About Us

At the Falcon Network, our passion ignites from the firm conviction that every individual holds the key to a life rich in fulfillment and purpose. Through the vibrant tapestry of creative arts we empower both youth and professionals alike to cultivate empathy, embrace self-awareness, and unleash their inner strength.

Our primary objective is to provide a supportive platform for individuals to explore and articulate their thoughts and emotions, while cultivating a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives. By actively engaging with our programs, participants develop the confidence and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of contemporary life. Our aim is to empower individuals to meet the challenges they encounter with compassion, cultural awareness, and resilience, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

The Founder

Jeanette M. Torruella, PhD.

Dr. Jeanette is a Licensed Associate Counselor with over two decades of experience as a seasoned New York City school counselor. Her expertise extended to the pivotal role she performed when she was a member of the city-wide crisis team and her leadership in organizing arts-and-counseling workshops for counselors and high school students alike.

As a teaching artist, she has empowered incarcerated teens through transformative writing workshops. Dr. Jeanette is also the visionary founder of the Falcon Network and the creative force behind the Wise Women’s Pride Podcast.

Recently conferred with a Ph.D. in Counseling and Supervision from Kean University, Dr. Jeanette specializes in researching innovative methods to cultivate cultural humility and empathy among counselors. Her research is driven by a passion for exploring healing modalities that inspire hope, empathy, and creativity.

Our Team

Director of Education

Lourdes is a counselor, educator, and holistic wellness advocate with a unique blend of South American spirituality and Buddhist philosophy. With 17 years of teaching experience in New York City, she transitioned into leadership in education, pioneering literacy coaching to bridge high school and college education. Passionate about holistic practices and multilingual literature, she envisions community-based healing. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, she holds degrees from New York University and Brooklyn College, College of St Rose, alongside a Masters in Literary Theory and Translation from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York.

Director of Operations

Niara Plaza- Torruella graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Montclair University and has a deep commitment to promoting youth wellness and restorative practices. With several years of experience working directly with youth, she has served as an after school provider for pre-school and elementary children, a mentor and coach for middle school and high school girls in sports, and an art workshop facilitator for adolescents in New York City. She is proud to be a part of the family business and looks forward to enriching the lives of others through the arts.