Alfonso Mercado, PhD
Associate Professor College of Liberal Arts
Department of Psychological Science School of Medicine Departments of Psychiatry & Neurology
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
President-Elect, Texas Psychological Association
Dr. Alfonso Mercado, originally from Los Angeles, earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the APA Accredited Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California. He also studied Clinical Psychology and Criminal Justice from California Lutheran University where he earned his Master’s degree. In 2012, Dr. Mercado joined the faculty at University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Currently, Dr. Mercado is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological Science and School of Medicine's Psychiatry and Neurology Department at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. He is Bi-lingual and proficient and fluent in both English and Spanish. He is also a National Register Health Service Psychologist and provides psychological services in an underserved community in the Texas-Mexico border. Dr. Mercado has extensive experience in assisting clients in a variety of areas, such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, serious mental disorders, and life transitions. He specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Anxiety and Depression, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Multicultural and Forensic Psychology. He is the Director of the Multicultural Clinical Lab where they focus on treatment efficacy with culturally diverse groups, personality and substance abuse research with Latino populations, and examining trauma and resiliency with recent immigrants. Dr. Mercado also serves his profession in several capacities. He is President of the Texas Psychological Association and also serves as the Diversity Division Chair, and is an active member of the American Psychological Association, and the National Latino Psychological Association. Dr. Mercado is a Diversity Delegate at the APA’s Practice Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. and was recently elected to the American Psychological Association Committee on Rural Health. Dr. Alfonso Mercado was also the recipient of the Faculty Excellence Award at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for Sustainability Education in 2017, was awarded the Knowledge Award for Excellence in Education and Research- American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities-Texas Chapter, and was the recipient of the Texas Psychological Association Outstanding Contribution to Education Award. In 2019, he was named Psychologist of the Year for his clinical, research, and advocacy work with recently immigrated families along the U.S.-Mexico border and in 2021 received APA's Early Career Psychologist Achievement Award.
Moderator:
Michael Dobbs, MD, MHCM
Chair, Department of Neurology
Chief Medical Officer, UT Health RGV
School of Medicine
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Dr. Michael Dobbs, MD, MHCM, is a Board Certified Neurologist at UT Health RGV. With over 18 years of providing advanced medical care to patients, Dr. Dobbs utilizes the latest advancements in neurology to improve the quality of patient care for adults in the RGV. As a neurologist at UT Health RGV, Dr. Dobbs diagnoses and treats cerebrovascular disorders. Dr. Dobbs is dedicated to providing his patients with the highest quality of compassionate care. Dr. Dobbs provides a personalized patient care plan along with a variety of resources to ensure patients can make the most educated choice about their health care. Dr. Michael Dobbs is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology with certification in Neurology and Vascular Neurology. He is a recognized scholar with many original publications, including journal articles, book chapters, and abstracts in the field of neurology. Additionally, Dr. Dobbs is a member of several notable organizations such as the American Neurological Association, American Academy of Neurology and the American Stroke Association/American Heart Association. Dr. Dobbs received his Medical Degree (MD) and completed his Neurology Residency at The University of Kentucky College of Medicine in Lexington, KY. He also completed a Masters in Health Care Management (MHCM) at Harvard University School of Public Health in Boston, MA. After completion of residency, Dr. Dobbs entered the United States Air Force, where he managed neurological research and clinic operations in San Antonio from 2002-2005. Dr. Dobbs served as the Program Director of the Neurology Residency Program at the University of Kentucky from 2007-11, where he was commended for his leadership by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). He also played a vital role in forming a Comprehensive Stroke Program at the University of Kentucky-Chandler Medical Center and became the Medical Director of the same program in 2009. Dr. Dobbs has served as the Founder and Director for UK HealthCare-Norton Healthcare Stroke Network, Associate Chief Medical Officer for UK HealthCare along as the Associate Dean for Statewide and Clinical Initiatives, at UK College of Medicine. Dr. Dobbs joined The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine Faculty in 2019. He currently serves as the chair and professor at the Department of Neurology and Chief Medical Officer for UT Health RGV and is actively educating and training the next generation of leaders in medicine, research, and patient care.
