University of North Texas 
Meet the Students
The BTIIC Project team is proud to welcome in student cohorts and provide them with opportunities to expand their knowledge. Click on the photos below for more information about our participants
COHORT 1 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.
Lauren Helton
Lauren Helton is a graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Rehabilitation Studies with a minor in Human Development Family Services from UNT in 2019. She is a student counselor at Nexus Recovery Center in Dallas, Texas. She is currently a counseling intern and sees process groups and individual counseling sessions with clients in the detox dorm on site. She hopes to continue work at Nexus Recovery Center for adult women in Dallas and complete her clinical hours towards her LPC.
Lydia Pluscht
Lydia Pluscht is currently 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 her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas in the spring of 2021. At present, she is a student intern in the Family Violence Unit at the Denton County Criminal District Attorney’s Office in Denton, Texas and is passionate about working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence. She has a diverse background of volunteer experiences which have shown her the need for multidisciplinary support and care for vulnerable populations in her community. After graduation, Lydia plans to pursue a clinical license in social work and hopes to find a position within the area of domestic violence and human trafficking. Through her internship and personal experience, she has developed an affinity for this population and enjoys working in the intersection of social work and the legal system. She also intends to seek out new volunteer opportunities throughout her professional career to nurture her competing population interests.
Michael Council
Michael Council is a graduate student in the Masters of Science Rehabilitation Counseling Program at The University of North Texas. He graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Rehabilitation Studies from The University of North Texas in 2015. Michael is currently interning through the UNT Well Clinic and the Collegiate Recovery Program within the Substance Use Resource and Education (S.U.R.E.) Center at UNT. He has experience working with adult individuals with complex mental health diagnosis and cognitive disabilities as a previous Adult Mental Health Case Manager through Denton MHMR.
Michael has also gained experience working with individuals with substance use disorder as a Behavioral Health Technician in a Residential Treatment Program that integrated mental health and substance use as the primary form of treatment. Following graduation, Michael would like to work with adults and adolescents who have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders because of the experience he has gained through his employment opportunities. Michael will pursue the steps to become a fully Licensed Professional Counselor.
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.
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.
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 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 provide accessible and culturally responsive counseling services to minority and underserved communities.
Megan Prahl
Megan 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.
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.
COHORT 2 STUDENTS
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.
Alexcea
Alexcea is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at University of North Texas.
They received their BS majoring in Psychology and minoring in Counseling from UNT
in 2020. They are a counseling intern at Denton County Friends of Family in Corinth,
Texas. At their internship site, they offer counseling services to adults and children
impacted by trauma and abuse. Alexcea is a co-founder and former Vice President for
Coalition of Black Counselors. They plan of offering play therapy services to marginalized
youth impacted by trauma, abuse, and offering affirming mental health care to LGBTQIA+
youth. After graduation, Alexcea plans on working in a community agency that offers
affordable counseling services in the DFW area.
Emily Reid
Emily Reid received her B.A. Psychology degree in May 2020 from The University of
North Texas. She is continuing her education and is currently pursuing her Master’s
degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with concentrations in the children, adolescent,
and adults counseling tracks. During her grad internship courses, Emily is interning
at the Denton County Friends of the Family in Corinth, TX. At this internship site,
she primarily works with women and minors who have been impacted by intimate partner
violence or sexual assault. Emily is also a member in good standing of Rho Kappa,
a chapter of Chi Sigma Iota located at UNT. After graduation, Emily plans to one day
find a fulfilling career where she can continue working with minors who have experienced
trauma. She hopes to continue the work she is doing at Friends of the Family.
Sunnie Jan Walls-Murphy
Sunnie Jan Walls-Murphy is a first-generation college graduate currently pursuing a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Studies at the University of North Texas, where she also earned her B.S. in Rehabilitation Studies with a minor in Drug Abuse and Addiction in 2020. She is interning at the Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation in Denton, Texas.
