Meet the Students

Ashley Adams

Ashley Adams is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Developmental Psychology at Slippery Rock University in 2018. She is a student counseling intern at Cancer Care Services in Fort Worth, Texas. Ashley is a former member of the critical race research lab in the psychology department. She plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and continuing to practice play therapy at nonprofit organizations.

Abigail Land

Abigail Land is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Psychology at Evangel University in 2015. She is a student counseling intern at Alliance Child and Family Solutions in Fort Worth, Texas. She plans to work in individual counseling with underserved adolescents in the DFW community.

Celeste Johnson-Bickham

Celeste Johnson-Bickham is a graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling program at the University of North Texas. Celeste was inducted as a member of Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Academic and Professional International Honor Society in 2020 as a member of the UNT CSI Rho Kappa Chapter.

Mrs. Bickham graduated with a BA in Psychology, Cum Laude, from Texas Southern University in 2001 where she minored in Community & Economic Development. At that time, she was inducted as a member of Golden Key National Honor Society. In addition, Celeste completed 2 years of graduate studies in Clinical Psychology, also from Texas Southern University in 2003. In 2005, she paused her studies to start a family. Mrs. Bickham enjoyed studying Psychology as a senior in high school as she thoroughly enjoys the study of mental health and helping others. For over 20 years, she has devoted her career to outpatient and inpatient mental health, crisis counseling, employment counseling, and Vocational Rehabilitation. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering with the TSU College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences alumni chapter where she previously held the office of Financial Secretary, the Houston and Southeast Texas Alzheimer's Association as a Faith Representative, various local civil rights organizations, and as a parent advisor to her son's Boy Scout Troop 1852.

Mrs. Bickham is currently a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor-II working with Texans with disabilities assisting her customers with securing gainful employment and education. She credits her success and commitment to the helping professions because of the level of preparation and advising that was extended to her by such exceptional professors at TSU and UNT.

Christa Greenlee

Christa Greenlee is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Counseling Psychology from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in 2019. She is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family in Corinth, Texas. After graduation, she plans to continue working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Esther Smith

Esther Smith is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Psychology from Angelo State University in 2002. She is a student counseling intern at UNT’s Child and Family Resource Clinic in Denton, Texas. Prior to beginning her graduate studies, Esther spent over a decade working in the mental health field serving marginalized populations in our own community, as well as border town communities. She is currently a member of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society, Texas Counseling Association, and has completed Level 1 Training in Couples Therapy through The Gottman Institute. After graduation, she plans to work with adults and children that have experienced trauma.

Ginny Brundeen

Ginny Brundeen is a graduate student in the joint Master of Social Work program at UNT and TWU. She received her BA in Electronic Media and Communications from Texas Tech in 2017. She is an Americorps Member with Communities in Schools of North Texas, serving at Borman Elementary in Denton, Texas. Ginny is the president of the Student Association of Masters in Social Work. She plans to work with at-risk adolescents in a juvenile detention facility.

Grace Flink

Grace Flink is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology at Elon University in 2019. She is a counseling intern in the child and adolescent department at Denton County Friends of the Family in Corinth, Texas. Grace is also a member of the Rho Kappa chapter of Chi Sigma Iota. After graduation Grace hopes to continue working with children and adolescents impacted by trauma.

Grace O’Donnell

Grace O’Donnell is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Russian Studies from Skidmore College in 1996. Grace is a student counseling intern at The Gracious Mind Counseling and Wellness center in Denton, Texas. Grace worked for many years in nonprofit management, both in the US and abroad. Her experiences as a single parent, military spouse, and expatriate, have increased her awareness of the need for improved access to health care - including mental health care - for people across a range of socioeconomic statuses and identities. She plans to provide therapy for people working to recover from trauma.

Joanna McFarling

Joanna McFarling is a graduate student in the School Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She earned her BS in Psychology from the Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University in Natchiotches, Louisiana in 2015. She is a student counseling intern at Town Center Elementary in Coppell, Texas and at Denton ISD in Denton, Texas. Joanna is currently a 3rd grade teacher and aspires to provide continual social-emotional support to students. She plans to work as a school counselor after she graduates. She believes that school counselors have ample opportunities to provide children and families with mental health support as many are unable to access outside counseling or simply do not know about the resources available to them.

