韩国AV

Rafael Aguirre is a PhD student at 韩国AV Worden School of Social Service. He holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan (2004) and a Master of Social Work from New Mexico State University (2006). Following graduate school, Rafael served in community mental health in Chicago, before relocating to Michigan. There, he gained extensive experience as a clinical social worker across various settings, including inpatient psychiatric care, residential substance use, and outpatient mental health. For the past five years, Rafael has provided outpatient mental health therapy at a Tribal Health Center. He aims to continue his work in mental health while expanding into teaching. 

Rafael's research interests revolve around minority populations, mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and their intersections with the legal system. He is particularly intrigued by exploring the potential impact of harm reduction strategies on mental health within these contexts.

McEllen Ayako Alfred, born on Saipan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and raised in Guam, represents the Belauan ethnicity. Fluent in Chamoru and Belauan, she achieved a baccalaureate in Social Work in 2013, followed by a master's in 2017, and is now pursuing her PhD. As a Pentecostal Apostolic, she actively attends Pacific Revival Church, where she served as youth director. Her career spans aiding domestic violence survivors at Catholic Social Services to managing grants at Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center. She's trained in various therapeutic modalities, dedicated to community well-being.  

With expertise in suicide intervention, stress management, and various therapeutic modalities, including dialectical behavioral therapy, McEllen鈥檚 focus is on pregnant, substance-using women in the Pacific Islands. As a licensed Social Worker and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor III, she aims to address this critical issue.

Cameron Ashdown, a PhD Candidate at Our Lady of the Lake University, is currently researching his dissertation titled 鈥淟eaving Well: A phenomenological inquiry into the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ ex-Mormons.鈥� Alongside his academic pursuits, he serves as an active-duty Captain in the U.S. Army and was recognized as the 2023 Army Social Worker of the Year for his outstanding contributions. Cameron holds licenses as a Clinical Social Worker and Chemical Dependency Counselor, as well as certification as a Board-Certified Diplomat. Married to Rachel, Cameron is a father of three with another child on the way. Outside of work and academia, he enjoys sports, travel, and non-academic writing pursuits. 

With a global perspective, Cameron has provided social work support to soldiers, engaging in direct care, grassroots initiatives, policy development, and supervision. 

Rheanisha Burrell, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Texas Board Approved Clinical Supervisor designation, serves as a coordinator and clinician across two healthcare systems. Beyond her clinical roles, she also instructs as a Human Services Adjunct at Lone Star College and pursues a PhD at Our Lady of the Lake University. With a career dedicated to serving specialized populations within state and federal agencies. Through her multifaceted roles and research endeavors, Rheanisha is committed to advancing equitable access to mental health resources and improving outcomes for underserved populations. 

Rheanisha鈥檚 research interests focus on addressing the stigma of mental health within minority communities. Her work aims to identify behaviors that contribute to mental health stigma, advocate for primary care mental health integration, and promote increased engagement with mental health services. 

Angela Clavijo, an Instructor of Social Work at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, holds a master鈥檚 degree in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University. With a diverse professional background spanning child and family welfare, healthcare consultancy, and school social work, Angela brings a wealth of experience to her role. For a decade, she served in direct practice before transitioning to academia, where she has contributed for five years. Committed to advancing knowledge and promoting healing, Angela鈥檚 work resonates at the intersection of academia and social justice advocacy.

Angela鈥檚 research is centered on the holistic well-being of immigrant and refugee communities, exploring cultural assimilation as trauma and its implications for social work practice. Additionally, Angela investigates topics such as the epigenetic inheritance of trauma, intergenerational healing, indigenous knowledge systems, and the therapeutic use of yoga. She also examines faith-based trauma, spiritual abuse, and the empowering potential of research as a form of storytelling.    

Esmirna Corona (she/her/ella) is a licensed clinical social worker and approved clinical supervisor in Texas. She works as a senior therapist at Children's Health in Dallas, providing virtual behavioral health services to students in North Texas. Esmirna also teaches social work courses as an adjunct professor, covering topics such as Introduction to Social Work and Case Management. She is passionate about equity in education and volunteers as a mentor and board member at Primos Dallas, supporting first-generation Latinx high school students. Esmirna holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at El Paso. 

