Meet Kris Hernandez, LCSW (she/her)
Founder of Olive Branch Mental Health

HHi, I’m Kris. I’m a licensed therapist with nearly 15 years of experience—and a deep passion for helping women heal, grow, and reconnect with their worth. My path here hasn’t been linear. It’s been shaped by real-life challenges, growth, and a desire to create something meaningful. That journey led me to found Olive Branch Mental Health: a space rooted in compassion, authenticity, and transformation.

I specialize in working with women—especially moms—who are ready to process their story, understand how it’s shaped them, and start living the life they’ve always deserved. As my private practice grew, so did my drive to reach more women beyond the therapy room. That passion now extends into public speaking, where I’ve spent over a decade leading workshops and keynotes—and most recently, into a newsletter for moms!

A few things you should know about me:

• I’m not a “smile and nod” therapist. We’ll get real, dig deep, and do the hard work—together. And yes, there will be space for laughter, tears, swearing (if that’s your thing), and everything in between.

• I’m a proud single mom to a spirited 7-year-old who keeps me grounded, honest, and constantly reaching for snacks.

• I mentor and supervise new social workers because I believe in lifting others as I grow.

• I’m a die-hard Chicago Blackhawks and Miami Heat fan—don’t hold it against me.

• I’m a trauma survivor, and that lived experience shapes the way I show up: with empathy, honesty, and zero judgment.

• I’m a lifelong learner, always growing—both professionally and personally.

If you’re ready to reconnect with yourself, reclaim your worth, and step into the next chapter of your healing—I’d be honored to walk beside you.