A PUBLICATION FROM THE GRADUATE COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK
INsight
SPRING 2025
Message From the Interim Dean
As the Interim Dean of the Graduate College of Social Work, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the second edition of INsight, the official publication of the Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW). This platform continues to showcase the incredible work, research, and achievements of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni—demonstrating our collective commitment to social work values and transformational change.
This edition arrives at an exciting time for the GCSW as we embark on a significant milestone: the culmination of our Dean search. As we look ahead to identifying a leader who will build upon our strong foundation and drive our mission forward, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence in social work education, research, and practice.
The future of the GCSW is bright. With each edition of INsight, we celebrate the depth of our scholarship, the strength of our community, and the impact of our work. I extend my sincere gratitude to all who contributed to this publication and to those who continue to shape the future of the College through their dedication and leadership.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Graduate College of Social Work.
INVESTING
in the Future of Social Work
Did you know that 99% of internships for a master's in social work are unpaid (according to Payment for Placements (P4P)? When coupled with the rising costs of healthcare and living expenses, including food, housing, groceries, and the costs associated with practicum experiences such as new clothes, mileage, parking, meals, training, onboarding requirements, and time away from paid work, our students are struggling to make ends meet. These constraints also make the demands of maintaining academic rigor quite challenging.
Practicum internships should provide enriching experiences for students, allowing them to explore interests, learn skills and garner a deeper understanding of the social work profession. However, having these experiences comes with a significant cost to our students and their families. Our graduate students are juggling numerous responsibilities, but it is our responsibility to assist in equipping them with the tools they need to be successful.
The Graduate College of Social Work has established the Invest in Community Impact: GCSW Practicum Expense Fund to support current MSW practicum students who are in good standing and demonstrate financial need. Although practicum agencies are encouraged to work with their students and help with costs associated with practicum, assistance is not a guarantee.
Examples of costs associated with practicum as identified by our students include, but are not limited to:
- Purchasing professional clothing
- Meals
- Access to childcare or lack thereof
- Technology
- Onboarding costs (immunizations, background checks, etc.)
- Agency trainings
- Transportation costs
- Time away from work
Faculty in Focus
Spring 2025 Faculty
29 Full-time Faculty | 36 Adjunct Faculty
Graduate College of Social Work Strengthens International Ties Through Faculty and Student Exchange
Last Fall, the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work (UH GCSW) and Kaohsiung Medical University Department of Social Work (KMU) strengthened their partnership with the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU). This agreement builds upon their ongoing collaboration, emphasizing educational, professional, and intercultural initiatives through faculty and student exchanges.
Quenette Walton Named Humana Endowed Chair in Social Determinants of Health for the Graduate College of Social Work
The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work proudly announces Quenette Walton, Ph.D., as the new Humana Endowed Chair in Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). This prestigious appointment highlights her dedication to advancing health equity, innovative research, and impactful education for underserved communities.
The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work proudly announces Quenette Walton, Ph.D., as the new Humana Endowed Chair in Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). This prestigious appointment highlights her dedication to advancing health equity, innovative research, and impactful education for underserved communities.
Accomplishments
Celebrate. Recognize.
Recognizing and taking pride in the commendable accomplishments of our faculty and staff brings immense joy to the entire GCSW community. We are delighted to spotlight the earned promotions of Dr. Chiara Acquati as Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Development, Dr. Juan Barthelemy as Associate Professor with Tenure, Ginger Lucas as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, and Dr. Quenette Walton as Associate Dean of Doctoral Education.
DR.CHIARA ACQUATI
Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Development
DR. JUAN BARTHELEMY
Associate Professor with Tenure
GINGER LUCAS
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
DR.QUENETTE WALTON
Associate Dean of Doctoral Education
The Vision, The Voice campaign celebrates the unique voices that make up the vibrant Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) community, including our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members. This initiative creates a platform for our shining stars to share their stories—capturing who they are and their meaningful impact within the community’s vibrant mosaic. By illuminating these powerful narratives, the campaign seeks to elevate the individuals who embody the spirit and mission of the GCSW.
The Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) is proud to introduce four dynamic leaders who are shaping the future of social work education. Ginger Lucas, Amber Mollhagen, Quenette Walton, and Chiara Acquati bring a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to their respective roles, ensuring that the GCSW remains at the forefront of innovation, student success, and social justice. As the GCSW continues to grow, evolve, and lead in social work education, these three deans are shaping a student-centered, community-driven, and innovation-focused future. Their leadership will ensure that GCSW remains a place where future social workers are empowered to create lasting change.
GINGER LUCAS,
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
A licensed master social worker and clinical associate professor, Ginger Lucas transitioned into her role as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in Fall 2024. She oversees the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, focusing on curriculum development—balancing implicit components like student resources and explicit components such as classroom instruction.
AMBER MOLLHAGEN, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs
Dr. Amber Mollhagen’s connection to GCSW runs deep—not only has she worked here for over 20 years, but she is also a proud GCSW alumna ('99). Her passion for social work began in college, where reading the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics made her feel like she had found “home.”
QUENETTE WALTON, Associate Dean of Doctoral Education
Dr. Quenette Walton steps into her role as Associate Dean of Doctoral Education during a time of transformation. A licensed clinical social worker and newly tenured Associate Professor, she is deeply committed to student success, recruitment, and program development.
CHIARA ACQUATI, Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Development
Dr. Chiara Acquati has made significant contributions to our academic community through her research, mentorship, and leadership. Her program of research examines interpersonal processes that shape the mental health, coping, and well-being of cancer patients and their partners, with a strong emphasis on translational findings that inform interventions.
A Legacy IN the Making:
Pursuing Purpose Together
A mother-daughter duo pursues their dreams—hand in hand—as they work toward their Master of Social Work degrees at the Graduate College of Social Work.
As Fiama Villagrana-Ocasio prepares for life outside the Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW), she has an ally – and a classmate – in her mother, Lourdes Ocasio. The two women began their MSW journey together in 2023, though their shared interests in social services bonded them much earlier. Fiama and Lourdes reflected on how they arrived at the GCSW, their dual journey as family and classmates, and what the next phase of their quest for social equality looks like.
A Mother’s Love
When Lourdes first arrived in the United States from Puerto Rico in 1999, she lived as a stay-at-home mother. Throughout the years, Lourdes considered returning to school but chose to focus on her three children.
Little did she know that she was waiting for the right time, the right MSW program, and, as it turned out – the right person to join her on the journey. Upon returning to work in the mid-2000s, she began working with immigrant communities as an educator. Her dedication to her clients led her to experiences that reaffirmed her desire to return to school in pursuit of her master’s degree.
“In 2019, I met a single mother with twins. When COVID happened, the [twins’] teacher called and told me, ‘Miss Ocasio, we cannot find these students. We cannot find this family.’ The main barrier was language – when I followed up with them, they were totally lost because they didn’t speak English. The school didn't ask me to do that, but I felt that this community was invisible. It was unacceptable for me, and something needed to be done. So, I advocated as much as I could.”
After graduation, Lourdes intends to pursue social work opportunities in primary education. She is also open to learning new ways to apply her skillset, now that she has an advanced degree.
The Apple Never Falls Far From the Tree
After graduating from Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas with a degree in Political Science, Fiama worked professionally before deciding to take steps towards furthering her education. While she has yet to start her professional social work career, her aspirations were always rooted in her desire to create an impact. After witnessing her mother Lourdes's devotion to her family, serving the community, and young students, she decided to follow the path of social work. “All of that has pushed me to want to find other ways to make an impact. My mom is Puerto Rican, and my dad is Mexican. In the culture I come from, I see the impacts of colonization on my family. I’m always remembering where I can make an impact.”
After graduating with her MSW this May, Fiama will be walking in her mom’s footsteps as she pursues social work opportunities in primary education, “My priority right now is just getting as much experience as I can. I want to understand like the day-to-day experience and how we see the faults in the system playing out in the lives of students.”