Esmirna focuses her research on macro-level challenges within the Latinx community concerning mental health care access. She aims to explore ways in which social work programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels can mitigate stigma and other barriers faced by Latinx families. Additionally, she investigates the potential of telehealth services to address the mental health gap within Latinx communities. 

Ryan Dollinger (He/Him/His) completed his Bachelor of Social Work at Lamar University, Master of Public Administration and Certification of Urban Non-Profit Management at the University of Texas at Arlington, and Master of Social Work at Texas State University.  

Ryan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas with nine years of direct practice experience which includes, veteran鈥檚 healthcare, substance misuse, mental health, crisis intervention, aging, inpatient and outpatient healthcare, case management and private practice. Ryan is active within his community and state as a Board Member for CASA of Southeast Texas, Inc., Advisory Board Member for Lamar University, Board Member and Executive Leadership Committee Member for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) 鈥� Texas Chapter and Gubernatorial Appointee to the Texas Juvenile Justice Advisory Board.

Ryan鈥檚 research interests include clients transitioning from systems, primarily healthcare systems, health disparities, the well-being of low-income families, emergency mental health and enhancing case management services. Ryan is currently a Graduate Research Assistant for Project LAUNCH (Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children鈥檚 Health) with Alegnta Felleke, PhD. 

Janet Espinoza is a first-year doctoral student. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New Mexico. She has been a professional mental health clinician for the past 3 years in clinic and acute care settings with a specialization in children and families. She received her Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Social Work from New Mexico State University in 2017 and her Master鈥檚 degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2019. She is currently pursuing a Phd in Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University.   

Janet鈥檚 research interest include children mental health, immigration, suicidality amongst LGBTQ+ populations, and attachment.   

Sarah M. Farrell (She/Her/Hers) graduated with a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, where she was a recipient of the Gladys M. Salit award and the Phi Alpha Honor Society research scholarship. She gained research experience through joint ventures between the School of Cinema and the School of Social Work. With experiences spanning from home health and hospice to community mental health, Sarah has served a diverse client base. She gained clinical licensure in 2018 and has nearly a decade of direct practice experience.  

Sarah鈥檚 research interests center around religious trauma, especially in insular religious communities, and the impact of religious trauma on attachment style, health outcomes and epigenetics. She also has an interest in further studying the impacts of purity culture on sexual outcomes. She has participated in invited panel presentations at the University of Southern California on the need for changes in field education and diversity, equity and inclusion: Honoring our stories. She has submitted a paper for publication on the need for relevant strategies in preventing adolescent dating violence. 

Nadya earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from Texas A&M University-College Station in 2010. Following that achievement, she obtained certification as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. In 2021, she successfully completed her master's degree in Social Work at 韩国AV and passed the LMSW exam the same year. With a decade of experience as a licensed chemical dependency counselor, her focus is on the importance of rehabilitation care of individuals by helping them manage their recovery to be as independent as possible.

Nadya's research and area of interest will center on recidivism among substance users and inmates. She aims to comprehend the factors contributing to relapse, assess the varying effectiveness of treatment services, and explore strategies for enhancing the overall efficacy of inpatient and outpatient treatments.

Paulina Gonzales, a first-generation American, is a mental health therapist based in Waco, Texas. She holds a bachelor's degree from Tarleton State University and a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Currently, she is a first-year Ph.D. student at the Worden School of Social Service at Our Lady of the Lake University. Paulina received her clinical social work license in 2020 and launched her private practice in 2021, specializing in serving BIPOC individuals and first-generation Americans. With a wealth of experience spanning seven years, she has worked in various roles which include a residential treatment facility, an immigration attorney's office, and within the public school system.

Paulina's research interests center on mental health in minority communities, race disparities, and the well-being of immigrants and first-generation Americans.

Kristen Gonzalez, Licensed Master Social Worker, graduated twice from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, earning her Bachelor of Social Work in 2019 and her Master of Social Work in 2020. With experience in school social work, criminal justice, and nephrology social work, she currently serves as a Dialysis Social Worker at Davita, managing responsibilities for two clinics. Kristen's dedication to aiding others drives her pursuit of a doctorate degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. 