Kimberly Frye

Kimberly Frye is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Integrative Studies from UNT in 2016 with focuses in psychology, art, and hospitality management.

Kimberly is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family in Corinth, Texas where she works with adults and children affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Although, her chosen course track is primarily adults, after graduation Kimberly plans to work with clients across the lifespan, particularly those who have experienced trauma. In addition to working with trauma survivors, Kimberly strives to provide culturally responsive counseling and mental health resources to underserved communities.

Keaton Hare

Keaton Hare is currently a graduate student in the Joint Master of Social Work Program at the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University. They graduated magna cum laude with their bachelor's degree in Social Work and a Peace Corps Prep Certificate from the University of North Texas in the spring of 2021. In undergrad, they were involved on campus through serving on the Student Government Association as a Senator and University of North Texas College Democrats President. At present, she is a student intern in the Denton County Friends of the Family, Domestic Violence agency working in Transitional Housing and Emergency Shelter in Denton, Texas. They also had the pleasure of being a student intern at City House Inc, a youth homeless shelter and transitional housing program, during their undergraduate degree that solidified their passion for working with unhoused populations. They currently work at the United Way of Denton County as a Housing Navigator centralizing communication between landlords and housing service agencies in the community. After graduation, Keaton plans to get their social work licensure and continue to pursue a career advocating for people in their community, whether they be unhoused, a minority, a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, an immigrant, a victim of sexual abuse, or human trafficking, or any race, gender, or class.

Mary Gasway

Mary Gasway has worked for 13 years in higher education with the adolescent population. During her undergrad studies, she worked under the supervision of Dr. Jenkins on her research scoring team. She is a member of Alpha Iota Sigma and Psi Chi honor society. Her goal is to run a private practice, LPC, helping youths transition from school to work. She is very passionate about mental health and her population of choice.

Megan Prahl

Megan Prahl is a graduate student in the Joint Master’s of Social Work Program at the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. Megan received her BS in Human Development and Family Science from UNT in 2019. Megan is currently a Master’s level student intern at Carrollton Springs Behavioral Hospital located in Carrollton, TX. Megan has many interests within the field of social work - particularly within child welfare, human trafficking, domestic violence, and medical social work. Upon graduation, she is planning to start her career in child welfare. Megan sees the need for social workers to assist vulnerable children who have experienced trauma during childhood and help them with their transition into adulthood. Megan plans to pursue her clinical license following being licensed at the Master’s level.

Nekiya Jackson

Nekiya Jackson is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Converged Broadcast Media and a Minor in Counseling from UNT in 2019. She is a Master's Level intern at the Child and Family Resource Clinic located on UNT's campus. Nekiya is a graduate assistant in the Housing and Residence Life Department where she serves as an Assistant Community Director at Joe Greene Hall.

Nekiya is also a member of the Rho Kappa chapter of Chi Sigma Iota and is also a co-founder of a new organization on campus named The Coalition of Black Counselors. Nekiya co-founded this organization alongside her peers within the Counseling Program to advocate for making mental services more accessible to the Black community and work to erase the stigma of mental health in the Black community. She plans to continue counseling adults, couples and college students and also provide accessible and culturally responsive counseling services to minority and underserved communities.

Paulina Sanchez Solomon

Paulina Sanchez Solomon is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Biology from Abilene Christian University in 2017. She is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family in Corinth, Texas as well as a student counseling intern at the UNT Center for Play Therapy in Denton, Texas. Paulina is currently a member of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society, and she serves as the Communications Officer in the UNT Chapter of Counselors for Social Justice organization. Paulina plans to work with children and adolescents that have experienced trauma. She hopes to pursue a PhD in Counseling Psychology in the future.

Theresa Tran

Theresa Tran is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Human Development and Family Science from UNT in 2019. She is a student counseling intern at Alliance Child and Family Solutions as well as The Parenting Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Theresa has a passion for working with children and plans to continue her work in non-profit upon graduation. She hopes to work with children and individuals who have experienced trauma, have learning differences or developmental disabilities, anxiety, and with underserved populations in the DFW community after graduation.

Sabrina Nentwich

Sabrina Nentwich is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Economics from Texas A&M University in 2019. She is a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family in Corinth, Texas and at Cancer Care Services in Fort Worth, Texas. Sabrina is a member of the Country Western Dance Club at the University of North Texas. After graduation, Sabrina plans to work in a community agency providing play therapy for children who have experienced trauma and abuse.

