Dr. Cindy Bautista-Thomas

Dr. Cindy Bautista-Thomas is an Afro-Latina social work professor, therapist, and leadership coach whose work centers healing, equity, and personal transformation. With over 25 years of experience, she weaves together cultural humility, evidence-based practice, and mindfulness to empower individuals and communities. As an Assistant Professor at Lehman College and co-founder of Velocity Visions, Inc., she is shaping the next generation of changemakers through education, coaching, and leadership development rooted in social justice.

Dr. Bautista-Thomas is also the founder of Abundance Counseling Services, where she offers psychotherapy and wellness services infused with somatic practices, breathwork, and mindfulness. Her work bridges the clinical and the spiritual, the academic and the embodied—offering tools for stress management, emotional intelligence, and resilience to educators, professionals, and community leaders across the country. A registered yoga teacher, published author, and sought-after speaker, she brings a multi-dimensional approach to wellness and transformation.

Through the Acosta Fellowship, Dr. Bautista-Thomas hopes to deepen her exploration of intergenerational healing and expand her community of practice. She is committed to co-creating liberatory learning spaces that honor mind-body integration and ancestral wisdom, and to supporting others in living with purpose, balance, and abundance. Her presence in the Fellowship reflects a deep well of knowledge, care, and a vision for a future where collective healing is not only possible—but central.