Kristen's research interests encompass substance abuse, the aging population, and end-stage diagnoses, with a specific focus on understanding substance abuse within the dialysis setting. She is enthusiastic about exploring this area to analyze and comprehend the complexities surrounding substance abuse among individuals undergoing dialysis treatment. 

Franzcesca is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in San Antonio Texas. Her areas of experience in Social Work practice has included work within a number of populations to include; families in crisis, homelessness, aging, medical, school based, behavioral health, program development. Franzcesca hopes to use her knowledge and skills to help guide the next generation of Social Workers.  

Franzcesca鈥檚 area of research interest include social justice, equality, and equity, specifically areas involving racial and ethnic disparities within systems. Franzcesca鈥檚 dissertation focuses on exploring the experiences of the intergenerational effects of racial trauma on African Americans.

Alexis is a Family Therapist and Preceptor at Cook Children鈥檚 Medical Center specializing in Inpatient Psychiatry. With over a decade of experience, Alexis has worked as a forensic interviewer, victim advocate, and therapist. She has addressed a wide range of issues including substance use, mental health disorders, medical illness, child sexual/physical abuse, and intimate partner violence. She is a court-certified expert witness in criminal and civil courts across states and for the United States Navy. Alexis provides training for law enforcement, district attorneys, civil attorneys, school district personnel, and the Department of Family and Protective Services, and also serves as a guest lecturer at local universities.

Alexis's research interests revolve around investigating interventions and healing services for child sexual abuse victims, with a particular focus on engaging diverse populations. She also delves into topics related to higher education access and outcomes, as well as pay disparities within helping professions. Her multifaceted expertise contributes significantly to the field of social work and victim support.

Beyinnah Hopkins, a licensed clinical social worker, is authorized to practice in Texas and New Mexico. Currently pursuing her PhD in Social Work at her alma mater, Our Lady of the Lake University, where she earned her master's degree, Beyinnah serves as a contractor for the Veteran Administration, offering psychotherapy to veterans. Additionally, she provides psychotherapy for individuals with mental disorders on behalf of a reputable health insurance agency. With specialized expertise in end-of-life care, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, case management, and forensic mental health, Beyinnah plans to share her knowledge as a future professor at a Historical Black College and University (HBCU). Residing in San Antonio, with her spouse and daughters鈥攐ne in college, the other in high school鈥擝eyinnah is committed to imparting essential social work principles and ethical frameworks to the next generation of practitioners. 

Beyinnah's research centers on higher education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with a specific focus on the preparation of future social workers and disparities in standardized testing. With an increasing call for diversity in social work, she aims to uncover the reasons behind lower pass rates among minority groups compared to their counterparts, exploring potential links to socioeconomic factors and educational choices. 

Melissa Adrienne Jackson is a licensed clinical social worker and a board-approved supervisor in Texas. Currently based at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, she serves as Senior Social Worker for the Women鈥檚 Health Clinic and as The Anti-Human Trafficking Prevention and Education Program Coordinator. With roots in Chicago and Las Cruces, New Mexico, Melissa earned her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in social work from New Mexico State University. With 15 years of dedication to social work, she has worked across diverse areas including forensics, human trafficking, mental health, medicine, criminal justice, and substance abuse. Her recent groundbreaking research focuses on Human Trafficking among U.S. veterans. Trained as a psychotherapist specializing in EMDR for African American women, Melissa is also a devoted mother, friend, and advocate for limitless potential in social work careers. Her mission is to inspire future generations to realize the vast impact they can make in the world. 

Melissa鈥檚 research interests encompass the interconnected dynamics between sexual trauma, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking among minority women. She also explores rates of borderline personality diagnoses among African American female veterans and delves into the impact of intergenerational and transgenerational trauma on the African American community. Additionally, she investigates career advancement disparities within social work among African Americans and health disparities prevalent among minority populations. 

Martin Johnson (he/they) is a lifelong Californian who delivers mental health services to challenged individuals in his birth city. Born and raised primarily in San Bernardino, Martin understands how societal pressures contribute to and exacerbate non-normative mental and behavioral health conditions. As a result of lived experience and associations with populations he serves, Martin focuses on all aspects of societal change for marginalized groups. For instance, Martin engages as a practitioner and volunteer at individual, organizational, and cultural levels. 

