Meet Our Students

Rafael Aguirre is a PhD student at OLLU 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.

Esmeralda Alfaro, a Licensed Social Worker in Texas and first-time PhD student, earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University. She has extensive experience working with children, families, and nonprofit organizations. Currently, she serves as Program Director for a nonprofit supporting foster children, homeless individuals, and immigrants. Esmeralda advocates for young children who have been trafficked, assaulted, or separated from their families and is committed to promoting mental health awareness among the populations she serves. Her professional experiences directly inform her research focus and drive her dedication to improving outcomes for vulnerable communities.

Esmeralda studies the experiences of Hispanic and immigrant populations, focusing on how first-generation children acculturate to a new country. She examines how mental health stigmas within these communities influence subsequent generations, shaping adaptation, identity development, and access to supportive resources in a new cultural context. 

Monique Aviles (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker and acute psychiatric social worker with extensive experience across clinical and community settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Alcorn State University, a Master of Social Work from Pennsylvania Western University–Edinboro, and a certificate in Sexuality Education and Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan. Monique’s experience spans psychotherapy with clients aged 6 to 55, family crisis intervention, co-facilitation of adolescent sex offender diversion programs, and residential counseling for adults with severe co-morbid mental illness. She is dedicated to promoting equity and mental health advancement for minoritized communities. 

Monique’s research focuses on the intersection of sexual health, sexual exploration, and mental health within Black American communities, examining how cultural, social, and systemic factors shape psychological well-being and access to care. 

Michelle Burns is a PhD student at OLLU Worden School of Social Services. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from Arizona State University. Post graduate school she worked at an inpatient geriatric psych facility gaining experience with the aging geriatric population, Dementia and other mental health conditions. For the past 16 years she has worked both in and outpatient for a large hospital and clinics, most recently in a management role. She also teaches as an adjunct faculty at a private Christian university. She is a Certified Financial Social Worker (CFSW) as well as a Certified Grief-Informed Professional (CGIP).

Michelle's research interests are isolation and the mental health impact on the geriatric and young adult populations. Focusing on how to incorporate more in person versus online socialization to support increased mental health and cognitive benefits. Seeking how a "third" space can offer in person socialization benefits and how communities can implement.

Tanisha Ellis (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Texas, serving San Antonio and surrounding communities. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Social Work from Walden University. Tanisha has extensive experience with the State of Texas, Bexar County Juvenile Probation, local school districts, and community organizations. She currently provides client-centered care through her private practice, Tranquil Thoughts TX. Tanisha is passionate about empowering underrepresented communities, promoting mental health access, and emphasizing self-care, resilience, and holistic well-being for clients across the lifespan. 

Tanisha’s research focuses on mental health in Black communities, examining how resilience-based approaches may overshadow the need for rest and vulnerability. She also explores sexual expression and intimacy, considering the impact of religious and cultural norms on shame, discomfort, and communication during first and recurring sexual experiences. 

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 OLLU 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.

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

Christopher (CJ) Hamilton earned his Master of Social Work from Illinois State University, where he competed in track and field as a Division I athlete. After earning his degree, CJ worked as a K-12 school social worker specializing in students with severe emotional and behavioral disorders before beginning his career in higher education. He currently serves as Graduate Coordinator for the MSW program at Illinois State University, where he teaches, conducts research, and advises students.

CJ's research interests include sports social work, school social work, and mental health consultation. At Illinois State, he serves as co-PI on a mental health consultation grant and recently co-authored a piece titled "Social Workers Providing Mental Health Consultation in a Head Start Setting: Implications for Training, Practice, and Interprofessional Collaboration," which appeared in the 50th anniversary edition of the School Social Work Journal.

Michael Gwanjaye is a doctoral student at OLLU with over 20 years of experience supporting underprivileged communities in the United States and East Africa. He holds a diploma in Secondary Education from Kyambogo University, a Bachelor’s in Guidance and Counseling from Kampala International University, and a Master’s in Social Work from Winona State University. For the past three years, he has managed a private practice focusing on immigrant mental health. Michael’s doctoral studies aim to strengthen his research and teaching skills, enabling him to develop culturally informed interventions and enhance service delivery for diverse populations across local and international contexts. 

Michael’s research focuses on immigrant mental health and maternal and child well-being in rural East Africa. He is committed to implementing culturally responsive, trauma-informed approaches that integrate HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment within underserved, resource-limited communities. 