A Bond, Changed Forever
Lourdes and Fiama entered the GCSW with a strong foundation as mother and daughter, but their time as classmates deepened their connection in meaningful new ways—as peers, collaborators, and future social work practitioners, “Because we have a new understanding about therapy and human behavior, we can practice what we learn on our relationship,” Lourdes reflected, “Before, I acted as a mom, listening and giving advice to Fiama. Now, we are on the same level. We share this new information that we have been learning and understanding. We have deep conversations together and at the same time feel comfortable being vulnerable or making mistakes and being open to new ideas." “There were times that we were behind with the readings or the podcast that we were supposed to be listening to,” Lourdes laughed, “One of us would say, ‘You drive this time because I need to finish my paper!’ It’s cute that we can support each other like that.”
Hometown Heroes
When asked who her social work hero is, Lourdes highlighted a fellow Puerto Rican woman who once worked in youth detention before starting an organization called Jovenes de Puerto Rico en Riesgo, or Puerto Rican Youth at Risk. “I met Mercedes Cintron before moving to the United States,” she said, “Her organization helps students get jobs, finish high school and college, or gaining more opportunities. She used a lot of our culture to empower them.” When asked the same question, Fiama said with a smile, “My hero is my mom.”
The Graduate College of Social Work is honored to have the opportunity to highlight our graduates and their compelling stories. Congratulations, Lourdes and Fiama, on a job well done. We can’t wait to witness the many wonderful things you will achieve!
Student Success
Spring 2025 Enrollment
533 MSW Students | 35 Ph.D Students
MSW Student Awards and Honors
MONICA MARTINEZ
“I'm always seeking connections with other social workers, counselors, doctors, and professionals, whether their interests align with mine or differ. There’s so much we can learn from each other, and working across disciplines strengthens our skills as social workers.” Monica Martinez, an MSW student, recently received the 2024-2025 Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship. This prestigious NASW Foundation award honors master’s degree candidates in social work who have shown a strong commitment to serving public or voluntary nonprofit agencies and grassroots groups in the United States or who have a special connection with American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino communities.
NOHEMY GONZALES ROJAS
“I believe emotional literacy and the destigmatization of mental health is an essential step on the road towards community healing. By emphasizing an intersectional lens in community awareness of mental health, we can create new systems that equitably address our community's needs.” MSW Student Nohemy Gonzalez Rojas was awarded a 2024 Ima Hogg Scholarship by The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health.
CHELSEA SANCHEZ, LCSW
“As an Afro-Latina woman and first-generation college graduate, I aspire to provide leadership in teaching because I recognize the importance of diversity and representation in higher education. I hope to serve as a role model for racially and ethnically diverse students who have been historically excluded from post-secondary education.” GCSW doctoral student and adjunct faculty member Chelsea Sanchez, LCSW, was awarded the very prestigious and competitive CSWE Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) award.
Doctoral Candidates and Graduates
JOHN BICKEL
SEAN BURR
ALBERTO CABRERA
HOLLY DAVIES
ALEXANDRA HOOD
ELENA IONESCU
LIMOR SMITH
Learn More About the Ph.D. Program at the University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work.
Trailblazers IN Training
At the GCSW, our students are more than learners—they are changemakers. Through bold action, everyday advocacy, and a deep commitment to justice, they are shaping the future of social work. Whether organizing within their cohorts, championing campus initiatives, or standing up for equity in Austin, these student trailblazers remind us that meaningful change often begins with a single voice—and grows through collective action.
Mobilizing for Change: GCSW Students Lead with Purpose at SWAD
Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) students never miss a chance to advocate and voice their passion for ongoing social issues —even if it means catching a bus before the sun rises.
At this year’s Social Work Advocacy Day (SWAD) in Austin, Texas, students walked alongside faculty and staff to join hundreds of social work students to make a statement on the urgent need for improved mental health resources, fair payment for practicum roles, relaxed licensure requirements, among others.
