AIU is proud to highlight the distinguished professional journey of Lilian Gabriela Cerna, whose dedication to psychology has left a lasting impact upon the fields of clinical practice, social rehabilitation, and educational advocacy in Ecuador and beyond.
With a master’s degree in psychology from AIU, she showcased dedication to psychology by combining theory with on-ground experience especially in complex situations. She proved the fact that when rigorous subjective learning is paired with compassion and applied expertise – it can transform lives.
From 2012 to 2015, Lilian established a diverse clinical foundation in Ecuador across several key roles:
- Male Social Rehabilitation Center (2013–2015): As Clinical Psychologist and Coordinator, she designed and led inmate rehabilitation and counseling programs, specializing in forensic mental health.
- CLINIKA Medical Center (2013–2015): Provided versatile psychological services, including private counseling and psychometric evaluations for children and adults in corporate and educational sectors.
- Health Control Medical Center (2012–2014): Conducted private evaluations and assessments, building a reputation for ethical, empathetic, and evidence-based care.
Beyond her clinical practice, Lilian is a dedicated advocate for inclusive education and human rights. Her key contributions include:
- Public Advocacy: Served as a panelist at the International Congress of Physical Disabilities, focusing on educational inclusion, and participated in the National Debate of Abused Women.
- Community Leadership: Spearheaded the “Creating Smiles at Guayas” project, providing emotional support training and coping strategies for parents of children with disabilities.
- National Recognition: Honored by a major Ecuadorian newspaper for over a decade of impactful service and advocacy for children with disabilities.
In this way, she bridged the gap between clinical expertise and social action – championing holistic support systems for marginalized communities.
Success fueled by AIU’s support
Cerna’s experience reflects the university’s approach to higher education for working professionals. She describes her experience at AIU as rewarding and intellectually empowering – marked by updated knowledge, flexible study methodology, and consistent academic support.
It is the emphasis on flexibility, recognition of prior professional experience, and academic support tailored to individual career paths – an approach Cerna credits with enabling her to complete her studies while continuing her professional work. Stories such as Cerna’s demonstrate how postgraduate education can be integrated into real-world practice, particularly in fields such as psychology, education, and social services.
Discover her story: https://www.aiu.edu/university/np/mylifeisasuccess/discover/lilian-gabriela-cerna.html?NoTracking#content