Alexis is a Family Therapist and Preceptor at Cook Children’s 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.

Maria Hernandez's journey into social work has been shaped by a deep commitment to serving children, families, and underserved communities. Working as a Pre-K teacher has strengthened her passion for education, advocacy, and creating supportive environments where every child can thrive. Maria believes meaningful change begins with compassion, cultural humility, and strong community partnerships. Through her doctoral studies, she hopes to grow as a scholar, educator, and leader while inspiring future social workers to make a lasting impact in the communities they serve.

Maria's research interests focus on faith-based social services, culturally responsive practice, and the experiences of Hispanic and Latino communities. She is particularly interested in examining how faith, culture, and community partnerships influence access to social services and improve individual and family well-being. Her long-term goal is to strengthen evidence-informed practice through research and social work education.

Kiorrah Hill is a committed social worker with experience across diverse clinical settings. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Prairie View A&M University in 2021 and her Master’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2023. Kiorrah currently serves as a mental health clinician in both outpatient and acute care settings, working with adolescents and adults, and she is completing supervision for her LCSW. As a PhD candidate at OLLU, she integrates her clinical expertise with research to address systemic challenges, advocates for underserved communities, and develops interventions that improve mental health outcomes among marginalized populations.

Kiorrah’s research focuses on mental health disparities in minority populations, emphasizing cultural stigma, systemic barriers, limited resources, and institutional mistrust. She seeks to inform culturally responsive interventions, policy, and advocacy to enhance access, equity, and outcomes for underserved communities. 

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—one in college, the other in high school—Beyinnah 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. 

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. 

Janellia Jolley is a licensed clinical social worker and outpatient mental health therapist with experience providing services to adolescents, adults, couples, and families across diverse settings. Her clinical work is grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and focuses on supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals, BIPOC communities, and other historically marginalized populations. In addition to her clinical practice, Janellia has experience in community advocacy, program development, clinical supervision, teaching and behavioral health outreach. Following completion of her doctoral studies, she plans to continue her work in mental health while contributing to social work education, research, and the development of future practitioners.

Janellia's research interests include mental health equity, measurement equity in mental health screening tools, behavioral health disparities among BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ populations, and the role of culturally responsive interventions in improving access to care and mental health outcomes.

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’ 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’s 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.

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. 

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’s Health).  

Kensheavia McClendon is from Bastrop, Louisiana, and earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Grambling State University and her Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University. Her professional experience includes child and family services, case management, long-term care, and community-based mental health. Kensheavia is passionate about advocacy, culturally responsive practice, and strengthening families through education, faith, and service while preparing the next generation of social work leaders through scholarship, collaboration, and meaningful community engagement.

Kensheavia's research interests focus on improving outcomes for children involved in the child welfare system, particularly those who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. She is interested in examining trauma-informed interventions, family preservation strategies, and evidence-based practices that promote resilience, permanency, and positive developmental outcomes while reducing disparities in services for vulnerable children and families.

Elizabeth is a first-year PhD student. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (2022) and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University (2023). She is a school social worker/counselor to Pk3-8th grade students on the South Side of San Antonio. She has experience providing therapeutic services across law enforcement, juvenile justice, and K-12 education. She is certified in adult mental health first aid and is a CASA Advocate.

Elizabeth's research interest is reducing the juvenile recidivism rate by evaluating evidence-based alternatives, including pre-hearing diversion programs, mental health support, and robust post-release aftercare.

Alissa Meyer works for a nonprofit in San Antonio, supporting high school students identified as at-risk or experiencing homelessness under McKinney-Vento. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (2022) and her Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University (2023). She is certified in Mental Health First Aid, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, and trained in Multidimensional Grief Therapy. Alissa facilitates weekly grief support groups and volunteers as a CASA advocate. Her professional and volunteer work reflects a deep commitment to addressing educational and emotional barriers faced by vulnerable youth. 

Alissa’s research explores how McKinney-Vento policies impact educational access, retention, and graduation rates among students experiencing homelessness. 

Otto Ricardo Nadal (he/him) was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and moved with his family to Florida in 1976. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Central Florida in 1994, where he met his wife, Jessica. Otto is a retired Army veteran who served as an enlisted infantryman, armor officer, and Army LCSW. He gained experience as a defense contractor in logistics and program management both in Kuwait and the United States. Since retiring in 2020, he has worked as a government behavioral health provider serving active-duty personnel at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. 