The National Association of Social Workers Texas (NASW Texas), the event organizers, anchored the tone of this year’s SWAD to the theme of “Serving All Texans: Unity Through Social Action.” Students had an opportunity to attend sessions led by social workers, Capitol staffers, and changemakers in the advocacy space. Some approached state legislators to discuss bills or topics of interest. For Advanced Standing student Rea’ianna Winston, that’s Texas Senate Bill 153, which advocates for a social work recruitment and retention program. It was Winston’s first time in a pre-arranged meeting with legislator staff, but it did not hold her back from welcoming the experience.
“My biggest takeaway was getting comfortable talking to legislators,” She noted, “That process was inspirational. I would tell [future SWAD attendees] to not be afraid to meet with your legislators. You deserve a chance to have your voice heard.” Winston also spoke on behalf of Payment 4 Placement, connecting with fellow students to discuss practicum payment rights.
Students also heard from GCSW alumni like Tsion Amare, Devan Daniel, Savannah Lee, and Stefanie Page, who touched on topics such as food insecurity, domestic violence, and immigration, during panels held throughout the day. SWAD attendees were also invited to speak on issues of interest on the steps of the Capitol. When GCSW first-year student Anu Sathyanarayanan stepped onto the stage with a microphone in hand, she shifted the energy to bring attention to a topic different from the rest: epilepsy awareness. General awareness of epilepsy is important to Sathyanarayanan, but her speech became more
than a call to action.
“What really got me going was that towards the end, I noticed how comfortable we were with each other. I felt like I was with my people. It reminded me of how much I wanted to be part of this [social work world].”
For many GCSW students, it was their first time repping the cougar red on Capitol grounds. The positive experience led some to already set their intentions to attend SWAD 2026. And despite the extensive preparation needed before the event, they believe that it’s worth showing up and out for the causes they care for.
The Positivity Project
Spreading Sunshine, One Note at a Time
For first-year, Cohort 2, MSW students —Elisabeth Adams, Ashlyn Bimmerle, Elizabeth Chirko, and Alina Syed, affectionately known as “The Sunshine Crew”—cultivating a culture of genuine connection, encouragement, stability, and calm is vital to the well-being of the Graduate College of Social Work. As the spring semester draws to a close, burnout and fatigue have become increasingly prevalent.
“Our program is rooted in positivity, empowerment, growth, and community—but we weren’t experiencing that within our own cohort,” shared Sunshine Crew member Elizabeth Chirko. In response, the group sprang into action, brainstorming simple yet impactful ways to uplift their peers and spread encouragement throughout the college. Ashlyn proposed the “Positivity Project” to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, who enthusiastically endorsed it as a timely and thoughtful approach to easing stress, combating negativity, and softening the “weird vibes” often felt at the semester’s end.
The Positivity Project is a student-driven effort aimed at creating a ripple effect of encouragement across every corner of the GCSW. From affirming sticky notes to larger wellness-focused initiatives, the project centers on honoring the humanity, resilience, and compassion that unite this community of future social workers.
Social Work Spotlight
Susan P. Robbins, PhD, MSW, LCSW, joined the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work in 1980. Over the course of her 40+ year tenure, she has been a highly productive scholar and researcher. After joining the faculty at the University of Houston in 1980 as an assistant professor, Dr. Robbins was promoted to associate professor and granted tenure in 1986. In 2014, she was promoted to professor, and in 2022, she was named the Cele S. and Samuel D. Keeper Endowed Professor in Social Justice. Robbins served as associate dean for Academic Affairs from 1998 to 2000 and associate dean of Doctoral Education from 2019 to 2022. Dr. Robbins is nationally recognized for her service to a variety of organizations and communities and was recently named NASW Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers Foundation.
Social Work Spotlight highlights the voices, work, and collective achievements of the educators who are leading transformative change in social work and beyond.
Susan P. Robbins, the Cele S. and Samuel D. Keeper Endowed Professor in Social Justice and former Associate Dean of Doctoral Education at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, was named an NASW Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers Foundation.
Dr. Robbins has been recognized for her leadership and scholarship through her appointments to the Executive Board of the American Board of Forensic Social Workers, the American College of Forensic Examiners, and several editorial boards of leading journals. Her consultation and training for Children’s Protective Services in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma led to numerous invited conference presentations nationally, regionally, and locally.