Aika Manire

Aika Manire is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. They received their B.A. in Psychology and their minor in Sociology from UNT in 2020. They are a student counseling intern at the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County in Lewisville, Texas. They are wanting to work with LGBTQIA2S+ adolescents who have experienced trauma, specifically sexual and religious trauma. They plan to work in community, nonprofit mental health so that they can help those who are underserved in the community. They are considering pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor education with hopes of teaching counseling courses someday.

Angela Golio

Angela Golio is a graduate student in the JMSW Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Child and Family Studies from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2019. She is a Veterinary Social Work Intern at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Lewisville, TX. Angela has served as a CASA/GAL on six cases with CASA for Hunt County and has previously served as a Crisis Text Line volunteer. Angela has several interests in the social work field, including veterinary social work, child welfare, and immigration social work.

Ashlynn Peters

Ashlynn Peters is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling grad student at the University of North Texas. She received her undergrad degree in finance from Virginia Tech in 2019. While in her grad program at UNT, she is interning at Sante Center for Healing in Argyle, Texas and plans to work in the field of addiction. Ashlynn believes, “we all have defenses learned throughout our lifetimes that lead to isolation. This population often receives little empathy and I hope to spread a mindset of compassion when facing addiction and acknowledge the impact is has on all of our lives”. After graduation she plans to continue her education in receiving her CSAT certification.

Cameron Curtis

Cameron Curtis is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. He received his BS in Integrative Studies, with concentrations of Counseling, Psychology, and Public Affairs and Community Service, with a minor in Human Development and Family Science from UNT in 2017. He is a counseling intern at The Child and Family Resource Clinic in Denton, Texas. He is currently a member of the counseling and academic and professional honor society international, Chi Sigma Iota, and the president of a student organization, Coalition of Black Counselors. He plans to work as a counselor in the DFW metroplex, providing play therapy, working with underserved communities, and a focus on intergenerational trauma in Black children and families.

Eliyah Hernandez

Eliyah Hernandez is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Adult track, grad student at the University of North Texas. She received her BS degree in Psychology and a minor in Business Management from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2019. During her grad program at UNT, she is interning at Sante Center for Healing in Argyle, TX. Eliyah is a current member of Counselors for Social Justice and Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society at UNT. An accomplish that she is proud of: “For my systems class, myself and my group created a grant proposal and curriculum to educate high school students on dating and domestic violence, boundary setting, healthy communication, and safety planning. I am currently working to get this curriculum approved to be utilized in high schools in Texas. As the former Survivor Advocate Graduate Assistant for UNT, I am very passionate about advocating for and helping those who have experienced sexual or relational violence and/or trauma. After graduation, she plans to work with individual adult clients who have experienced trauma and/or substance abuse.

Harper Liles

Harper Liles is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology and Women’s & Gender Studies from the University of Michigan – Dearborn in 2018. She is currently a counseling intern at Mind Above Matter in Keller, Texas. Harper was a member of the Human Learning and Creativity lab performing cognitive psychology research for two years during her undergraduate studies. She was also the first student at the University of Michigan – Dearborn to receive a certificate in LGBTQ Studies. After graduation, she hopes to work with individuals within the criminal justice system and provide mental health care to those who are incarcerated or have recently been released back into their communities.

Jenna Lightsey

Jenna Lightsey is a master's student in the Social Work Program at the University of North Texas. She also received her bachelor’s in social work from the University of North Texas in 2021. She is currently a family advocate intern at the Children’s Advocacy Center for North Texas. Jenna graduated with a trauma-informed certificate. She plans to work within the child welfare system and make a difference in the field.

Juliana Chesser

Juliana Chesser is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Pre-Professional Art Therapy & Psychology from Houston Baptist University in 2017. She is a student counseling intern at the Child & Family Resource Clinic (CFRC) at UNT in Denton, Texas. Juliana has been a peer mentor & support group facilitator at the UNT Recovery & Intervention Support & Education Center (RISE) for SMART Recovery, Creative Arts, PRIDE, & Mindfulness group. She is a Chi Sigma Iota member & former vice president for Psi Chi (at HBU). She is trained in Motivational Interviewing, crisis intervention techniques, & BASICS. She hopes to practice counseling primarily with children & their families. She plans to find a holistic agency in Houston that serves folks who have experienced trauma, are neurodivergent, and those with intersecting identities. Once completing requirements to finalize her LPC & RPT, she wants to continue learning how to implement expressive art therapies in counseling. Her long-time goal is to become a registered art therapist (ATR). In addition, Juliana wishes to adopt an animal who may become her pet partner for practicing animal-assisted counseling.