Panelists:
Eddie Olivarez
Chief Administrative Officer
Hidalgo County Health and Huan Services Department
Esmeralda Guajardo, MAHS
Health Administrator
Cameron County Public Health
Emilie Prot, DO, MPH, FACPM
Regional Medical Director, Public Heath Region 11
Dr. Emilie Prot is the Regional Medical Director at the Texas Department of Health. Dr. Prot is board certified in public health and general Preventive Medicine. She serves as a committee member on the Task Force of Border Health Officials, mandated by statute (S.B. No. 1680), and a committee member of the Public Health Funding and Policy Committee. She is a faculty member for the residency program in preventive medicine and public health at the Texas State Department of Health and is faculty member for UT Rio Grande Valley Medical School. She is passionate about global health, advocacy, health equity and strives to care for populations in Texas in particular Texas Mexico border region.
She attended medical school at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, Ohio, she completed her Internal Medicine preliminary year at St Vincent Charity Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland Ohio and her residency training in Preventive Medicine at Texas Department of State Health Services. She received her Master of Public Health from UT Houston School of Public Health.
Enedina Enriquez, DSW, LCSW
Clinical Associate Professor
School of Social Work
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Enedina Enriquez has been working with the UTRGV School of Social Work for 9 years. She earned her doctorate in social work from USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work in 2021. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Texas State Board Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a Certified Grief Coach Therapist. She is a BSW and MSSW graduate of UTPA. Her specialized fields of study include hospice, palliative care, chronic & terminal illness, suicide, survivors of suicide loss, grief, loss, and bereavement. She has developed several CEU workshops in these areas for community professionals and psychoeducational workshops for families in the community.
Nora Montalvo-Liendo, PhD, RN, FAAN
Associate Professor College of Nursing Texas A & M University
Nora Montalvo-Liendo works on developing, testing, and evaluating interventions to empower survivors of abuse, and addressing the health-related social needs and future well-being of low-income children who have a history of adverse childhood experiences. Her past research has focused on abused women US-born compared to non-US-born abused women, and on testing the efficacy of programs for abused Hispanic women and their children. She is an assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing in McAllen and a Faculty Fellow at the Center for Health Systems and Design. Montalvo-Liendo received her Bachelor of Science in nursing and Master of Science in public health nursing from the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, and Doctor of Philosophy in nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Nursing. Her awards and recognitions include the following: Good Samaritan Foundation-Excellence in Nursing Awards, Bronze Medal, 2019;The Association of Former Students and Texas A&M University Distinguished Achievement, College-Level Teaching Award, 2018; Faculty Fellow of the Center for Health Systems Change, 2017-2020; Fellow American Academy of Nursing - Washington, DC, Inductee, 2013; Inaugural Scholar, and The Academy of Violence and Abuse Scholars Program, 2012.
Cecilia Mata-Moya, LMSW, CDVC
Legal Advocacy & Social Services Director Women Together/Mujeres Unidas
Bianca Villalobos, PhD, LP
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychological Science
College of Liberal Arts
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Dr. Bianca Villalobos received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 2017. She then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Mental Health Disparities and Diversity Program at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Villalobos's research focuses on utilizing novel service delivery models, like telehealth, integrated behavioral health care (IBHC), and community outreach, to increase access to mental health care for underserved populations. In addition, her research aims to eliminate health disparities and delays to treatment by understanding the structural and attitudinal barriers that impede mental health help-seeking. Her ultimate goal is to increase the dissemination of evidence-based interventions that are culturally- and linguistically-appropriate for the Latinx population. Dr. Villalobos is co-director of the Research Enhancing Access to Culturally-Informed Mental Health Services (REACH) Lab at UTRGV.
Juventino Hernández Rodríguez, PhD, LP
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychological Science
College of Liberal Arts
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Dr. Juventino Hernandez Rodriguez completed his PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville. His program of research largely focuses on developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based (e.g., schools, primary care clinics) prevention and intervention programs that target problem behaviors and foster resiliency among at-risk, underserved youth. Dr. Hernandez Rodriguez is co-director of the Research Enhancing Access to Culturally-Informed Mental Health Services (REACH) Lab at UTRGV.
