Yolanda Colon is a Licensed Master Social Worker with nearly three decades of experience dedicated to helping children, families, and communities thrive. Throughout her career in education, child welfare, mental health, and family advocacy, Yolanda has built a reputation as a compassionate advocate who listens, supports, and helps people find their path forward.

Born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in Puerto Rico until the age of 16, Yolanda’s early experiences shaped her deep appreciation for family, culture, resilience, and community. She later returned to the Bronx with her family, where she began building a life centered around service and helping others. Today, she proudly calls Rocky Hill, Connecticut, home. She is the devoted mother of five children—Amy Ramirez, LCSW; Isamar Ramirez; German Bierd; Amber Bierd; and Hannah Bierd—and the proud grandmother of three grandchildren.

Yolanda earned her Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies from Mercy College, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and later received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University School of Social Work. Her commitment to helping others began early in her career at the Puerto Rican Family Institute in New York, where she worked with youth on probation through placement prevention programs. There, she helped families overcome challenges, supported young people in making positive choices, and worked to prevent children from entering the foster care system.

She later continued her work with children and families in Florida as a Children, Youth, and Family Counselor, advocating for children in foster care and helping create safer, more stable environments for vulnerable youth.

In 1995, Yolanda moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where she joined Hartford Public Schools as a bilingual school social worker. Since 1996, she has served students and families at Quirk Middle School, Fox Middle School, Hartford Transitional Learning Academy (HTLA), Weaver High School, and currently Great Path Academy. Over the years, she has supported countless students by helping them navigate academic challenges, personal struggles, family circumstances, and life transitions.

Beyond her role in education, Yolanda also serves as a bilingual therapist and clinician with Transformative Therapy & Wellness Services. Through her clinical work, she provides counseling and mental health support to individuals and families, helping clients work through challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and major life changes with understanding and cultural awareness.

What truly sets Yolanda apart is the relationships she has built throughout her career. She has always believed that meaningful change begins with trust, compassion, and meeting people where they are. Whether working with a student, a parent, a client, or a community member, she takes the time to understand their story, connect them with resources, and remind them of their own strengths. Many former students and families continue to share how her encouragement and support helped change the direction of their lives.

For Yolanda, education and social work have never been just jobs—they have been a calling. She believes every person deserves to feel valued, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed. Her dedication to advocacy, mentorship, and service has created a lasting impact throughout Hartford and beyond, with generations of students and families carrying forward the lessons and encouragement she has shared.

Yolanda’s commitment to her community has been recognized through numerous honors, including being named Teacher of the Year at the Culinary Arts Academy at Weaver High School in 2014 and 2017, receiving the 2024 Connecticut Hispanic Mujer Latina Award, an Official Citation from the Connecticut General Assembly for Outstanding Community Partnership, and recognition through the National Association of Social Workers Latino Social Workers Network Award.

When Yolanda is not serving her community, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loves listening to music, attending local concerts, and appreciating the simple moments that bring joy and connection to her life.

Yolanda’s story is one of dedication, perseverance, and service. Through nearly 30 years of advocacy and care, she has touched countless lives and continues to make a difference one person, one family, and one conversation at a time.