Kalli Barker

Kalli Barker is a graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Social Work through the joint MSW program through University of North Texas and Texas Women’s University. She received her BS in Psychology from BYU-Idaho in 2008. She is interning at Connections Wellness Group in Denton, Texas. Kalli was a stay-at-home mom for 13 years and a homeschooling mom for 4 of those years before returning to school to pursue her master’s degree. She’s excited to see where her path takes her after graduation and is interested in becoming a program director for a non-profit agency in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She also plans to earn her LCSW and become a licensed therapist specializing in teenagers.

Keegan Friedrichs

Keegan Friedrichs is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Adolescent track grad student at the University of North Texas. She received her B.A. in Psychology from UNT in 2019 and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. While in her grad program, she is interning at the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Collin County and after graduation, she wants to work as a substance use or trauma-focused counselor with teenagers and is currently considering agency work, but also open to other areas in the mental health field. Keegan also plans to continue her education in pursuing her Ph.D. to become a licensed psychologist and is looking to possibly getting this degree in Scotland!

Keylee Bryant

Keylee Bryant is a graduate student in the Joint Masters Social Work Program at the University of North Texas and Texas Women's University. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with honors from the University of North Texas in the fall of 2019. Keylee is currently a Master’s level student intern at Denton County Friends of the Family with their Advocacy Team located in Denton, TX. Keylee has always been passionate about advocating for at-risk populations who are underserved in her community and found a way to help those in need through social work. After working as an Investigator with Child Protective Services she realized her area of interest was working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. She plans on continuing her social work career after graduating by pursuing an advocate position in her community to continue to give a voice to those who may not be able to use their own.

Kira Dallmann

Kira Dallmann is a graduate student in the joint social work program at the University of North Texas and Texas Women’s University. She received her BSW at the University of North Texas with a minor in criminal justice. During her undergrad, she received an academic certificate in trauma-informed care. Kira is currently a family advocate intern at the Children’s Advocacy Center of North Texas. She plans to work in the mental health field after receiving her master's.

Kristen Welch

Kristen Welch is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Adult track grad student at the University of North Texas. She received her BBA in Management Information Systems from UT Austin in 2015. Kristin is a member of Rho Kappa chapter of Chi Sigma Iota counseling academic and professional honor society. During her grad internship program, she is interning at Genesis Women's Shelter and Support in Dallas, Texas. After graduation, she plans to work with survivors of domestic violence to help provide safety and empowerment

Melissa Martinez

Melissa Martinez is a graduate student in the Joint Master of Social Work Program at the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University. She received her BS in Social Work from TWU in 2022. During her undergrad, she was a social work intern at Duncanville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Currently, Melissa is a social work intern at the Center for Health Empowerment. Here, Melissa works closely alongside Black and Latino LGBTQI+ individuals who are testing for or are HIV/STI positive and connecting them to the appropriate resources. She will also be interning at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she will be testing interventions with LGBTQI+ youth. Melissa plans to get licensed directly after graduation and work as a medical social worker with diverse client populations.

Molly McInnis

Molly McInnis is a graduate student in the TWU-UNT Joint Master of Social Work Program. She received her BA in Elementary Education in 2005 and taught for 12 years, in both Dallas and San Antonio, before returning to grad school. Molly is a student social work intern at Garland ISD for the McKinney-Vento Program in Garland, Texas, and a Graduate Teaching Assistant for UNT. During her time in the classroom, she saw a need for more social workers in the educational setting, especially during and after the pandemic. In the future, Molly hopes to provide greater access to quality behavioral and mental health care services through the schools for underserved children and their families within the Dallas community.

Rania Qashmar

Rania Qashmar is a Master's student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2019. She is a student counseling intern at Apple Counseling and Consulting in Frisco, Texas. She is currently a member of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society. Upon completing her degree, she plans to work with adults that experiencing life transitions, trauma, and thinking disorders.