Martin has overcome multiple life challenges. After surmounting these barriers to success, he has pursued education and public service as meaningful societal contributions. Martin's educational credentials are extensive. After obtaining associate degrees in human services, liberal arts, and a certificate in alcohol and drug studies, they transferred to university-level instruction. Martin then received a bachelor's degree in sociology, a master's degree in social work, and a master's degree in public administration, becoming a PI Alpha Alpha honor society inductee. 

Martin holds multiple professional positions. He works on-call as a social work clinician at the Merrill Center Crisis Stabilization Unit. Additionally, they work full-time for the County of San Bernardino as a Clinical Therapist I. Martin accrues hours towards social work licensure as an associate at both positions. In addition to their current jobs, Martin gained experience as a substance use disorder (SUD) counselor at a residential treatment facility and DUI school. Martin also volunteers as a 12-step sponsor and on various social justice subcommittees. 

Traditionally, the European American, hetero-centric paradigm centering the group's experience as the primary reference for medical, social, and behavioral health interventions dominated. Fortunately, perceptions have changed, ushering in a new wave of research considering unique perspectives between groups with varying histories. 

Martin's interests involve adaptations to therapeutic approaches. Some groups, like African Americans, see the world through the legacy of chattel slavery and oppression. Martin will research intervention modifications grounded in unique worldviews to increase positive outcomes in mental health treatment and criminal desistance. Martin is also interested in studying the intersection of human and animal welfare through animal-assisted therapy. 

Alexis Kelson received her Bachelor of Social Work at Texas A&M University-Central Texas. She received her master's degree from Baylor University. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in social work at Our Lady of the Lake University. She is employed as an inpatient therapist at Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute. She is experienced in providing therapeutic psychoeducation groups and providing crises intervention. She is an Army veteran, and she has identical twin boys. 

Alexis鈥� research interests include mental health education and integration within the African American community, and providing evidence based therapeutic approaches that specifically target the African American Community. 

Omayra Lizardo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in the State of Florida with behavioral health case management experience serving children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Positions she has held focused on the mental health of children and adolescents, hospital discharge planning, long-term care, and hospice care. Omayra had the opportunity to teach an MSW Diversity, Social Justice, Ethics, and Reflexive Social Work II course at the University of Utah for one semester (spring 2023). In her day-to-day work, Omayra embraces a passion for equality and justice for all.

Omayra is interested in research within the social work field to further evaluate and improve the effectiveness of social work practice, and ultimately impact the future generation of social workers. Omayra鈥檚 research topics include spirituality/faith, improving social work practice, equality, social justice, and preventing/addressing social work compassion fatigue.

Celia Luquin is a Certified Clinical Social Worker with a diverse and impactful career. Her current role as a crisis clinician in an emergency room involves critical interventions with individuals grappling with suicide, homicide, and psychosis, showcasing her ability to handle high-pressure situations with compassion and expertise. Celia's previous experiences encompass working as a therapist in residential treatment centers, where she assisted individuals battling addictions. Additionally, she has served as an outpatient therapist specializing in EMDR therapy, focusing on helping women and children overcome PTSD and complex trauma. Her multifaceted background reflects her dedication to improving mental health and well-being in various settings.

Celia's research interests center on qualitative exploration of women's trauma within patriarchal societies. She aims to delve into their journeys toward finding solace in their narratives, particularly in the context of EMDR therapy.

Roy Malecha is a current doctoral student in the Social Work PhD program at Our Lady of the Lake University. Prior to being accepted at 韩国AV, Roy obtained a Bachelor of Social Work (2009, Freed-Hardeman University) and a Master of Science in Social Work (2013, University of Tennessee College of Social Work). Currently, Roy serves in a dual role within the Social Work Program at Freed-Hardeman University as an Assistant Professor of Social Work as well as the Director of Field Education. Overall, Roy has nine years of experience within the field of social work in both clinical and supervisory roles as well as seven years of experience in higher education. 