Moderator:
Luis R. Alvarez-Hernandez, PhD, LCSW
Assistant Professor, School of Social Work
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Oscar Raúl López
CEO & National Director of Policy Poderosos
Founder of South TX Equality Projects
Oscar Raúl López is the CEO and National Director of Policy for Poderosos. His work prioritizes improving the health of immigrants, queer youth, MSM, cis- and trans-women, and other minority groups with a focus on Latinx people. His personal mission is to ensure that all the needs of his queer and Latino communities are not only heard, but addressed by local, state, and national leaders. He is an active member of various federal and national think tanks and advisory boards regarding Latino health, US-Mexico border health, and Latinx men who have sex with men (MSM). He is a sought-after motivational speaker and trainer on the topic of developing effective interventions for working with Latino communities and is an outspoken advocate drawing attention to the emerging impact of meth and chem sex on the HIV epidemic within the MSM community. Oscar has witnessed firsthand how social determinants of health impact Latino and LGBTQIA communities. Since 1988, he’s worked—both on the front lines and behind the scenes—as a volunteer, employee, consultant and community activist to improve health outcomes and civil liberties of minorities. These experiences provide him with a multidisciplinary, intersectional, and community-focused approach to his current work in health advocacy, HIV prevention, and health policy development.
Jose Aaron Hinojosa, MS, BA
Program Coordinator, Center for Diversity and Inclusion
UTRGV DREAM Center
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Aaron is the Program Coordinator for the Center for Diversity & Inclusion and DREAM Resource Center and has been at UTRGV since August 2017. He has developed and oversees the DREAM Zone Advocate Training which aims to educate the UTRGV community on the realities of DACA/undocumented students and provide support. He has also developed the LEAP Diversity & Inclusion Workshop which is an interactive and educational workshop regarding identity, privilege, language, allyship, and other important social justice elements. Aaron also manages the Ally Safe Zone Training which helps educate the members of the community about LGBTQ+ realities and provides resources for support. Aaron also continues to develop programming efforts that are innovative and interactive with diversity and inclusivity in mind either through collaborations (on and off campus) or through new projects (like the Community Connections, People Series, or Healing Circles). In his free time, Aaron likes to spend time with family and close friends, cuddle up with his 14 year old miniature Dachshund, work on pots and plants outside, or binge a good tv show. Aaron also likes to read, work out, and dance to fun music.
M. Patricia Rodríguez, MPAS, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Valley AIDS Council, Westbrook Clinic
Michelle Cordoba Kissee, MD
Endocrinologist
Program Director, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Fellowship
DHRHealth
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Dr. Michelle Cordoba Kissee is board certified in internal medicine, with specialty certification in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. She lends her expertise to the battle against diabetes through innovative approaches to clinical care and patient education. A familiar face in the Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Cordoba Kissee joins us from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, where she served as program director for the internal medicine residency program. Dr. Cordoba Kissee also provides endocrinology services at the DHR Health Diabetes and Endocrinology Institute. Dr. Cordoba Kissee completed her undergraduate degrees in Biology, Spanish, and Zoology with comprehensive honors at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she also attended medical school. She completed her residency training in internal medicine and a fellowship in endocrinology at the University of Arizona."
Fidencio Mercado, MS, LPC, LCDC
Clinical Associate Professor
School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Mr. Mercado is a Clinical Associate Professor with the School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling at UTRGV. He also serves as the Associate Director for the School and Undergraduate Coordinator. Mr. Mercado earned his Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from UTPA in 2003. He has been a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) since 2006 and a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2018 (LPC-Intern since 2015). He has clinical experience working as a professional in Addictions/ Mental Health Counseling. His work has been primarily with Hispanic adolescents, young adults, adults and their families. He currently teaches undergraduate courses related to Addictions and has research interests in addictions, spirituality, ethics and multicultural concerns. He has served as the Chapter President of the Valley Association of Addiction Professionals (VAAP), a chapter of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals. Mr. Mercado has been trained and certified in Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT). He is also the PI of the Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) sub-award grant with UT Austin. The grant is federally funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Ad ministration (SAMHSA) for the South-Southwest Region of ATTC.
