Welcome
I have more than 25 years of clinical experience in various settings. Parallel to this, I hold deep experience in social work education, leadership, and research. As a professional therapist and scholar, I remain committed to my development through continuing education, consultation, and personal growth.
About
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Social Welfare
University of Washington, Seattle, 2008
Master of Social Work (MSW), Health & Mental Health
University of Washington, Seattle, 2001
Bachelor of Arts (BASW), Social Welfare
University of Washington, Seattle, 1999, magna cum laude
Bachelor of Arts, Spanish Language & Literature
University of Washington, Seattle, 1999, magna cum laude
Licensure
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
California, 2011-Present
LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker)
Washington, 2004-2012 (inactive)
DCSW (Diplomate in Clinical Social Work)
National Association of Social Workers, 2013-Present
ACSW (Academy of Certified Social Workers)
National Association of Social Workers, 2003-Present
QCSW (Qualified Clinical Social Worker)
National Association of Social Workers, 2003-2005
Professional & Academic Distinctions
Chair (Director), Division of Social Work, California State University, Sacramento
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Touro University, California, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Associate Professor, Social Work, Division of Social Work, California State University, Sacramento
Graduate Program Director, MSW Program, Division of Social Work, California State University, Sacramento
Faculty, AIDS Education and Training Center, Central Valley and Northern Interior, UC Davis
ELEVATE Fellow, Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions, University of Pennsylvania
NIH/NIAAA ADEP Fellow (Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Program), University of Denver, School of Social Work
NIH Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Pre-Doctoral Trainee, University of Washington, Seattle
NIMH Pre-Doctoral Prevention Research Trainee, University of Washington, Seattle
Coro Fellow in Public Affairs, Coro Center for Civic Leadership, San Francisco, CA
Fellow in the Public Humanities, Simpson Center for the Humanities, University of Washington, Seattle
Honors & Awards
Outstanding Teaching Award (2020-21), College of Health & Human Services, California State University, Sacramento
Phenomenal Faculty Award, 2019-20, Division of Social Work, California State University, Sacramento
Outstanding Scholarly & Creative Activities Award (2017-18), College of Health & Human Services, California State University, Sacramento
Advisor Award, Social Work Student Association (SWSA), 2017-18, Division of Social Work, California State University, Sacramento
Dissertation award in social work (2009) at the 21st National Symposium on Doctoral Research in Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Phi Beta Kappa
Mortar Board
Professional Affiliations
Member, Association of Latina & Latino Social Work Educators (ALLSWE), CSWE, 2018 – Present
Member, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), 2013-Present
Councilor, Council on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity & Expression (CSOGIE), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), 2013-2019
Expert Volunteer, American Psychological Association, 2010 to 2014
Affiliate, American Osteopathic Association, 1/10 to Present
Member, California Chapter, National Association of Social Workers (NASW), 8/09 to Present
Member, Washington State Chapter, National Association of Social Workers (NASW), 6/99 to 7/09
Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW), 6/99 to Present