As the mother of two children in recovery from substance use disorders (SUD), Sunnie is deeply committed to helping families navigate recovery. After graduation, she plans to take the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) exam and later pursue her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-A) certification. Her ultimate goal is to develop a program to help individuals in recovery find and maintain employment.
Sunnie’s passion for service is evident in her community involvement, including a transformative Alternative Spring Break trip to Nashville, where she worked with individuals in recovery and helped distribute food and supplies to the homeless.
Sunnie’s personal experience and professional aspirations drive her commitment to supporting individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders.
COHORT 3 STUDENTS
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.
COHORT 4 STUDENTS
Austin Hardin
Austin Hardin is a graduate student in the School Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. He received his BBA in Marketing from Texas Tech University in 2019. Austin began teaching high school mathematics during the pandemic and was immediately drawn to supporting the mental health needs of his students. He believes that every student is capable of reaching their potential and oftentimes just needs someone to come alongside them in their journey. Austin is currently a school counselor at McLaughlin Strickland Elementary School. After graduation, he plans to continue school counseling with hopes of pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education.
Ally (Alayshia) Smith-Douglas
Ally (Alayshia) Smith-Douglas is a graduate student enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of North Texas, specializing in working with adolescents. She completed her BA in Psychology at Texas A&M University, College Station, in 2021. During her time at Texas A&M, she participated in a research project focused on predictors of suicidality among high school students in Texas, which has since been published. At UNT, she has been actively involved as one of the co-chairs of the Social Events Committee for the Rho Kappa chapter of Chi Sigma Iota. Currently, she is gaining experience as a counseling student intern at Denton ISD and the Family Center, where she provides support to adolescents at Denton High School during the day and to staff, students, and their families at the Family Center in the evenings. Post-graduation, she aims to become a licensed professional counselor, focusing on working with minorities and underserved communities in school, non-profit, or private practice settings.
Celina Castillo
Celina Castillo is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Family and Child Development from Texas State University in 2018. She is a student counseling intern at the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County. Celina is a Certified Child Life Specialist working at Scottish Rite for Children in the rheumatology and radiology departments where she works to assist patients and families as they navigate life living with a chronic illness. She hopes to practice counseling primarily with children & their families. She plans to continue her work as a therapist to continue to help support children and families who have experienced both medical related traumas, chronic illness as well as those struggling with grief and abuse. Once completing requirements to finalize her LPC & RPT, she wants to continue learning how to implement expressive therapies in counseling. In addition, Celina wishes to adopt an animal who may become her pet partner for practicing animal-assisted counseling.
Caitlin Fisher
Caitlin Fisher is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of North Texas. She graduated summa cum laude with her BA in Psychology from Tougaloo College in 2021. Before beginning at UNT, she was a registered behavioral therapist working with children on the autism spectrum. Currently, she is a student counseling intern at Irving Family Advocacy Center primarily serving adolescents and adults with a history of physical and sexual trauma. After graduation, Caitlin hopes to continue serving these populations and provide trauma-informed care and faith-based counseling from a multicultural lens to people of color, people with low-income, and neurodivergent populations.
Casey Matthews
Casey Matthews is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of North Texas. She received her bachelor’s degree in 2004 from Texas Christian University with a major in studio art and a minor in Spanish. She received her Master of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School in 2009. Casey has spent over 15 years working in various nonprofits seeking to meet tangible human needs while also ensuring each person feels valued and respected. Casey is invested in learning about and celebrating human diversity. This can be seen in her Spanish minor, travels to 11 different countries, and her diverse coursework including Jewish studies, world religions, Womanist theology, and Asian American history. Casey will be serving as an intern at the Irving Family Advocacy Center where she will provide counseling services to children and adults. After graduation, Casey will begin counseling full-time and working with clients across the lifespan.
