Alina, who was born in Santiago de Cuba, grew up as the third of four children in a very strict Cuban household. At the age of nine, her family migrated to Los Angeles, California where they established residency and began to live her American dream. Alina Ugas is a Behavior and Communication Mentor and Co-founder of Final Step International and its trademark technique, The Needs Based Method®. With over 35 years’ experience in the health care, mental health, and business sector, Alina, a Licensed Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming® & Motivational Coach, National Certified Recovery Coach, motivational speaker, author, workshop facilitator, and trainer. Alina has always had a passion for helping others discover the “WHY” of their emotional decisions and self-destructive behaviors which prevent individuals from reaching their highest potential. 

Alina is the proud mother of three wonderful adult daughters and Nana to three incredible grandsons who she often refers to as her "Why".

Final Step International was started after seeing people suffering from addiction and self-destructive behaviors. Along with her partner, they developed their trademark technique, The Needs Based Method®. 

After years of working with clients who battled drug addiction, anger issues, eating disorders, and other forms of emotional dysfunction Alina helped craft the development of The Needs Based Method®. The proven technique of getting to the individual’s specific social/emotional needs that have not been met and have kept the client from enjoying a fulfilling life or successful business career has had an 85% success rate. She believes that we all should “Think to be Different®”

Alina’s commitment to the belief that coaching is not only a necessary life tool but a business tool as well led her, along with her partner, to start their own family business Final Step International.

Alina’s vision is for all people to move forward with confidence, fully awake and living consciously in the moment that will allow them to live the life they desire. For them to find inner peace and joy.

A regular on the speaking circuit, Alina has developed and facilitated numerous seminars on behaviors and communication including:  

·        Improving Communication and Increasing Productivity in your Practice

·        Life Transitions

·        What Stops You from Moving Forward

·        Generational Shaming

·        Second Chapter of Life

Growing up in Cuba, transitioning to the United States had a lasting impact on me. I have always been a people person and have always had a passion to advocate for others and so the medical field seemed like a great place to start. I have been a Healthcare Administrator for 33 years. I saw first hand how emotionally broken people can be due to addiction, trauma, divorce or unforeseen situation that life throws their way. If I have a chance to make a difference then why not do it.

I started out as a licensed Adult Residential Care Facility Administrator by the State of California since 2010, Certified in Dementia due to my mom being diagnosed with this horrible illness. Then I became a Certified Recovery Coach by the California Association of Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counselors for my private practice. I am a lifelong learner. As I am committed to continuing my education to ensure I am providing my clients with the highest quality of information I became an NLP Practitioner and now I just published my first book. Own your Dreams which I co-authored, my chapter "Finding Inner Peace and Joy" is exactly where I am in life right now.

My biggest challenge is getting people to understand that there is nothing wrong or weak about admitting and then asking for help and to understand that the sooner they seek help, the better off they will be. Also, the family judgment for wanting to do better for yourself.

My greatest strength is communicating and connecting with others. People open up to me, and for that, I am grateful for it allows me to really help them and provide them with the most useful tools and resources specific to their needs.

I have been a single parent for over 20 years after a failed marriage and three failed business, and my greatest accomplishment has been raising my three amazing daughters and now having three wonderful grandsons.

My professional goal is to make an impact that results in positive changes. I want my work to improve the lives of others. I speak on Generational Shaming, conduct workshops, and have plans to travel to London to continue to spread the word and get my message out there. My new mission is to Shift Mindset Globally 

I am inspired by my brother Carlos who passed away far too young. I am committed to keeping his memory alive. I want to make an impact on the cradle program in hospitals, babies that are born with HIV and help people and society better understand HIV. 

My children and my grandchildren will be my legacy. I want to be remembered a great mother and grandmother and for making an impact on others that affected positive change and forward thinking.

Current member of the National LBWA LA, NSAGLAC, past member of the NAPW and Grass Roots.

Re-entry program in Los Angeles, CAYS Community Alliance, and CSUDH 

I enjoy baking, arts and crafts, my book club and spending time with my grandson.