Julissa Grozozski-Torres
Julissa Grozozski-Torres is a dedicated mental health advocate, peer specialist, and founder who has transformed her lived experience into a powerful force for change. As the Founder and CEO of Triumph OVA Struggles Advocacy and Consulting LLC, she provides training, consulting, and peer-based support services that empower individuals, families, and organizations navigating complex behavioral health and social service systems. In her role with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s NYC START Program, she serves as a Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS) and Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), working closely with individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis to support recovery, connection to care, and long-term stability.
Julissa’s journey into the field began in adolescence, shaped by her own experiences within psychiatric and residential care systems. What started as a personal struggle became a lifelong mission after she was offered a youth advocate role, setting the foundation for over a decade of impactful work in peer support, youth development, and crisis intervention. Over the years, she has contributed to innovative initiatives such as early psychosis detection efforts in correctional settings and has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to improve access to care. Her professional strengths include behavioral health, case management, group facilitation, and systems navigation, with a particular passion for supporting adolescents and young adults.
Grounded in the values of optimism, vulnerability, and adaptability—the pillars of her “OVA” philosophy—Julissa is committed to creating safe, empowering spaces where individuals can find their voice and build resilience. Through her consulting practice, she offers public speaking, leadership development, life coaching, and advocacy training, while also mentoring emerging peer professionals. She is currently continuing her education while drawing on her lived expertise as a cornerstone of her work. Above all, Julissa is driven by a mission to break cycles, uplift underserved communities, and ensure that others receive the support and opportunities she once needed.
• Social and Behavioral Research - Basic/Refresher
• Conflicts of Interest
• New York Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS)
• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to drawing from my lived experiences to guide and ground my work, allowing me to approach challenges with empathy, resilience, and authenticity. Equally important has been my commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing of my children—ensuring they receive the support and care I did not have, and intentionally working to break generational cycles.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering this field to embrace vulnerability while staying true to themselves. Adapt in healthy ways without shrinking, maintain strong boundaries, and cultivate resilience and optimism. Prioritize your wellbeing by seeking support and exploring therapeutic approaches beyond traditional talk therapy when needed.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The field is currently facing significant challenges, including workforce shortages and retention issues that directly impact the quality of care. Access to specialized therapeutic modalities remains limited due to cost, and both providers and clients continue to face financial pressures. At the same time, there is a growing opportunity in the increased recognition of lived-experience peer support, along with a rising demand for training and consulting to strengthen systems and improve service delivery.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are optimism, vulnerability, adaptability, advocacy, and authenticity. I also place a strong emphasis on maintaining healthy boundaries and cultivating resilience, as these guide how I show up, connect with others, and navigate challenges.