Eluterio Blanco, PhD, MAC, LCDC
Clinical Assistant Professor & Addiction Studies Coordinator
School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Eluterio (Jr.) Blanco earned his PhD in Rehabilitation Counseling and is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor as well as a certified Master Addiction Counselor. He has been providing counseling services to clients with Substance Use Disorders, including adolescents, adults, and special populations since 2002. He is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley and is the Addiction Studies Program Coordinator. Eluterio holds professional memberships with the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), the Texas Association of Addiction Professional (TAAP), and is a Past-President of the Valley Association of Addiction Professional (VAAP). He has also served two terms on the Board of Directors for TAAP. He has co-authored an article on the attitudes of Mexicans Americans towards cannabis use and is his dissertation focused on professional/community stigma toward persons with substance use disorders by Mexican Americans.
Maureen Nichols, Director
South Southwest ATTC
Steve Hicks School of Social Work
The University of Texas Austin
Maureen Nichols is director of the South Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center, located at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at The University of Texas Austin. She oversees implementation of the center’s strategies to accelerate the adoption and implementation of evidence‐based addiction treatment and recovery-oriented practices and improve the knowledge and skills of the behavioral health workforce. The South Southwest ATTC is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and serves Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas).
J. Rocky Romero, PhD LMSW
Consultant National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center
Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine
J Rocky Romero, PhD, LMSW Dr. J Rocky Romero is the CEO and owner of JR Romero & Associates, a training and consultant company he started almost 20 years ago. In addition, Dr. Romero is a former Assistant Professor for New Mexico Highlands University School of Social Work in Albuquerque, NM. He served as the co-chair for Governor Richardson’s appointed NM Higher Education Department on Cultural Competency Task-Force. Dr. Romero has also served as an Executive Council member for the NM-Consortium for Behavioral Health Training and Research. In addition, Dr. Romero completed his doctoral studies at the University of New Mexico in Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies. Dr. Romero has been a trainer and consultant for the NHLMHTTC for the last 10 years. He is focused on culturally appropriate treatment while focusing on reducing health disparities for people of color.
Dernay T. Coley, LCSW-S
Clinical Instructor in Psychiatry TCHATT Education Director/Behavioral Health
Consultant School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Ms. Dernay Coley-Torres is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of clinical, supervisory, teaching, and management experience. She received her master’s in social work from the Graduate School of Social Service at Fordham University in New York City and is licensed in New York, Missouri, and Texas. Her areas of clinical expertise include medical and behavioral health. She has extensive experience working with patients with acute and chronic medical and behavioral health conditions to increase their treatment adherence, engage in behavioral changes that support their health and wellbeing, and access psychosocial and concrete supports. She has conducted individual, couples, and group therapy in a variety of settings, from medical settings and substance abuse programs to schools and Employee Assistance Programs. Ms. Coley-Torres has served as a Social Work Field Instructor and has supervised bachelors’ and masters’ students in social work for almost 20 years.
Sevana M. Valero, LMSW
School Social Worker
IDEA Public Schools
Licensed Master Social Worker with experience in multiple settings including public schools, medical clinics, community, and university settings. I have a passion for advocacy with a B.A. in psychology and M.S. in social work, and work experience with program coordination, program management, HIV Testing, HIV/STI prevention, substance abuse prevention, suicide prevention, and health education programs.
Eugenia Curet, PhD, LCSW
PI, SAMHSA Campus Suicide Program
Ret. Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
UTRGV SOM Department of Psychiatry
Experienced Assistant Dean of Students with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry in the areas of medical, mental health, and wellness services. Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine. Private licensed psychotherapist. Grant Writer with expertise in suicide prevention.
Christine Miranda, MPHE, PhD
Assistant Professor
Internal Medicine Department
Associate Director
National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center
Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine
Dr. Christine Miranda is the Associate Director of the National Hispanic and Latino MHTCC. Since 2019, she has worked with the Institute of Research, Education, and Services in Addiction (IRESA) at Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, as School-Based Mental Health Training and Content Specialist of the National Hispanic and Latino MHTCC. She received her master’s degree in Public Health with a Specialization in Health Education from the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, and a Ph.D. in Public Health with a Specialization in Community Health Promotion and Education from Walden University. Her experience working with Hispanic and Latino communities includes implementing several evidence-based sexual risk avoidance education curricula focused on reducing teen pregnancy and preventing substance use among Puerto Rican youths and developing community-academia participatory research efforts to reduce HIV among Latina women. In addition, Dr. Miranda focuses on providing technical assistance and resources to aid school-based mental health providers serving Latino unaccompanied migrant children and Latino children and youths. She has over 15-years of track in community-based research and health disparities research affecting Hispanic and Latino communities. She is an Assistant Professor and Longitudinal Research Course Director at the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine and an Assistant Professor of the Public Health Graduated Program at San Juan Bautista School of Medicine. In addition, she is part of the Hispanic Alliance for Clinical and Translational Research and served as Community Mentor to foster community-academia collaborations aimed to reduce health disparities among Hispanic and Latino communities. She has publications on diverse topics related to her professional work.
