We’re excited to announce the launch of coaching services at Pacifica Counseling & Psychiatry—a powerful new service designed to support individuals on their personal, academic, and professional journeys. At the center of this new venture is Dr. Juan Carlos Cespedes, our Clinical Director, co-owner of Pacifica, and a dynamic mentor, researcher, and physician with a story unlike any other.
Dr. Cespedes has spent over a decade immersed in healthcare, education, and mentorship, building a reputation as someone who not only achieves at the highest levels—but who lifts others up along the way. With a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Morehouse School of Medicine, an M.D. from Mercer University, and currently in his pediatric residency at the world renown Mayo Clinic- his academic journey has taken him from rural Georgia to the labs of the National Institutes of Health, to Harvard University, and across the globe to Africa, where he led research on preventative care and medicine for cerebral malaria in children.
Dr. Cespedes’s passion for healing and understanding human potential also led him to work clinically in two of the nation’s most respected pediatric hospitals: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) and Boston Children’s Hospital. In both settings, he provided compassionate, hands-on care to some of the most vulnerable pediatric populations, deepening his understanding of complex health needs—and the emotional and psychological support required for families navigating them.
But what truly sets Dr. Cespedes apart isn’t just his experience—it’s his passion. Raised in a hardworking family, he has held roles as varied from many physically demanding jobs all the way to being an in-office professional. He knows what it feels like to carve your own path, often against the odds. In addition to his academic and professional life, Dr. Cespedes is a committed husband to his wife of 8 years and caring father of 3 girls. And it’s exactly this blend of humility, expertise, and perspective that makes him such a powerful coach and consultant.
Dr. Cespedes has mentored countless individuals—from high school students in underserved communities to first-generation college students to overwhelmed medical trainees. Whether it’s helping someone create a MCAT study plan, a relationship plan, navigate career decisions, or rediscover their purpose, his coaching style is supportive, honest, and deeply motivating.
Now, through personalized one-on-one coaching at Pacifica, Dr. Cespedes offers:
- Guidance for aspiring healthcare professionals and first-generation students
- Mentorship through high-stress academic and career transitions
- Coaching for professionals seeking clarity, purpose, or a fresh start
- Strategic planning and emotional support grounded in lived experience
Whether you're applying to medical school, shifting careers, or simply feeling stuck—Dr. Cespedes meets you where you are, and walks with you toward where you want to go.
This is more than coaching. It’s transformation, built on trust and vision.
Ready to take the next step?
Let’s build your future—together.
