I am a second year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral program, specializing in neuropsychology, at Fordham University with a strong desire to serve as HNS’s Student Representative for the 2012-2014 terms. My background as an immigrant, and a native Spanish-speaker, and my interest in elucidating the neurological factors that govern behavior, put me in a unique position to understand the cultural experiences that mediate test performance within the Latina/o community and to work to promote culturally-appropriate and empirically-based practices in neuropsychology.
Currently, as a graduate assistant for Dr. Rivera Mindt, I assess the neurocognitive functioning of ethnic minority opiate dependent HIV+ and HIV- participants. In addition, at The Columbia University’s Center for Children’s Environmental Health, I am involved in the neuropsychological assessment of children and adolescents. In the past, under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer Manly, I conducted neuropsychological evaluations and clinical diagnosis of seniors living in New York City. As an emerging Latina neuropsychologist, I understand the role of culturally relevant research in informing evidence-based practice, advancing our understanding of disorders, and guiding policy. As a community member, I am sensitive to the current disconnect between scientific findings and community practices. I am interested in promoting awareness about the pervasiveness of neurocognitive limitations and the benefits of early identification and treatment for underserved ethnic-minority populations.
As an HNS Student Representative, I would serve as a conduit between HNS and trainees and promote the professional development of the next generation of culturally competent neuropsychology researchers and clinicians. Given my experience working with Latinas/os across the different age continuum and my desire to promote the culturally appropriate use of neuropsychological tools to serve this community, I believe I am well-positioned to serve as HNS’s Student Representative.
Employer: Graduate Assistant, Fordham University Psychology Department
Hometown: New York City
Research interests and/or current research projects: How are everyday functional problems mediated by neurocognitive factors? Can early identification and treatment of cognitive weaknesses improve health outcomes? Guided by an Ecological Systems approach, I am interested in the application of neuropsychological findings in order to promote systemic changes. The benefits of empirically-validated assessments in identifying weakness and strengths, measuring treatment gains, and elucidating the association between brain and behavior can guide treatment, shape environmental structures, and ultimately improve quality of life. Currently, I work with individuals undergoing pharmacological treatment for Opiate Dependence who are either HIV+ or HIV-. I am interested in understanding the relationship between poly-substance use and Executive Function (EF). I would like to explore the environmental factors that moderate this relationship and to assess whether moderating effects are drug-specifics or if they are generalizable across different drug groups.
Name one thing not many people know about you. In spite of being an extroverted individual, I take pleasure in reflecting on my experiences in privacy or in the company of a few close friends. Therefore, there are many things about me that I choose not to divulge. Being the first in my family to graduate high school has permeated all aspects of my life. Although this experience brought with it many challenges and responsibilities it potentiated tremendous growth and helped me to develop the tenacity that continues to fuel me today. Despite being such an instrument in my life, it is unknown to many of my colleagues and co-workers.
What is something you’ve won and how did you win it? This past summer I received a Training Award by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The award subsidized the cost of a 3-day conference on empirically-supported therapeutic techniques. To qualify for the award, a National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Mental Health (NNED) member organization had to sponsor me and serve as a venue where I could put into practice the new skills. Since none of the NNED members where located in NYC, I set out to find a local organization that would join NNED to sponsor me. I contacted several community agencies, gathered and distributed information on the benefits of joining NNED, and connected several agency directors with NNED representatives. In the end, I participated in the training as I successfully facilitated the enrollment of two community agencies. Currently, I am completing an Externship at one of these organizations. Through my work with the patients at this site, I am actively applying the technique I learned in the training.
What is something you should throw away, but can’t? Human beings are flexible, evolving creatures. Like us, the environment we live in is also bound to change. Hence, I firmly believe that being overly attached to things, relationships, people, and objects, violates our nature. Despite this, some things are harder to dispose of than others. I tend to hold on to my father’s presents regardless of their material value, size, or utility. The pink baseball hat hanging from a wall in my room is the perfect example. It does not fit, the color is too bright, and I have no desire to wear it, yet it’s been my reliable companion for the past 3 years. The hat itself is of little value and of no use to me. Yet seeing it there, every day, evokes memories of the day it was given to me. My dad’s laugh when I complained about the color, how he insisted that I should keep it, and the feelings of joy I experienced that day. More generally, the hat is the key to images and feelings that might, otherwise, be irretrievable.
What book are your reading right now? The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients. Irvin Yalom.
If given a choice to skip work for a day, how would you spend the day? In the last two years, I’ve experience unprecedented professional and personal growth. The self- reflection accompanying this growth has enriched my perspective on life, goals, and those things that are important to me. If I were to skip a day from work, I will spend it with my family. Their support, their company, and the range of experiences I share with them ground me. My moments with them are rewarding. They provide the kind of cohesion and nurturance that promotes acceptance and growth.