Caitlyn McKey
Caitlyn McKey is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program
at the University of North Texas. She earned her BA in Studio Art from the University
of Hawaii at Manoa in 2016 and her MA in Art Education from the University of Texas
at Austin in 2020. During her time at UT Austin, Caitlyn conducted a case study on
mindfulness-based art making and teaching, which further fueled her interest in integrating
creative processes into mental health practices. Currently, she is completing her
counseling internship at Neighbors Counseling in Denton, Texas. Caitlyn has experience
as a graduate assistant with UNT ENGAGE, where she focused on vocational rehabilitation
for neurodivergent college students. Additionally, Caitlyn is an active member of
UNT’s chapter of Counselors for Social Justice and Chi Sigma Iota. In her counseling
practice, Caitlyn integrates mindfulness modalities and expressive arts and is currently
exploring the addition of somatic practices to offer a holistic therapeutic approach.
After graduation, she plans to work as a licensed professional counselor, specializing
in trauma-informed care for neurodivergent individuals, military veterans, and the
LGBTQIA+ community. Upon obtaining her LPC, Caitlyn plans to pursue a PhD in Counselor
Education and Supervision, with a focus on advancing research in mental health support
for neurodivergent individuals beyond secondary education.
Cristina Pare
Cristina Pare is a graduate student in the Counseling in Rehabilitation Master’s Program at the University of North Texas. She earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Occidente in Cali, Colombia. Originally coming to the U.S. through an exchange program to improve her English, Cristina later pursued a master’s in business administration. A proud mother of two, she is currently interning at Connections Wellness Group in Frisco, TX. Cristina has a passion for working with adolescents and young adults facing various mental health challenges. She is particularly interested in both group and individual therapy, and her future goals include establishing a private practice that incorporates mindfulness-based approaches, such as yoga and offers services like hypnotherapy.
Emaan Allawala
Emaan Allawala is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of North Texas. Emaan received her BS in Psychology and EC-6th grade teaching certification from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2022. She is currently a student counseling intern at Denton Independent School District as well as at the Child & Family Resource Clinic at UNT. After graduation, with her experiences working as a teacher and play therapist with children of all ages, Emaan hopes to provide services to children and families from minority backgrounds, provide education to lift mental health stigma in her community, and obtain her Registered Play Therapist™ certification.
Emily Bowers
Emily Bowers is a graduate student in the Social Work Program at the University of North Texas. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Social Work and minors in Counseling and Rehabilitation Studies from the University of North Texas in 2024. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher and uses her Social Work background to conduct trauma informed yoga sessions. Upon graduation, she aims to pursue a career in school social work to provide support to underserved students and their families. After gaining experience working in the field as an LMSW, she plans to pursue a clinical license in social work (LCSW).
John Ammon
John Ammon is a clinical mental health graduate student at the University of North Texas. He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology, with a minor in addiction studies, from Stephen F. Austin State University, graduating in May 2022. Following his graduation, John was fortunate to continue his academic journey at UNT for his graduate studies. He currently serves as an intern at the Sante Center for Healing in Argyle, Texas, where he works with clients struggling with substance use, providing support in both residential and intensive outpatient settings. In addition, John is employed at UNT’s Office of Disability Accommodation, where he assists students in achieving their academic goals and offers referrals to counseling services as needed. John is open to exploring a variety of career paths within the mental health field. While he is currently focused on the adult track and has experience working with substance use, anxiety, depression, and trauma, he is also interested in expanding his practice to include adolescents and children.
Jean Dickinson
Jean Dickinson is a graduate student in the Master's Social Work program at the University of North Texas. Jean graduated from UNT in December 2023 with a B.A. in Social Work and a minor in Kinesiology. Her undergraduate social work internship was with Resolana in the Dallas County Women's Jail, seeking to prevent recidivism and aid with re-entry into the community. After graduation, Jean wants to obtain her Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and continue working with women and youth in correctional facilities and settings.
Jada McElroy
Jada McElroy is a graduate student in the School Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She is a member of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honor Society. She received her BSA in Human Development and Family Science from The University of Texas at Austin in 2021. She is a student counseling intern at STEAM Middle School in Burleson, TX. She is also a counseling intern at the Art Station in Downtown Fort Worth. She worked as an elementary school teacher where she completed her practicum. After graduation, she plans to work as a youth mental health counselor to earn her LPC with formal training in EMDR and Play Therapy.
