
Her academic path took shape at Nova Southeastern University, where she earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology in 2013. During studies, completed over 1,500 hours of supervised clinical practicums across pediatric, family, and adult settings.
Notably, she presented bilingual research projects at statewide conferences, signaling early dedication to culturally sensitive therapy. These experiences paved the way for the future as a dual-language provider and advocate for evidence-based, culturally relevant care.
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Building ALRP Therapy: A Practice Rooted in Community
Shortly after finishing graduate school, Rodriguez-Paz founded ALRP Therapy in 2014. Her practice quickly became a trusted resource for bilingual and Hispanic populations in Boca Raton, Palm Beach, and across Florida via telehealth. ALRP Therapy specializes in:
- Family Therapy: Helping families navigate conflict and strengthen relationships in a way that respects cultural traditions and values.
- Play Therapy for Children: Certified since 2016, she uses play as a therapeutic tool to help kids process trauma, anxiety, and family changes.
- Couples Counseling: With advanced accreditation in family systems therapy (2018), she offers trauma-informed support to couples seeking healthier communication and deeper connection.
Under Ana Luz Rodriguez-Paz’s leadership, ALRP Therapy serves an average of 150 clients each month. In 2020, she developed a telehealth program that expanded access to mental health services by 35%, a crucial adaptation during the pandemic and a lasting bridge for clients across Florida.
Professional Roles and Administrative Leadership
Ana Luz Rodriguez-Paz’s skills extend beyond the therapy room. Since 2018, she has managed administrative operations for Cardiovascular Consultants, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale.
Overseeing a team of 15 and a $1.2 million annual budget, she has streamlined insurance processes, reduced patient wait times by 20%, and ensured HIPAA compliance across five treatment centers. Her role involves processing over 200 insurance authorizations monthly and coordinating care for more than 1,000 cardiac patients.
Her ability to blend clinical expertise with business and administrative leadership is rare in the healthcare field, making her a valuable asset wherever she works.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
She is not content limiting her impact to private practice. Over the past decade, she has facilitated at least 12 community workshops focused on destigmatizing mental health in Hispanic communities, reaching 40–60 attendees per event. These workshops provide culturally relevant education, resources, and support, helping break the silence around mental health struggles.
Ana Luz Rodriguez-Paz also serves as a guest lecturer at Nova Southeastern University, sharing insights on bilingual therapy and cultural competence with the next generation of clinicians. Her advocacy is grounded in lived experience, academic rigor, and a deep commitment to making mental health care accessible for all.
Personal Life and Public Image
In April 2016, she married Ahmad Rashad in a private ceremony in Palm Beach Gardens. The couple’s 32-year age difference attracted media attention, but they have handled public scrutiny with grace. She became stepmother to Rashad’s six children, including actress Condola Rashad, and step-grandmother to one grandchild.
Despite her husband’s high profile, Ana Luz Rodriguez-Paz keeps her personal life largely private. She is open about blended family, but chooses not to discuss plans for biological children. On social media, she shares glimpses of family life and professional milestones, maintaining a balance between authenticity and privacy.
Her Instagram presence includes both the ALRP Therapy account, which offers mental health tips and bilingual resources, and a personal account that highlights travel and everyday moments. She averages three therapeutic insights posts per month, focusing on substance over style.
Navigating Challenges and Public Perception
Marrying into the public eye while building a demanding career is no small feat. She has faced occasional public scrutiny, especially regarding the age gap.
Yet she consistently prioritizes values, professional boundaries, and the family’s privacy. By doing so, she sets an example for others, balancing public and private roles: authenticity, respect, and a focus on what truly matters.
Ana Luz Rodriguez-Paz’s ability to rise above criticism and remain grounded is a testament to her resilience and emotional intelligence, qualities she brings into clinical work every day.
Creativity and Additional Interests
While psychology is her calling, Rodriguez-Paz’s interests are not limited to mental health. She briefly explored acting, appearing in the 2007 independent film “Consensual Injustice,” which addresses the Ponce massacre in Puerto Rico. This experience reflects a willingness to embrace new opportunities and express herself creatively—a trait that enriches work as a therapist.
Awards, Certifications, and Professional Recognition
Ana Luz Rodriguez-Paz’s credentials reflect a commitment to excellence:
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist (Florida)
- Certified Play Therapist since 2016 (Association for Play Therapy)
- Accredited in Family Systems Therapy since 2018 (Florida Association for Marriage and Family Therapy)
- Guest Lecturer at Nova Southeastern University (2022–present)
- Member of key professional associations
Her leadership at Cardiovascular Consultants, P.A., and the expansion of ALRP Therapy’s reach, especially through telehealth, further demonstrate her adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
Recent Public Appearances
Ana Luz Rodriguez-Paz remains active in public-facing roles, most recently appearing at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship charity event in June 2024. Such appearances highlight her dual role as a clinical expert and community advocate, further cementing her reputation in South Florida and beyond.
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