Roy鈥檚 research interests include the therapeutic aspects of long-distance running as it relates to mental health, the utilization of online methodology (distance education) to provide educational opportunities among underserved and underrepresented populations and the connection between faith/spirituality/religion and social work practice with specific emphasis on the identification and utilization of effective intervention strategies directed at student skill development within BSW and MSW programs regarding the ethical integration of faith into social work practice.

Jolene Martinez, LCSW, earned both her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees from New Mexico State University. With nearly two decades of experience, Jolene has made significant contributions in various sectors including child welfare, state government, and nonprofit leadership. Currently, Jolene serves as a consultant, leveraging her expertise to enhance child welfare and behavioral health systems. In addition to her consultancy work, Jolene is the Executive Director of Behavioral Health Operations for a Managed Care Organization in New Mexico. In this role, she spearheads initiatives to ensure accessible and high-quality behavioral health services for individuals across the state. 

Jolene's research interests for a PhD program in social work encompass exploring organizational change management strategies within complex social services systems. She seeks to delve into decolonized leadership theory to understand its implications for fostering inclusive and equitable practices. Additionally, she is committed to investigating health outcomes for system-involved BIPOC children and youth, aiming to identify and address disparities to promote their well-being. 

Sheryl Mathew is a dedicated doctoral student at Our Lady of the Lake University with extensive experience in medical social work. For over a decade, Sheryl has served in various capacities at Parkland Health, Dallas鈥� safety net hospital, including as an inpatient social worker and manager for post-acute services. Currently, she holds the role of manager of clinical innovation for the Center of Innovation and Value at Parkland. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Social Work from Baylor University, and she is a licensed clinical social worker in Texas. Sheryl鈥檚 recent publications cover topics such as influenza vaccination messaging, healthcare utilization patterns for substance use patients, and childcare as a social determinant of health. Her impactful work with Parkland鈥檚 complex case program has been recognized by Politico and KERA. 

Sheryl鈥檚 Her research interests and publications focus on healthcare disparities and improving patient outcomes by addressing social determinants of health, particularly for uninsured and underinsured populations. 

Miranda Mestas Vatterott received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Santa Clara University and her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. She has experience supporting new parents and families in various roles since 2013. She has worked as a birth and postpartum doula, patient advocate, a parent and me yoga instructor, a childbirth educator and a parent coach. She currently works as an associate clinical social worker at Harvest Home, a maternity home in Los Angeles. She enjoys reading, traveling and watching soccer. Miranda lives in Southern California with her husband, three children, and their labradoodle.  

Miranda is interested in researching issues relevant to perinatal mental health, specifically birth trauma, infant attachment, lactation and access to quality healthcare. She is a research assistant under Alegnta Felleke, PhD on project evaluation for Project LAUNCH (Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children鈥檚 Health).  

Leslie Moorehead is a licensed associate clinical social worker pursuing full independence licensure with a background in journalism. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Leslie received her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and is pursuing her PhD in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University. Leslie encourages learning with the students she works with in rural Washington State. Previously, Leslie worked in child welfare and community mental health. Leslie focuses on empathy and understanding and on asking questions to better appreciate individual stories.  

Leslie鈥檚 research interests focus on chronic pain in women, chronic illness in women and the impact of chronic health conditions on mental health. Leslie is additionally interested in working within the child welfare systems as well as providing person-centered therapy services for behavioral health treatment. Her clinical approaches include Polyvagal Theory in psychotherapy, mind-body connections, motivational interviewing, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as art and play approaches. She is interested in applying either feminist theory or grounded theory to chronic conditions.  

Karla Najera is an experienced bilingual mental health therapist/ clinical social worker in Maryland. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and her Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University. Karla is a first-generation college graduate and a daughter to parents born in Honduras. 

Karla obtained her LCSW-C in 2021 and has worked in different capacities within the social service field for more than 12 years. She has worked with newly arrived immigrants who have experienced significant trauma, were coping with depression/anxiety, as well as adjusting to a new culture. Karla currently works as an Internship Program Supervisor for a nonprofit and also as a therapist for a group practice. 

Karla鈥檚 research interest involves first-generation college students, specifically the mental health impacts of first-generation Hispanic college students. She knows the challenges that come with being a first-generation college student and growing up navigating life while respecting and holding two cultural identities.  