Erick Senior, MA
Training and Content Specialist
National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center
Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine
Erick Senior is currently the Training and Content Specialist for the National Hispanic and Latino MHTCC. He received his master’s degree in Psychology from The New School for Social Research in New York and is currently completing his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico. He has worked in clinical and research mental health settings with Hispanic and Latinx populations as a study coordinator for the Albert Einstein School of Medicine and the Behavioral Sciences Research Institute in Puerto Rico. He has also provided psychotherapeutic services to immigrant families and at the Roberto Clemente Center Family Guidance Center of New York City and as part of post-disaster recovery efforts with Proyecto Patria of Hispanic Federation in Puerto Rico.
Nancy Peña Razo, Ph.D., LSSP
Professor of Practice
School Psychology Program Coordinator
Department of Human Development and School Services
College of Education & P-16 Integration
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Dr. Nancy Peña Razo received her doctorate in School Psychology from Texas A&M University and completed her APA Accredited Pre-Doctoral internship in Lewisville ISD and an APA Accredited Post-Doctoral Residency with Deer Oaks Mental Health Associates in the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Razo was then the Director of Clinical Services for the Texas Youth Commission’s (TYC) Evins Regional Juvenile Center (ERJC) in Edinburg. Dr. Razo returned to public schools and worked as an LSSP under the Safe Schools Healthy Students grant at McAllen ISD and then moved to work in their Special Education Department. For the last 7 years, Dr. Razo has been teaching at the University of Texas Pan American, now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School Psychology Program.
Norma Villanueva PhD, LCSW-S, DCSW
Clinical Director
Nueva Luz Foundation
Dr. Norma Villanueva, LCSW is the Foundation’s Clinical Director. Dr. Villanueva is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with her PhD. in Psychology. Her experience stems from over 30 years of private practice working with individuals and professionals affected by trauma and PTSD.
Selma Yznaga, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Counseling
College of Education and P-16 Integration
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Dr. Leon-Yznaga is an associate professor in the Department of Counseling at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. In addition to 28 years of experience as a school teacher, school counselor, licensed professional counselor/supervisor, and counselor educator, Dr. Yznaga has held numerous leadership positions in the Texas Counseling Association (TCA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA). In 2007, Dr. Yznaga founded Texas Counselors for Social Justice, a division of TCA dedicated to addressing the oppression and marginalization of ethnic and social minorities. She continues to engage in scholarship and advocacy related to Latinx issues, speaking to and training mental health professionals and community organizers across the country in order to raise awareness and support for Latinx communities.
Enedina Enriquez, DSW, LCSW
Clinical Associate Professor
School of Social Work
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Enedina Enriquez has been working with the UTRGV School of Social Work for 9 years. She earned her doctorate in social work from USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work in 2021. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Texas State Board Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a Certified Grief Coach Therapist. She is a BSW and MSSW graduate of UTPA. Her specialized fields of study include hospice, palliative care, chronic & terminal illness, suicide, survivors of suicide loss, grief, loss, and bereavement. She has developed several CEU workshops in these areas for community professionals and psychoeducational workshops for families in the community.