Stephanie Gallegos

Stephanie Gallegos is a graduate student in the Social Work program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Multimedia Production from The University of Texas at El Paso in 2016. She is a student social work intern at UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth, Texas. She is currently a volunteer for Alliance for Children, a child advocacy center, and the co-president for the Student Association for Masters of Social Work for the UNT/TWU MSW program. After graduation, Stephanie plans to pursue her clinical license.

Suzanna Gleason

Suzanna Gleason is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience from Texas A&M University in 2020. She is a clinical graduate intern at The Children's Advocacy Center for North Texas. She is on the child track and will be utilizing trauma-informed play therapy with child survivors of abuse. She plans to work with this same population upon graduation and continue to develop her play therapy skills within a trauma-informed framework.

Victoria Reese

Victoria Reese is a graduate student in the Joint Master’s of Social Work Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston University in 2021. She is a student social work intern at Duncanville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Duncanville, Texas. Victoria holds an executive board position in the Student Association Master’s of Social Work organization, where she serves as the Treasurer. She plans to work with felons or incarcerated individuals within an administration or advocacy position in either Dallas or Houston.

Abbi O’Leary

Abbi O’Leary is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in English, Creative Writing from Appalachian State University in 2009. She is currently a counseling intern at the nonprofit organization S.T.E.P.S. with Horses where she provides equine-assisted counseling to veterans, and underserved adolescents as well as equine-assisted play therapy to underserved children. She is a Chi Sigma Iota member and is currently a research assistant studying impacts of transpersonal experiences with Drs. Janice Holden and Lindsey Warwick. She plans to work with underserved individuals across the lifespan who have experienced trauma and who may need access to alternative forms of therapy, such as equine-assisted therapy, to find healing.

Alaina Nguyen

Alaina Nguyen is a graduate student in the Social Work program at the University of North Texas. She received her B.A. in Psychology at UNT in 2021. She is a social work intern at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Upon graduation, she aims to pursue a career in medical social work, combining her passion for social work and healthcare, to provide vital support and resources to patients and families facing medical challenges. After becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), she is dedicated to enhancing her skills and expertise in mental health support by acquiring a clinical license.

Amber Jean Evans

Amber Jean Evans is pursuing a master’s degree in School Counseling following a 13-year career as a secondary Fine Arts Teacher. Born in St. Louis, Amber Jean grew up with her mother, father, and sister in a tiny town on the Mississippi River. In 2007, Mrs. Evans earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Millikin University in Decatur, IL, summa cum laude with a scholarship to play cello. She worked as a middle school choir director in Plano, TX from 2007 until 2020 when she chose to leave the classroom and pursue her degree in Counseling. Currently, Mrs. Evans is serving as the School Counseling Intern at Armstrong Middle School in Plano ISD. After graduation, she hopes to continue to serve adolescents and adults with a combination of private practice and remote work with her best friend’s startup.

Amy Guillen

Amy Guillen is a graduate student in the Social Work program at the University of North Texas. She received her undergraduate degree in Sociology at Emporia State University in 2022. During her graduate experience, she will be a student intern at Lewisville ISD in Lewisville, Texas. Amy was also part of the McNair Program in undergrad and conducted her own research and was able to present it. She plans to work in the counseling field and wants to bring more mental health awareness within the Latinx community.

Avery Florence

Avery Florence is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology from UNT in 2020. She is a counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family. She currently works for Denton County MHMR as a Service Coordinator advocating for adults who have intellectual disabilities. She plans to work with LGBTQ+ youth and adults in a private practice in the DFW area.

Carlos Fuentes

Carlos Fuentes is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. He received his BS in Psychology from UTD in 2019. He is a student counseling intern at Greer and Associates in Corinth, Texas. Carlos has worked as a lead counselor in summer camps for neurodivergent highschoolers with a focus on vocational rehabilitation. He utilizes expressive arts and playful therapy in his counseling practice and sees the need for a cohesive effort among helping professions to increase mental health advocacy in his community. He plans to work as a licensed professional counselor in private practice with an expertise in providing trauma-informed care to underserved communities.

Christina Sepulveda

Christina Sepulveda is a graduate student in the School Counseling program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Psychology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. She is a student counseling intern in Richardson ISD. She hopes to work with children and individuals who have experienced trauma.

