Meet Our Students

Cameron Ashdown, a PhD Candidate at Our Lady of the Lake University, is currently researching his dissertation titled “Leaving Well: A phenomenological inquiry into the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ ex-Mormons.” 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’s 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’s 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’s work resonates at the intersection of academia and social justice advocacy.

Angela’s 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.    

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’s 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) – Texas Chapter and Gubernatorial Appointee to the Texas Juvenile Justice Advisory Board.

Ryan’s 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’s 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’s degree in Social Work from New Mexico State University in 2017 and her Master’s 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’s 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’s 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. 

Greg Gibbons (He/Him) is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker advancing his expertise through a doctoral program in Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University. With a BSW from Arizona State University and an MSW from the University of Texas at Arlington, Greg specializes in child and family welfare. A military veteran with over a decade of experience, Greg has served in various capacities, including child advocacy, foster care, nonprofit leadership, and mental health counseling. Currently, he holds a leadership position at an outpatient mental health clinic catering to diverse populations. 

Greg actively collaborates on research projects covering student mindfulness, gun violence, and trauma, aligning with his research interests in veterans’ issues, trauma, ADHD, and community conflict resolution. Post-PhD, he aspires to contribute to academia, nurturing future social work leaders in university settings committed to societal advancement and empowerment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 OLLU, 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’s 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.

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’ 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’s 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’s complex case program has been recognized by Politico and KERA. 

Sheryl’s 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’s 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’s 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’s 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.  

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).

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. 

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’s master’s 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’s 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.

Javier Segovia, LCSW-S, is a leader in social work education and practice, currently pursuing a PhD at Our Lady of the Lake University. He holds key roles, including Co-Chair of the GADE Student Advisory Board and President of the Worden Doctoral Student Association, promoting collaboration and advocacy. As a Graduate Research Assistant at the H.E.R.O. Lab, he advances healthcare equity. With extensive experience in mental health services, Javier is a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and researcher. His teaching spans undergraduate and graduate courses. Employed with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, he bridges research, practice, and policy for positive change. 

Javier’s research interests include HIV/AIDS, trauma, substance use, and LGBTQIA+ issues, reflecting his commitment to social justice. Dedicated to mentorship, he enhances the well-being of individuals facing complex challenges. 

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’s 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 “Resilient Warriors: Stories of the Perseverance of Women in the Military”. 

Eloisa is a dedicated social worker with a strong educational background. After completing her bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014, she earned her master’s 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’s 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’ 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’s 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.