Kammeron Newton, a Clinical Research Coordinator II at Emory University in Atlanta, holds a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University. With over a decade in social services, she's dedicated to at-risk populations, specializing in community outreach, wrap-around services, and end-of-life care. Proficient in adult psychotherapy, she grasps human behavior complexities. Her tenure equips her to contribute meaningfully to scholarly pursuits, informed by her understanding of underserved communities. Pursuing academic endeavors at Our Lady of the Lake University, Kammeron aims to enhance social work discourse, driven by her commitment to positive change and academic excellence. 

Kammeron's research explores the interconnection of human physiology and socio-economic factors, particularly in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension among low to middle-income groups. She focuses on unraveling racial disparities and understanding how socio-economic factors affect disease progression and treatment outcomes. By exploring this nexus, Kammeron aims to advance understanding of health disparities and develop targeted interventions for vulnerable populations. 

Angelica Olivo holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University where she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Social Work. Her prior experience includes working with two nonprofit organizations. In one, she assisted individuals facing trauma, PTSD, and immigration-related challenges including VAWA and U-Visa issues, and extreme hardships. At the other nonprofit, she was involved in building strong client and family connections while actively engaging in the community. She worked in a comforting environment for terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of less than three months. Angelica's background uniquely positions her for impactful research and social work contributions.

Angelica's research primarily focuses on Hispanic/Latino populations, encompassing geriatrics, palliative and hospice care, grief, and mental health among aging Hispanic/Latino communities. Additionally, she investigates the impact of COVID-19 on geriatric mental health and studies Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).

Sheccid Rosales holds bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Social Work, and a Master of Social Work focusing on Hispanic Families and Communities from Our Lady of the Lake University. Advocating for immigrants for three years, she serves as a victim advocate, assisting victims of crimes like domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in navigating the legal system and obtaining U.S. residency. Sheccid shares her expertise as a panelist on immigration and victim advocacy and mentors bachelor-level social work interns, guiding them as they enter the field. Her multifaceted role reflects her dedication to empowering marginalized communities and nurturing future social work professionals. 

Sheccid's research interests encompass immigration, the Hispanic community, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), and trauma from a cultural perspective. She seeks to explore how cultural beliefs and norms influence trauma experiences, particularly among immigrants and the Hispanic population. By understanding these dynamics, she aims to inform policies and services to better serve marginalized communities affected by IPV. 

Sandra Rosas draws on more than 20 years of experience in higher education. Since 2004 she has worked in a higher education setting with a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education known as TRIO programs. She has worked as a college readiness coordinator and served first-generation Hispanic students and families. Additional experience includes extensive community outreach in colonias along the Texas-Mexico border, Mujeres Unidas, and Southwest Keys Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program. Sandra graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, obtaining her Bachelor of Social Work. She later attended Our Lady of the Lake University, receiving her Master of Social Work.

Sandra鈥檚 research interests are first-generation college students and the impacts of affordability, academic preparation, and follow-up information specific to college student access and success. Apart from her research, she would like to test a series of interventions designed to support families and students as they prepare for college and advancement through higher education. Her primary focus on first-generation college student outcomes seeks to understand the complexities of culture, learning processes and development with a secondary focus on the intricacies of navigating ecological systems in creating and implementing effective transitions into college. 

Leslie Salazar-Hinojosa, LMSW, earned her MSSW in Social Work from West Texas A&M University in 2016. Currently serving as a faculty member and MSSW Field Director at the university鈥檚 master鈥檚 program, Leslie brings extensive experience in medical social work and higher education social work. Recognized for her contributions, she received the 2021 Top Rising Star award from Los Barrios de Amarillo. Leslie embodies a commitment to excellence in both academia and social work practice. 

Leslie鈥檚 research interests center on higher education, exploring the impact of social workers within higher education systems, particularly focusing on Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Hispanic populations. Additionally, she delves into medical research, aiming to enhance understanding and support for diverse communities. With a dedication to advancing knowledge and advocating for underrepresented groups.