Desiree Davis

Desiree Davis is a graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology from UNT in 2014. She is a student counseling intern at Positive Changes Counseling and Consulting in Mesquite, Texas. She is also a member of the Rho Kappa chapter of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International. Desiree plans to open a private practice where she can focus on providing counseling for underserved communities throughout the DFW Metroplex, eventually branching out to her hometown Flint, Michigan. Desiree is passionate about minorities having access to mental health resources and plans to become a public speaker on the subject.

Emily Carmack

Emily Carmack is a graduate student in the Joint Master of Social Work program at the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Social Work degree and a minor in Counseling Associate Studies from the University of North Texas in 2022. Her undergraduate social work internship was with Communities in Schools of North Texas and her graduate social work internship is with United Way of Denton County. After graduation, Emily plans to obtain her Master of Social Work licensure and become employed as a licensed social worker in a school or non-profit setting.

Emily Curtiss

Emily Curtiss is a graduate student in the Joint Master of Social Work program at the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin in 2018, with a focus on Consulting & Change Management. Her 2023-2024 practicum internship is with United Way of Denton County. Previously, Emily was a clinical social work intern, supporting mental health care for adolescents and adults at Connections Wellness Group’s PHP/IOP outpatient department. After graduation, Emily will pursue LMSW and LCSW licensure as she explores her interests in clinical, medical, and school social work.

Gabrielle Carr

Gabrielle Carr is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health master’s program at the University of North Texas on the adult track. She received her BS in Music Industry from the State University of New York at Fredonia in Music Business with minors in Jazz Studies and Public Relations. She is completing her counseling internship at Denton County Friends of the Family. She is currently the treasurer for UNT’s chapter of Counselors for Social Justice as well as a member of Chi Sigma Iota. After graduation, she hopes to work as a counselor for children and adults across the lifespan, with special interest in those experiencing grief and loss, survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence, and folks with trauma related to body image/fatphobia. Once completing her LPC, she hopes to one day also complete training to become a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC).

Hunter Kimble

Hunter Kimble is a graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Journalism from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2016. She plans to work at the Texas Workforce Commission for young adults with autism in the underserved Dallas community. After graduation, she plans to get her LPC and be a mental health counselor for adults with autism, specifically for those in the workforce. She believes this population has the least resources for psychosocial health.

Jacqueline Klassen

Jacqueline Klassen is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in History from the University of Winnipeg and her MA in Religious Studies from the University of Manitoba. She is a member of the Chi Sigma Iota honor society. Currently she is a student counseling intern at Child and Family Guidance Center (CFGC) in Sherman, Texas. Jacqueline is concerned with skill building and creativity as an important way of developing and expressing the self as well helping to mitigate limits. Her interests also include conflict resolution, mediation, and the complex dynamics of religion in identity building and family function. She plans to continue working at CFGC after graduation.

Jara Brailsford

Jara Brailsford is a graduate student in the joint Master of social work program at the University of North Texas, and Texas Women’s University. She received her Bachelor of Arts in sociology, with a minor in psychology from McMurry University in 2022. She is a student intern at Irving ISD working with foster children and adolescents. She is currently a SAMSW secretary and seeks to support other students throughout this journey. She plans to work in the school system, specifically with high schoolers by focusing on studying adolescence in our society. Understanding teenager's challenges and finding ways to support their growth and development by providing counseling.

Jessica Murguia

Jessica Murguia is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies: EC-6 Bilingual Generalist from The University of Texas at El Paso in 2021. She is a student counseling intern at Ann Arbol Alexander Elementary in Denton, Texas. Jessica is currently participating in the Bilingual & Trauma Informed Integrated Care Project. She plans to work in the school system in Title I schools.

Jessica Sanchez

Jessica Sanchez is a graduate student in the Texas Woman’s University and University of North Texas Joint Master of Social Work Program. She obtained her bachelor’s in psychology at Tarleton State University in 2021. At Tarleton, she also minored in social work which inspired her decision to pursue her studies in graduate school. Jessica works as a graduate assistant at the UNT Social Work Department, and recently completed her first field internship experience in hospice. She looks forward to beginning her next internship in school social work at Denton ISD. Her research interests include understanding diversity and difference, and how to improve service delivery with diverse populations. She is also the President of the UNT Student Association of Master’s in Social Work. After graduation, she would like to work with the aging population or another field in great need of social workers.