Johana O’Reilly
Johana O’Reilly is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She received her BS in Human Development from Cornell University in 2019 and her M.Ed. from Southern Methodist University in 2021. She is a school counselor at Forest Lane Academy in Richardson ISD. She plans to take on a second internship site in a clinical setting as she will pursue her professional counseling licensure in addition to her school counselor certification.
Jennifer Walker
Jennifer Walker is a graduate student in the School Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She earned a BA in English from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2017. She then continued her education at the same institution and earned a MA in English in 2021. Jennifer was offered the position of secondary counselor by the district for which she has taught secondary English for the past several years: Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy Charter School in Greenville, Texas. The campus for which she is the counselor this year is a Title I school with a high bilingual population. Her passion is serving and advocating for adolescents through trauma-informed practices, and she plans to continue growing as an advocate in this position after graduation.
Jenny "Jia" Yin
Jenny "Jia" Yin is a graduate student in the University of North Texas Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. They received their BS in Psychological & Brain Sciences from Washington University in St. Louis in 2020. They are a student counseling intern at multiple schools in Denton ISD. Before starting the counseling program, Jia worked as a Youth & Family Clinical Mental Health Case Manager. Their past research work involves childhood-onset depression, and they are currently publishing a book chapter on neurodivergent-affirming counselor education. After graduation, Jia plans to start a private practice to provide in-person and telehealth services to minoritized children and youth, including people of color, neurodivergent youth, and queer youth.
Kim Ayala
Kim Ayala is a graduate student in the School Counseling program at The University of North Texas. She is a school counseling intern in Lewisville ISD. She also has a supplementary internship doing play therapy in schools in Denton ISD. Prior to graduate school, she taught first grade and taught ESL classes virtually to students in China. She plans on pursuing school counseling in public schools upon graduation.
Karina Ventura
Karina Ventura is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Counseling, specializing in LPC and School Counseling. She completed her undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on EC-6 Bilingual Education, at the University of North Texas in 2021. Karina is currently interning at Silver Lake Elementary within Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. After graduation, she plans to work as a school counselor with the goal of eventually establishing her own private practice. Her passion for supporting diverse students and families drives her ambition to make a significant impact in the field.
Lindsey Pope
Lindsey Pope is a graduate student in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at the
University of North Texas. She holds an undergraduate degree in Mass Communications/Public
Relations from the University of Central Oklahoma and currently serves as a graduate
assistant at the UNT R.I.S.E. Center while interning at the UNTWELL Clinic.
Beyond her academic work, Lindsey is an active member of the UNT community, serving as a Student Media Committee Representative for the Dean of Students and as the student representative for the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals. She is also a past Rehabilitation Counseling Representative for the Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society and a member of Phi Kappa Phi.
Lindsey is passionate about advancing diversity, inclusion, and equality in the behavioral health field, with a focus on supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment that promotes holistic well-being and drives positive change.
Megan Ball
Megan Ball is currently a student in the Master’s level Rehabilitation Counseling program. She completed her undergraduate degree in
Psychology and Master’s degree in College Student Development and Administration at Shepherd University in
West Virginia. She is interning at Denton County Friend’s of the Family in the adult counseling program for the Fall 24 and Spring 25 semesters.
She has spent the last six years working in homelessness services in the non-profit
and local government sectors. Megan plans to work in behavioral healthcare focusing
specifically on people who have a serious mental illness.
Mak Fox
Mak Fox is a Master of Social Work candidate at the University of North Texas. She currently works as a Graduate Services Assistant for the UNT Social Work Department. She is a recent 2024 graduate of UNT’s Bachelor of Social Work program, completing her degree with an additional Trauma-Informed Care certificate and Psychology minor. In her undergraduate years, she served as the President and Vice President of the Social Work Student Association. She also completed two service-learning projects, totaling over 40 hours of service between LovePacs Denton and Denton County Friends of the Family. Her BSW internship was with Communities in Schools of North Texas where she participated in case management. Mak worked at an elementary campus and collaborated with children to assess their unique needs, build their social-emotional skills, support their well-being in the school setting, and encourage them to participate in school. Though she has not been placed for her Spring 2025 MSW internship, she hopes to work with children again, but in a different setting. In challenging herself, she hopes to learn through hands-on experience how she can best serve children as a vulnerable population. She believes the BTIIC program will support her with additional opportunities to grow in her knowledge, cultural competency, and overall skillset.