Shanna Skipper received a Bachelor of Social Work from Texas A&M University-Central Texas and Master of Social Work with a specialization in Leadership from Texas State University-San Marcos. Shanna is a first-year doctoral student with Our Lady of the Lake University. She has professional experience with children and families, healthcare, case management, geriatrics, grants, and leadership. Shanna is employed with Baylor Scott & White Health. She has been part of a team to create and implement a new initiative focusing on chronic disease management. 

Shanna鈥檚 interests are geriatrics, women鈥檚 health, and community development. Shanna plans to contribute to these areas of research to better evaluate services and interventions creating a meaningful impact on our communities. 

Tawana Smith, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor in Louisiana, brings extensive experience to her role. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from McNeese State University and her master's from Louisiana State University. Tawana is currently in her first Ph.D. semester at Our Lady of the Lake University and has over two decades in social service. Her career spans nonprofit and for-profit settings, encompassing administration, program development, and direct practice. Tawana excels in end-of-life services and family support, even introducing the Positive Parenting Program to local schools. She is a Senior Social Worker with the Veteran's Healthcare Administration and specializes in severe mental health diagnoses for veterans. 

Tawana's research will delve into the intersection of stigma and mental health and help-seek behaviors in African Americans, aiming to shed light on crucial aspects of mental health within this community. 

Stephanie Valverde, a Licensed Master of Social Work, is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Lubbock Christian University and her Master of Social Work from the University of Texas Arlington. Stephanie currently serves as a crisis stabilization therapist with the Suicide Prevention program at the VA in Lubbock, Texas, bringing a wealth of experience to her role, with five years of dedicated work in the field of mental health. Her journey began as an inpatient social worker at a psychiatric hospital, and she is now preparing to take her LCSW exam in August, with plans to establish her own practice.

Stephanie's research interests revolve around two key areas: resiliency within the military community and advocating for minorities in higher education. As a first-generation college graduate herself, Stephanie intimately understands the challenges of navigating an unfamiliar system, and she is committed to addressing and alleviating these challenges for others like her.

Arthalia Weekes is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker in both Kansas and Missouri. Arthalia received her Bachelor of Social Work at Tarleton State University part of Texas A&M University and her Master of Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University. She has been certified as a Cognitive Processing Therapy therapist, trained in EMDR, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, ACT and CBT-I. Arthalia currently works for InnovaTel Telepsychiatry as an embedded therapist in a rural mental health clinic and owns her private practice Kavanah Life Counseling Services. 

Arthalia鈥檚 research interests focus on mental health, race disparities in mental health specifically when involving law enforcement, sexuality and religion, trauma, and evidence-based practices effectiveness with complex issues and diverse populations. Arthalia has created psychotherapy-focused groups related to military trauma, sexual trauma and women empowerment. Arthalia was the first Virtual Liaison for Region 3 Veterans Health Administration and essentially built the program in her assigned area laying the groundwork for transitioning service members who would otherwise not have access to services in the traditional way. In addition, Arthalia co-authored a book titled 鈥淩esilient Warriors: Stories of the Perseverance of Women in the Military鈥�. 

Charles Wilson Jr. (he/him) is a licensed clinical social worker currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University. He earned a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from the University of Houston-Downtown, a Master of Business Administration specializing in Project Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University, focusing on Hispanic communities. A military veteran with certifications in Case Management, Nephrology, and Abdominal Transplant, Charles serves as a Geriatric Social Worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Charles research explores the effects of racial disparities in healthcare on African-American communities, trauma among the elderly, mental health challenges faced by Black men, inequities in transplant selections, and the therapeutic power of music for self-care. 

Eloisa is a dedicated social worker with a strong educational background. After completing her bachelor鈥檚 in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014, she earned her master鈥檚 in Social Work from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2017. Currently, Eloisa is a PhD candidate at Our Lady of the Lake University鈥檚 Worden School of Social Service. For the past six years, she has served as a school social worker in a San Antonio non-profit, focusing on K-12 students鈥� social and emotional learning. Eloisa is currently undergoing supervision for her LCSW. With her extensive experience in Texas school systems, Eloisa aims to contribute meaningful research to better serve the populations she works with. 

Eloisa Zamora鈥檚 research interests encompass mental health issues such as anxiety and depression among school-aged children, mental health concerns within the Hispanic population, and crisis preparedness in schools.