Luis H. Zayas, PhD
Dean & Robert Lee Sutherland Chair in Mental Health & Social Policy
Steve Hicks School of Social Work
The University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Zayas received an MS in social work and MA, MPhil, and PhD degrees in developmental psychology from Columbia University. He began his social work career in New York City as a clinician in social service agencies, general and pediatric rehabilitation hospitals, and mental health and primary care clinics in the boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx. Dr. Zayas has taught at Columbia University, Fordham University and held a faculty appointment in family medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Zayas was the inaugural Shanti K. Khinduka Distinguished Professor of Social Work and Professor of Psychiatry at Washington University in St. Louis Dean Zayas remains an active practitioner today through his evaluations of immigrant children and families facing deportation, and refugee and asylum-seeking mothers and children held in immigration detention centers. Dr Zayas is the author of Latinas Attempting Suicide: When Cultures, Families, and Daughters Collide (Oxford, 2011) and Forgotten Citizens: Deportation, Children, and the Making of American Exiles and Orphans (Oxford, 2015).
Moderator:
Ibis S. Carrión-González, PsyD
Director
National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center
Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine
Panelists:
Sally Fraustro Guerra
President/Publisher at SOCIALIFE News Magazine
Gladys Maestre, MD, PhD
Professor of Neuroscience and Human Genetics and the Director of the Rio Grande Valley Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (AD-RCMAR) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
Otila Garcia
Chairperson at South Texas Promotora Association - Laredo Chapter
Thelma Garcia
Director of HIV Prevention Services for the East Los Angeles Women’s Center.
Sandra Stark, LMSW
UTRGV School of Social Work
Sandra Stark is currently the Title IV E Program Coordinator for the School of Social Work and is an instructor for the child welfare courses for this program. She earned a Bachelors in Social Work and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas Pan American. Her experience centers in the area of Child Welfare as she worked for Child Protective Services for 11 years. Her passion for raising awareness on child abuse and neglect has driven her to educate our students and community on the importance of advocating for our most vulnerable population. She strongly feels that raising awareness is a team effort therefore there is a lot of work to be done.
Ibis S. Carrión-González, PsyD
Director
National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center
Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine
Dr. Ibis S. Carrión-González is a clinical psychologist from Puerto Rico. Since 2005, she has been working with the Institute of Research, Education, and Services in Addiction (IRESA) at Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Dr. Carrión has been involved in research for Brief Family Strategic Therapy (BSFT) clinical research funded by NIDA-CTN among Hispanic adolescents living in Puerto Rico. In addition, studying the effect of traumatic events with the coping strategies and drug use of Hispanic women. After this, SAMHSA granted funds to treat women identified with substance use and/or other mental health disorders; and, who have a history of trauma. Her experience working with Hispanic and Latino communities include the managing of an educational curriculum focused on reducing the behavioral health disparities among the Latino population through training and technical assistance to strengthen and enhance service delivery, promote the growth of a diverse, culturally competent workforce, and bridge access to quality behavioral health services. This has been implemented through the Addiction Technology Transfer Centers and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers grants received by SAMHSA. She also led an educative initiative in the Psychological First Aid (PFA), Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Curriculums and Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) to train first responders, parents, family members, caregivers, peers, neighbors, and any other adults to learn how to act as first-responders in the event of a mental health crisis in adolescents, elders, and veterans. In addition, Dr. Carrión is director of a community home-based project to enhancing linkages and services for persons with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers in the metropolitan area of Puerto Rico. She has publications on diverse topics related to her professional work.
Luis Torres-Hostos, PhD
Founding Dean & Professor School of Social Work
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Dr. Torres is the Founding Dean & Professor Of the School of Social Work Of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and is the former Director of the Center for Drug and Social Policy Research, and Humana Endowed Chair for the Social Determinants of Health in the Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) at the University of Houston. His research focuses on co-occurring mental health, substance use and medical disorders with a particular focus on Hispanics, African Americans, and other minority communities, and has been funded by SAMHSA, NIDA, and ACF. He also has several ongoing research collaborations in Mexico, El Salvador, and Puerto Rico. Dr. Torres was appointed to a 3-year term to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Interdepartmental Substance Use Disorders Coordinating Committee, which is charged with identifying areas for improved coordination related to substance abuse, including research, services, supports and prevention activities across all relevant Federal agencies. Dr. Torres is also on the Advisory Board of the SAMHSA-funded National Hispanic and Latino Mental Health Technology Transfer Center. A native of Puerto Rico, Dr. Torres received doctorate in clinical psychology from Fordham University in New York City and almost 30 years of clinical, teaching, administrative, and research experience.