Nationally known for her scholarship focused on critical analysis and socially constructed power, Dr. Robbins has applied these perspectives to human behavior theories, practice methods, pedagogical issues in social work education, and epistemological methodologies. She is renowned for her authored textbook Comparative Human Behavior Theory: A Critical Perspective for Social Work Practice and for critically examining the now discredited recovered memory movement. As Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Social Work Education (2013-2016), her editorials received widespread acclaim and high readership.
Dr. Robbins’ accolades include the National Faculty Excellence Award for Outstanding Contribution to Distance Education (University Continuing Education Association, 1998); the Outstanding Faculty Award (University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, 1988, 1993, and 2005); the Sol Gothard Lifetime Achievement Award (National Organization of Forensic Social Work, 2016); the Hamline University Alumni Award for Making the World a Better Place (2019); and the 1914 Distinguished Alumni Award in Academia and Research (Tulane University School of Social Work, 2024 .)
Focus on Texas Bills
The 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, convened on January 14, 2025, and will adjourn June 2, 2025. Here’s an overview of key higher education bills that have been introduced and/or passed during the 2025 Texas legislative session—and why they matter. These legislative decisions impact college campuses and the broader communities they serve. Understanding the intersection of higher education policy and social work values is critical, as these laws shape access, equity, student support services, and the overall educational landscape. For social workers, especially those working in or alongside educational systems, staying informed about these laws helps ensure advocacy, accountability, and justice remain central to how we serve and support students.
Texas Senate Bill 17 passed during the 88th Texas Legislative Session and eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and initiatives at public institutions of higher education. This legislation became effective on January 1, 2024.
Although the list provided below is not a complete synopsis of related bills, proposed legislation currently being considered by the 89th Texas Legislature include the following:
- Increasing state oversight of public institutions of higher education, including allowing governing boards to create committees to assist with general education curriculum review, oversee course curricula, have discretionary authority over hiring decisions for leadership roles, and establish faculty councils or senates.
- Requiring the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman to receive and investigate reports that a public institution of higher education has broken state laws or policies.
- Expanding college accreditation options for the state’s public universities.
- Prohibiting public institutions of higher education from requiring students to enroll in courses, as part of any program or degree requirement, that include topics such as social justice, intersectionality, gender identity, systemic or structural bias, gender identity, systemic racism, and other related issues.
- Prohibiting public institutions of higher education from offering courses and/or certificate or degree programs in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer studies.
At the time of printing, the legislative proposals referenced above were not yet passed out of the Texas Legislature. Because of the fast-paced nature of the legislative session and the sheer volume of bills filed, the movement of proposed legislation speeds up as the session continues so additional updates may be available at this time on these and other filed bills.
Stay informed on proposed legislation by visiting https://www.legis.texas.gov, where you can track bills and monitor their progress through the Texas legislative process.
You will also find links to information on the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate, including options to view live and recorded committee hearings as well as live and recorded broadcasts from the floor of the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate. Listings of and contact information for members of the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate are also available.
The Graduate College of Social Work’s Austin Legislative Internship Project offers MSW students a unique, full-time opportunity to work directly in the Texas Legislature during its biennial session.
This block placement requires relocation to Austin from January through May of odd-numbered years and provides academic credit. Interns serve as legislative staffers—either with the Legislative Study Group or in lawmakers’ offices—gaining first-hand experience in the policymaking process.
GCSW Accolades
Uplifting our Community’s Achievements and Contributions
AWARDS
Dr. Susan P. Robbins received the NASW Social Work Pioneer Award from the NASW Foundation and the 1914 Distinguished Alumni Award in Academia and Research from Tulane School of Social Work (2024).
Dr. Robin Gearing was named a 2025 Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice, Social Work Academy by The National Academies of Practice (NAP) Distinguished Scholar Fellow.
Dr. Robin Gearing received the Global Faculty Award and Global Faculty Development Fund by the Institute for Global Engagement at the University of Houston (2024).
