Dr. Starlin Astacio earned his B.S. in HDFS from UConn in 2016. Since then, Starlin has built a career rooted in healing, advocacy, and education. He subsequently earned an M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University in 2019 and a Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy from Antioch University in 2023. For over a decade, he has worked as a bilingual relational psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and DEI leader, centering his clinical, supervisory, and research expertise around LGBTQ+ communities. During his time at Hartford Healthcare, he co-founded and co-chaired the DEI Council and executive committees at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, and in 2021, he was honored with the AAMFT Diversity Scholarship for Emerging Leaders for his ongoing work in health equity and inclusion.
Today, he maintains a private practice in Connecticut and New York that is inclusive, innovative, and grounded in the healing power of Self-Leadership. He focuses his clinical work on addressing the disparities faced by minoritized populations, using culturally responsive and trauma-informed modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS). He also serves as associate faculty at Antioch University New England, where he teaches foundational courses and supervises master’s students in the Couple and Family Therapy program. In addition, he teaches in the Sexuality Education Program at the University of Guelph in Canada, educating health professionals on inclusive sex education practices. He also remains connected to UConn, where he has taught courses in the Human Development and Family Sciences department—an experience that continues to hold deep meaning for him. Looking ahead, his long-term goal is to build an institute that offers clinical services to clients, practicum and supervision opportunities for students, and ongoing training and workshops for psychotherapists to expand their scope of practice.
Outside of work, he finds joy in visiting family in the Caribbean, spending time with his loved ones, and supporting community initiatives that empower underserved populations. He believes in maintaining wellness from the inside out—integrating mental and physical self-care into his daily life has been transformational. He is deeply grateful to UConn HDFS for laying the foundation of his professional journey and for continuing to be a meaningful part of his path.