Jessica Suchanek

Jessica Suchanek is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Studies from Baylor University in 2020. She is currently completing her counseling internship at Counseling and Testing Services at UNT. Jessica is a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society. After graduation, she plans to work in a university setting helping students with the transition to college and developing their identities.

Lindsay Devlin

Lindsay Devlin is a graduate student in the Joint Master of Social Work Program at the University of North Texas. She graduated magna cum laude with her BA in psychology from the University of Dallas in 2022. She is currently a social work intern for Ardent Hospice in Flower Mound, Texas, and previously interned with the Resolana Program in Dallas, Texas. She was also a student athlete through her undergrad and worked during the Spring 2023 semester as a research assistant for a Community Health Worker grant project specializing in Opioid and Substance Use Disorders (CHW-OSUDS). She plans to pursue a career in either crisis work or hospice care after graduating.

Megan Smith

Megan Smith is a graduate student in the School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She currently works as a staff member for UNT Facilities Operations and serves on the Faculty & Staff Wellbeing Advisory Board. Megan is interning at Evers Park Elementary School and the Denton ISD Family Center. Upon graduation, her goal is to partner with a school district to provide impact counseling services, while also assisting teens and adults struggling with existential themes, in the clinical setting.

Nindagiye Emmeline

Nindagiye Emmeline is a graduate student in the JMSW program at both UNT and TWU. She received her BS in Psychology from UNT in 2021. Nindagiye is in her advanced year her program and will be interning at Garland ISD, McKinney Vento Liaison. From her pervious internship, she had the great experience of working with youth from the ages of 18-24 years old, who have aged out of the foster care system as well as the general homeless youth. After she graduates, Nindagiye plans to work with adolescents in a school setting.

Reagan Dickson

Reagan Dickson is a graduate student in the School Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Biology from ETBU in 2020. She is a student counseling intern at Sanger High School in Sanger, Texas. Reagan’s primary professional experience has been in education at the secondary level in an alternative learning environment for students with emotional disabilities. Additionally, Reagan served for one year as a graduate research assistant for the Translational Addictions Research Consortium (TARC Lab) at UNT. She also worked as a life skills coach at 29 Acres, a residential facility for adults with autism, for one year. She plans to continue to work with adolescents within the school system and is interested in pursuing private practice as well. After graduation, she plans to pursue a PhD in Counseling (or a related field) to extend her knowledge and impact on providing comprehensive mental-health services to adolescents and minoritized populations.

Robbie Almonaci-Padron

Robbie Almonaci-Padron is a graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. He received his BS in Rehabilitation Studies from UNT in 2021. Robbie is a graduate assistant at UNT's RISE Center and a student counseling intern at the UNTWELL Clinic. Both sites will serve as his internship site, and he is looking forward to helping college-age adults. Robbie has worked in a university setting for a little more than four years and hopes to become a professor to continue working in this setting. Robbie would like to specialize in the study of addiction and counseling. On his days off, Robbie likes to read, listen to music, journal, and enjoy a caffeinated drink.

V Dov

V Do is a graduate student in the joint Master of Social Work program at UNT and TWU. She received her BA in Psychology from the University of Memphis in 2021. In her undergrad, V was a part of the Resilience Emerging Amidst Childhood Hardships (REACH) clinical psychology lab, interned at Job Corps, and was an undergraduate teacher’s assistant. Their most recent internship was at CitySquare TRAC, an agency dedicated to working alongside former foster care youth transitioning into youth adulthood. Currently, V Do is interning at the Cancer Support Community North Texas, connecting clients with resources, empowering the client through knowledge, and creating a vibrant community of cancer survivors and their loved ones. After graduation, V plans to work towards receiving their social work licensure and wishes to specifically work alongside children and adolescents.

John Thornton

John Thornton is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. He received his BA in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. Currently, he is working as a student counseling intern at Denton County Friends of the Family. Prior to graduate school, John served as a Special Education teacher in the Fort Worth ISD where he worked with high school students who had received a diagnosis of an emotional or behavioral disability. John has worked as a licensed investigator for the past fifteen years where most of his work has focused on working with indigent defendants. It is out of this work that he developed an interest in the role of mental health issues on individuals involved in the criminal justice system.