ACHIEVEMENTS
Allison Akard, an MSW Advanced Standing student in the Clinical Online Program, has accepted employment this spring semester with Communities In Schools in New Braunfels, TX—where she also completed her practicum placement.
Erin Pearson, an MSW student in the Generalist Online Program, has accepted employment this spring semester with The Beacon in Houston, Texas—where she also completed her practicum placement.
Dr. Susan P. Robbins retires after 45 years of dedicated service (August 2025)
Ann Liberman, Director of the Center for Career & Professional Development, was elected to the Board of Directors as Membership Chair for the Consortium for Career Development in Social Work Education.
Congratulations to the 2024-2026 GCSW Alumni Board of Directors: Juliet London, President; Doris McCoy, Vice-President; Deshara Goss, Secretary; Steve Cochran, Treasurer; Directors: Jheri Bashen, Christian Capo, Ashley Cummings, Michael Daley, Carley Exiga, Angie Goins, Evangelina Hammonds, George Henry, Kiki Jackson, DeJuana Jernigan, Shitonda Johnson, Ursela Whetstone Knox, Frances Biba Lee, Joy Malbrough, Lindsey Pollock, Nancy Sanger, Harriet Smith, Laura Zelaya
Tamika White, LMSW Named Top 40 Under 40 Award by Dillard University (October 2024)
Dr. Christina Miyawaki received the 2025 University of Houston Memory Test (CHAIN) Recognition Award from the Vietnamese American Nurses Association.
Dr. Patrick Leung was appointed as the Governing Board Chair of the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Dr. Robin Gearing became a Full Member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, Chapter Affiliation: University of Houston, United States (2025).
PUBLICATIONS
Washburn, M., Carr, C., Leung, P. ( 2024). “The Impact of Title IV-E Training on Public Child Welfare Turnover.” Journal of Public Child Welfare.
Ma, Y., Leung, P., Wang, Y., Cheung, M., Chen, X., & Sun, X. (2024, Online First). “Psychological resilience and mental health among older Tekun men in long-term care facilities in rural China.” Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work.
Huang, Y., Mohr, G., Cheung, M., & Leung, P. (2024). “Parental access to the ‘Sexual Conviction Record Check’ sex offender registry in Hong Kong.” Children and Youth Services Review.
Wang, G., *Xu, L., *Cheung, M., & Leung, P. (2024). “Evolution of values in China: Disembedding factors and structural transformation.” International Social Work.
Leung, P., Cheung, M., & Leung, C.A. (2024). “Mental health care and service access for Asian Americans.” In M. Liu & K. Chan (Eds.), “Addressing Anti-Asian Racism with Social Work Advocacy and Action.” Oxford University Press.
Burr, S., Yu, M., Clark, R. D., Alonzo, D., & Gearing, R. E. (2025). “Digital interventions for suicide prevention: Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs examining age, gender, and control group type.” Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention.
Gearing, R. E., Washburn, M., Brewer, K. B., Torres, L. R., de la Cruz, P., Yu, M., Giraldo-Santiago, N., Cabrera, A., & Garcia Andres, A. (2025). “Suicide stigma in a cross-cultural context: Comparison between Mexican and Mexican American communities.” Journal of Latinx Psychology.
Washburn, M., Gearing, R. E., Lastovica, K., Johnson, C., Frank, M., & Kovach, J. V. (2025). “Enhancing implementation of a multi-system AOT program to support mental health outcomes in high-need populations.” Social Work.
Saju, M. D., Scaria, L., Babu, S., Rajeev, S. P., Lijo, K. J., Jose, A. T., Thampi, K., Gearing, R. E. (2025). “Addressing mental health gap in low and middle-income countries (LMICs): A multilevel service design based mental health task sharing model.” BMC Psychiatry.
Smith, L. L., Brewer, K. B., Carr, L. C., Roe, D., & Gearing, R. E. (2025). “Mood disorder stigma in U.S. Jewish communities.” Journal of Religion and Health, 64(1), 186-205.
