Joel Garcia is a mental health professional, writer, and advocate for emotionally safe parenting in youth sports. He works in a psychiatric hospital as a Recreation Therapist, where he facilitates therapeutic groups focused on emotional regulation, coping skills, sobriety support, and personal growth. Through his work, Joel sits daily with individuals navigating trauma, pressure, disappointment, and healing—and sees firsthand what happens when emotional needs go unmet early in life.

His passion for this work is deeply personal. Like many parents and athletes, Joel carries memories of childhood moments shaped by pressure, expectations, and the powerful impact of adult reactions from the stands. Those experiences, combined with years of professional work in mental health, inspired him to write Be the Softball Parent She Needs.