In a world where public figures are often defined by who they’re married to, Ana Luz Rodriguez-Paz is making sure her identity is rooted in something much deeper. While some may know her as the wife of NFL Hall of Famer Ahmad Rashad, her true legacy is being shaped through her impactful work as a bilingual psychologist, businesswoman, and mental health advocate in Florida.
Her journey is one of purpose and cultural pride. From founding her own therapy practice to leading healthcare operations and speaking up for Hispanic mental health awareness, Rodriguez-Paz has built a career based on service, inclusion, and resilience.
Early Life and Cultural Influence
Raised in a bilingual household, Ana Luz Rodriguez-Paz developed an early understanding of how language and identity are closely tied. This upbringing wasn’t just a personal experience but later became the foundation of her career. She saw how mental health care often overlooked cultural nuance, especially in Hispanic and multicultural families, and decided to fill that gap.
Her academic journey led her to Nova Southeastern University, where she earned a Master’s in Clinical Psychology in 2013. During her studies, she completed more than 1,500 clinical training hours across various age groups and family settings. She also presented bilingual research at psychology conferences, signaling her future path in culturally attuned therapy.
ALRP Therapy: A Practice Built With Purpose
In 2014, Rodriguez-Paz founded ALRP Therapy. From a single-office setup in Boca Raton, her practice has grown into one of the most trusted bilingual therapy clinics in the state. ALRP Therapy focuses on three key areas: family therapy, play therapy for children, and couples counseling.
She became a certified play therapist in 2016, using interactive methods to help children deal with trauma, anxiety, and life changes. In 2018, she added family systems therapy accreditation, which allows her to work effectively with couples navigating relationship stress, often in the context of cultural traditions and values.
By 2025, ALRP Therapy serves an average of 150 clients each month. In 2020, she launched a telehealth program that increased access to therapy by 35 percent. That move proved vital during the pandemic and continues to support remote clients across Florida.
Leadership Beyond Therapy Rooms
Ana Luz’s skills extend well beyond one-on-one counseling. Since 2018, she has overseen operations at Cardiovascular Consultants, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale. In this role, she manages a 15-member team and oversees a $1.2 million annual budget. Her responsibilities include insurance processing, care coordination for over 1,000 cardiac patients, and ensuring that the clinic’s policies comply with HIPAA regulations.
Through her leadership, the organization has reduced patient wait times by 20 percent and improved overall workflow. It’s a rare combination of clinical background and administrative expertise that makes her stand out in healthcare.
Speaking Out for Mental Health in Hispanic Communities
Rodriguez-Paz has spent the last decade using her platform to break down stigma around mental health in the Hispanic community. She’s hosted over a dozen free community workshops, each attended by 40 to 60 participants, focused on culturally relevant education and practical tools.
She’s also a guest lecturer at Nova Southeastern University, where she speaks about bilingual therapy and cultural competence. These educational contributions help shape the next generation of mental health professionals and show her commitment to systemic change in the field.
Personal Life with Ahmad Rashad
In April 2016, Ana Luz married former NFL player and sportscaster Ahmad Rashad in a private ceremony in Palm Beach Gardens. Their relationship attracted media attention, mostly due to the 32-year age difference, but the couple has handled public interest with quiet grace.
Through the marriage, she became stepmother to Rashad’s six children, including actress Condola Rashad, and step-grandmother to one grandchild. While she shares small glimpses of family life on social media, she mostly keeps the personal side of life low-key and focused on values rather than public approval.
She has not publicly discussed plans for biological children but embraces her role in a blended family. Her personal Instagram highlights simple moments from home and travels, while the official ALRP Therapy page focuses on mental wellness content and bilingual support posts.
Creativity and Lesser-Known Pursuits
Outside of therapy and administration, Ana Luz briefly explored acting. In 2007, she appeared in the independent film Consensual Injustice, a drama based on the Ponce massacre in Puerto Rico. This experience, though short-lived, reflects her interest in storytelling and cultural history. It also showcases a creative side that complements her work in emotional and psychological support.
Credentials, Recognition, and Recent Activity
Her list of certifications includes:
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Florida
- Certified Play Therapist since 2016
- Accredited in Family Systems Therapy since 2018
- Guest Lecturer at Nova Southeastern University since 2022
- Active member of national and Florida-based therapy associations
Her public work continues to grow. Most recently, she made an appearance at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship charity event in June 2024, where she participated in panel discussions related to wellness and public service.
A Grounded Voice in a Public World
Navigating a career while being in the spotlight is not easy. Yet Ana Luz Rodriguez-Paz manages to stay grounded, focused on her clients, and committed to her mission. She rarely responds to critics or media speculation and instead lets her work speak for itself.
Her life is a powerful example of how purpose and passion can thrive even under public pressure. By combining cultural understanding with clinical skills, she is redefining what mental health support looks like for Hispanic families in Florida.
In a world full of noise, Ana Luz Rodriguez-Paz brings clarity, care, and compassion. Her work, both private and public, continues to inspire those who believe in the power of healing through community, culture, and commitment.