Dr. Hilda Fernandez-Alvarez holds an MA in Clinical Psychology from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, an MA in Spanish Literature from the University of British Columbia, and a PhD in Human Geography from Simon Fraser University. Her doctoral dissertation articulates a critique of how discourses of trauma and healing are used in public mental health institutions.

A leading figure in Vancouver's psychoanalytic community, Dr. Fernandez-Alvarez co-founded the Lacan Salon in September 2007 and is the president of Corpo Freudiano Vancouver: Lacanian School of Psychoanalysis, just formed last March 2025, and which emerged from the Salon. Since October 2015, she has led clinical seminars as part of her involvement with the Lacan Salon. Additionally, she served as president of the Western Canada Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy Association from 2005 to 2007. Dr. Fernandez-Alvarez remains active in academic circles and is an associate of SFU Institute for the Humanities.