Meet Yolanda Maravilla | State certified peer and family specialist, CBT & recovery coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yolanda Maravilla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yolanda, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
Leaving my abusive husband of 19 years

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a state-certified peer and family specialist, and I run my own business, Captivating Mind & Soul LLC. Through my practice, I offer CBT and recovery coaching, driven by my deep passion for helping individuals in prison prepare for parole. I advocate for them through support letters, and I’m dedicated to helping women rediscover and empower themselves as they leave abusive relationships. I meet one-on-one with clients, helping them understand their past behaviors and make better choices when faced with past trauma. This work is incredibly personal to me, and I’m committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I support.

In addition to running my business, I’m honored to partner with Adam Vigil, the founder and CEO of Unbreakable Ministries Non-Profit. Working together, we extend our reach within the recovery community, using various methods of training—boxing, MMA, personal gym programs, recovery peer support coaching, and mentoring—as powerful tools for transformation and empowerment. This partnership is incredibly meaningful to me, as it allows us to make a deeper impact and help more people on their journey to recovery.

I also have the privilege of working alongside Bobby Galindo with Rep Your Recovery, a reentry ministry that introduces their programs in prisons. Both these ministries embody the heart of Jesus, serving those who need a second chance and someone to believe in them. This work is deeply personal and fulfilling, as it allows me to support and uplift individuals who are striving to rebuild their lives.

What truly sets me apart is the love of Jesus that flows through me. I’ve learned to love as He does and see life through His eyes.

The thing I’m most proud of and excited about is the incredible redemption Jesus has brought into my life.

My professional journey has been transformative. I had to lose everything, even myself, to get here. I never thought I would be doing this type of work, but God knew.

It’s been an 11-year journey, filled with challenges and growth. As a domestic violence survivor who has overcome addiction to fentanyl and oxycodone, I understand the struggles my clients face, and I’m dedicated to helping them find their own paths to redemption and healing.

I want the world to know that Captivating Mind & Soul LLC is built on a foundation of empathy, faith, and resilience. My journey from losing everything to finding a purpose in helping others is a testament to the transformative power of love and redemption. Through my work, I strive to offer not just guidance, but genuine support and understanding to those in need, particularly individuals in prison preparing for parole and those grappling with past trauma.

My brand embodies the belief that everyone deserves a chance at redemption and a better future. The love of Jesus inspires everything I do, from advocating for my clients to walking alongside them in their recovery journey. Captivating Mind & Soul LLC isn’t just a business; it’s a mission to make a positive impact in the lives of others, fueled by my own experiences as a domestic violence survivor and someone who has overcome addiction.

I want people to see that no matter how dark their past may be, there’s always hope for a brighter tomorrow. Through compassionate coaching and unwavering support, I aim to help individuals transform their lives, just as I’ve transformed mine.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Food and meals would be all about home-cooked goodness. Seven years ago, I ran a personal chef business, and I still love to spoil my best friend with special home cooked meals. If I’m not cooking indoors, you’ll find me grilling on the patio. Cooking brings me joy.

For breakfast, I’d take my bestie to Urban Egg. For a late lunch or dinner, we’d head over to Crystal Park Cantina. We love hiking so I’m sure we will do a few, drive through Garden of the Gods, and, of course, hitting the gym. On Saturday nights, I’d drag her to one of my favorite spots: Old School Boxing, where we can box and punch something!

Sunday mornings are special. I’d take her to Ragamuffin Cafe, a place close to my heart. I founded Ragamuffin Cafe at the start of my recovery journey 11 years ago. Every Sunday morning, we serve a full breakfast to the homeless, sober living and recovery communities, feeding anywhere from 150 to 250 people.

If we had time, we’d rummage through thrift stores, enjoying each other’s company, laughing, and sometimes crying together. These moments of connection and joy are what I cherish most.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If it wasn’t for God, my Lord, I wouldn’t be here today. With His guidance, I was able to heal and become the woman I am now. I am deeply grateful for my recovery family—Bobby, Serena, and Damon—who stood by me and cheered me on when life got tough. They never gave up on me.

My two best friends, Terri and Diane, saw me at my worst and loved me anyway. Then there are Adam and Jess, my hearts. Adam inspired me to become a better, physically whole version of myself. He gave me my smile back, a smile I lost so long ago. Jess has walked a path similar to mine—we just connected deeply as soon as we met. She’s my spiritual daughter.

Despite my brokenness and failures, my daughters and grandchildren loved me without judgment. Their unconditional love has been a constant source of strength and hope in my journey.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yolanda.miranda

Yelp: https://www.instagram.com/raga7mama

Other: For Ragamuffin Cafe https://www.thesanctuarywestside.org/

Image Credits
Adam Vigil
Jessica Morales
Bobby Galindo
Serena Galindo
Damon Ollier
Sarah Gauthier
Cairo Gauthier
Josephine Gauthier
Tim LaBelle
Azariah Hughes