Megan Loftus
Megan Loftus is a graduate student in the Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She graduated magna cum laude with her BS in Psychology from Fordham University in 2020. Megan also double minored in Political Science and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies during her undergraduate career. She is a student counseling intern at Mind Above Matter in Keller, Texas. Megan is also a member of the Rho Kappa chapter of Chi Sigma Iota. After graduation, she plans to work with adults who have experienced trauma and hopes to work specifically with women who have experienced domestic and/or sexual violence.
Natalie McCurley
Natalie McCurley is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program
at the University of North Texas, where she earned a BA in Social Science in 2017.
She is currently a counseling intern at Mind Above Matter, an intensive outpatient
and partial hospitalization program, providing group and individual therapy.
In addition to her internship, Natalie works at Trio SSS, a university program supporting
low-income, disabled, and first-generation students. She has four years of case management
experience at a nonprofit serving military veterans and their families and is passionate
about advocating for mental health access and supporting disabled populations.
Natalie has also contributed to research on the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as a graduate research assistant and has worked in UNT’s Office of Disability Access, managing accommodated testing services. Committed to empowering underserved communities, she seeks to make a meaningful impact through counseling, research, and advocacy.
Payton Rackley
Payton Rackley is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of North Texas. She graduated with a BA in Psychology and Spanish from Samford University in 2021. Payton is a student counseling intern at Greer and Associates in Corinth & Frisco, Texas. Previously, Payton contributed to two large-scale clinical trials at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) focused on behavioral health interventions for adults diagnosed with glaucoma and traumatic brain injuries. She also has experience as a Title 1 Interventionist in a middle school setting, where she supported economically disadvantaged students and their families. Through these roles, Payton has developed a strong commitment to addressing barriers to treatment, advocating for appropriate health care for minoritized individuals at risk, and addressing implicit biases among professionals. She plans to work as a licensed professional counselor with clients across the lifespan in the underserved communities of Dallas.
Rachael Forti
Rachael Forti is a graduate student studying School Counseling at the University of North Texas. She received her BA in Psychology from UNT in 2019. She is employed as a graduate assistant withing the UNT Department of Social Work. Currently, Rachael serves as a school counseling intern at Nelson elementary in Denton ISD. Additionally, she is connected with research in Adlerian Play Therapy through the university and will be working with children in Denton ISD in need of play therapy services. Rachael aspires to work with children and families both in school and private settings, with an interest in neurodivergent populations.
Selena Iturbe
Selena Iturbe is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program at the University of North Texas, where she also completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2020. Currently interning at the Irving Family Advocacy Center, she provides play therapy and individual therapy in Spanish to families impacted by trauma. Selena is dedicated to offering mental health services to diverse and underserved populations, especially those affected by trauma and adverse childhood experiences. She is passionate about expanding mental health awareness within Hispanic communities and plans to further her education with a focus on trauma-informed care, aiming to become trained in EMDR therapy.
Valerie Almanza
Valerie Almanza is a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the
University of North Texas, where she earned a Magna Cum Laude degree in Psychology
with double minors in Counseling and Spanish.
Valerie has leadership experience as President of Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, where
she supported first-year students and fostered connections within faith-based communities.
She is gaining hands-on experience through placements at Strickland Middle School,
Lester Davis School's Disciplinary Alternative Education Program, and the Denton ISD
Family Center. Additionally, she provides trauma care at Denton County Friends of
the Family, assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Valerie is passionate about working with Latinx youth and families in underserved areas, focusing on accessible counseling and mental health education. She is also involved in the Bilingual and Trauma-Informed Integrative Care Project, which aligns with her commitment to culturally sensitive care.