Otto’s research focuses on enhancing military recruit screening to improve retention, promoting resilience and post-traumatic growth among service members, and examining egalitarian approaches to mental health care within military 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).

Teri Lynell Parker currently works for Integral Care in Austin, Texas as an IDD Supervisor in HCS servicing intellectual developmental disorders from age eight months to life. She has always had a passion for helping and serving others, and is passionate about serving the younger generation. She worked with youth at Child Protective Services in Louisiana and Texas and has spent over 20 years serving families and children as a case worker.

Her research and area of interest is centered around incarcerated youth and their communities. The focus will be on ways to serve underprivileged youth, the root causes of incarceration among minority youth, how to decrease rates of incarceration among this population, and how to educate communities as a whole.

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’s 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. 

Sonia Sandoval (she/her) is the Re-Entry Program Manager for the Bexar County Community Supervision and Corrections Department in San Antonio, Texas. She has 14 years of experience in probation services, including roles as an Out-of-County Officer and Pre-Sentence Investigation Officer. Sonia oversees program providers, CSR agencies, and vendors, ensuring effective re-entry support. She also works part-time with a non-profit organization facilitating safe interactions between custodial and non-custodial parents. Sonia serves on the Texas Probation Association Membership Committee. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University.

Sonia’s research focuses on young women aged 16–24 in substance abuse treatment facilities who experience dual diagnoses of mental health and substance use disorders, exploring interventions that support recovery, resilience, and long-term well-being. 

Ahlanna Sawyer received her Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University. She is now pursuing a PhD in Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University. She is employed as a forensic interviewer at a children's advocacy center. She has experience in child advocacy, professional testimony in criminal proceedings, and multidisciplinary team facilitation.

Ahlanna's research interests focus on the effects of vicarious trauma and burnout within multidisciplinary team professionals that serve child advocacy centers.

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’s interests are geriatrics, women’s 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. 

Vanessa Stamp (she/her) earned her BA in Sociology from UCLA and her MSW from the University of Michigan. She brings over 25 years of experience in public child welfare and currently works in contract compliance at LA County DCFS. Vanessa also teaches part-time at CSULA, fostering critical dialogue and engaging students beyond lecture materials. She has lived in Los Angeles since her UCLA days and enjoys cooking, traveling, and caring for her spirited rescue, Buddy. As a PhD student, Vanessa is eager to expand her expertise as both an educator and scholar, integrating practice experience with research. 

Vanessa’s research focuses on outcomes for former foster youth and the intersection of social work and criminal justice. She examines how systemic factors, including gang involvement, influence youth opportunities and seeks to inform interdisciplinary strategies that enhance practice, policy, and social equity. 

Carmen Thatcher holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University. She has extensive experience providing therapeutic services across hospitals, nursing homes, juvenile justice, private practice, K-12 education, and as an adjunct lecturer. Her professional experiences inspire her pursuit of a PhD in Social Work, reflecting her commitment to advancing knowledge and practice. She is passionate about supporting clients through complex social and emotional challenges and seeks to develop interventions that are informed by both research and applied practice. 

Carmen focuses on how individuals experience and process grief, including crisis versus chronic grief. She explores effective support modalities and examines how social workers can bridge theory and practice to enhance recovery and client outcomes. 

Heather Thatcher holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-S) in Texas and a national and state presenter, bringing over a decade of experience across diverse practice settings, including mental health care, child welfare, K–12 education, and higher education as an adjunct professor. Her work within multidisciplinary systems serving atrisk youth has informed a critical understanding of how professional preparation, ethical reasoning, and institutional infrastructures shape practice realities and client outcomes. Building on this foundation, Heather’s scholarly work explores the implications of emerging technologies for social work practice and education, with particular attention to how professional formation adapts within evolving institutional and technological contexts.

Heather’s research interests center on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into social work practice and education, with emphasis on AI literacy, professional judgment, and competency development in BSW and MSW programs. She examines how algorithmic decision-making systems are reshaping assessment and service delivery, and the implications for professional identity and ethical accountability. Her emerging scholarship explores curriculum frameworks that prepare future social workers to critically engage AI-informed technologies with analytic rigor, reflexivity, and a commitment to equity and human-centered practice.

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.

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.