Today we’d like to introduce you to Ingrid Pujol.
Hi Ingrid, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Cuba and left the island when I was 12 years old, moving first to the Dominican Republic and then to Florida in 2004. I’ve always been drawn to the healing power of the arts, especially the written word. I started writing as a child, and one of my earliest memories is participating in a regional poetry contest in second grade, where I represented my school alongside another student. My poem was about José Martí, the renowned poet and novelist.
In fourth grade, I wrote a fable in reading class about animals playing a basketball game, each contributing their unique strengths to help the team win: the giraffe’s height, the bear’s strength, the elephant’s patience, and the cheetah’s speed. My story was chosen as the class favorite. That moment made me realize how writing could connect with others, amuse them, move them, or make them think.
As an adult, I’ve never lost my sense of wonder. I’m constantly inspired by nature and the way it “speaks” through small, quiet moments that stir both intellect and emotion. Those subtle details often become sparks of creative inspiration.
Professionally, I became a psychologist. My undergraduate thesis, in the clinical track, focused on using the arts within therapeutic settings. Although I specialized in working with children, I never let go of my passion for creativity. I’ve continued to study, often independently, the connections between creativity, intelligence, personality, and the psychological and emotional mechanisms that shape perception.
Over the years, I’ve made it my mission to blend my artistic voice with my understanding of human behavior, not just to express myself, but to reach others in meaningful ways.
A few years ago, I entered the Words & Wonders: Music Edition contest, held in Central Florida, and was honored to win first place for my poem A Thank You Note. Around that same time, I published my first book, a milestone that brought together my creative and professional paths. Puzzled/Perpleja is a dual-language English-Spanish book for children ages 9 and up, as well as the adults in their lives, about how to face unexpected challenges that are sometimes beyond our control. Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, the story explores the unique ways we can maintain or regain our internal balance and reconstruct the puzzle of a disjointed reality.
My book is accessible through all major online retailers, including Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and AuthorHouse, available in both print and digital formats.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’m a firm believer that where there’s a will, there’s a way. It hasn’t been easy, life’s demands, responsibilities, and other priorities often require extra effort and careful balancing. But I truly enjoy and believe in what I do, whether it’s a paid job or a personal hobby. That passion keeps me motivated to keep going, no matter the challenges.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a psychologist specializing in children, working to assess and support a wide range of conditions and strengths, whether behavioral, neurological, academic, cognitive, or medical-related, as well as giftedness. Being bilingual allows me to connect with children from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life stories, which is incredibly important in providing tailored care.
My mom often describes me as a “walking heart,” and I believe that captures the essence of my work. While I bring knowledge and experience to the table, I see myself first and foremost as another human being who also faces struggles and sometimes needs guidance and support. This perspective helps me connect with the population I serve on a deeper level.
Approaching my work with that sense of shared humanity creates a space for greater empathy and trust, which in turn fosters stronger rapport and encourages my patients’ willingness to actively engage in their own progress and growth.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the power of our shared humanity, understanding that we are all in this together, supporting and leading each other, whether for a moment or a lifetime.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ipujolauthor.com/
- Instagram: i.pujol..7
- Other: https://www.authorhouse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/825951-puzzled-perpleja
Image Credits
Professional photographs by Xiomara & Michael @wizardsphotographers