Washburn, M., Brewer, K. B., Gearing, R. E., Yu, M., Leal, R., de la Cruz, P., & Torres, L. R. (2025). “Factors Influencing Diabetes and Depression Related Stigma in Mexico.” Stigma and Health. Stigma and Health.
Gearing, R. E., Brewer, K. B., Washburn, M., Yu, M., de la Cruz, P., Garcia Andres, A., & Torres, L. R. (2024). “Mental health help-seeking in Mexico.” Global Health Promotion, 31(1), 55-64.
Brewer, K. B., Gibson, R., Tomar, N., Washburn, M., Giraldo Santiago, N., Torres-Hostos, L. R., & Gearing, R. E. (2024). “Why culture and context matters: Examining differences in mental health stigma and social distance between Latino individuals in the United States and Mexico.” Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 26(2), 278-286.
Gearing, R. E., Washburn, M., Brewer, K. B., Cabrera, A., Yu, M., & Torres-Hostos, L. R. (2024). “Pathways to mental health care: Latinos' help-seeking preferences.” Journal of Latinx Psychology, 12(1), 1-17.
Brewer, K. B., Washburn, M., Yu, M., Giraldo Santiago, N., Pickford, M., Torres, L. R., & Gearing, R. E. (2024). “Stigma toward families of people with mental health problems in Latino communities.” Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services.
Borja, S., Valdovinos, M., Rivera, K., Giraldo-Santiago, N., Gearing, R. E., & Torres, L. R. (2024). “No es que nos importa menos.” It’s not that we care less: Insights on health care utilization for diabetes and mental health comorbidity among Latinos. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(2), 148.
Gearing, R. E., Washburn, M., Kovach, J. V., Olson, L., Lastovica, K., Clark, D., Robinson, A., Foo, S., Cunningham, K., Johnson, C., Rose, D., Renteria, A., Alkhadra, H., Brown, A., Collins, K., Gadison, C., Nelson, K., McCullum, D., Woods, K., Garlic, D., Elwood, N., Frank, M., Guzman, R., Hailey Jr, S., Cox, J., Parsons, A., Sheth, S., Bobb, D., Drexler, D., Shahani, L., Jiles, M., Thomas, K., Muzquiz, S., Britt, L., & Young, W. (2024). “Evolution of the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program through the application of a social work lens.” Research on Social Work Practice, 34(3), 256-264.
Kovach, J. V., Gearing, R. E., Washburn, M., Robinson, A., Lastovic, K., Britt, L., & Young, W. (2024). “Exception reporting: A novel approach to tracking of multiple behavioral health outcomes.” Community Mental Health Journal, 60, 620-625.
PRESENTATIONS
Dr. Chiara Acquati presented In Focus: Engaging Black and African American Women in Oncology Supportive Care Interventions at the ASCO Quality Care Symposium, San Francisco, CA. (2024)
Dr. Chiara Acquati presented Correlates of Self-efficacy to Communicate About Sexuality and Intimacy Among Male Partner of Cancer Survivors at the 9th Conference of the Scientific Network on Female Sexual Health and Cancer, Columbus, Ohio (2024).
GCSW faculty members Shelley Gonzales, Jessica Bagneris, and Ginger Lucas presented "Oppression Octopus: An Introductory Course: Critique & Conversation about Contextual Learning" at the National Social Work Distance Education Conference, Tuscaloosa, AL (2025)
Dr. Chiara Acquati presented Building an Integrative Research Framework for sexual health within the Cancer Continuum through the experience of Oncology Social Work investigators, Navigating Intimacy after Cancer: Adapting A scale to Assess Partners’ Ability to Communicate about Sex and Intimacy, and Art-based Interventions addressing social well-being among AYAs with Cancer: A scoping review of the literature at the 21st Annual APOS, Conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico (2024).
Dr. Chiara Acquati presented Impact of Cancer Treatment on Sexuality: Colorectal Cancer, Psychological Issues & Special Considerations at the 25th Annual Fall Scientific Meeting, Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA), Scottsdale, Arizona, (2024).
Ann Liberman was the Invited Conference Career Center Consultant at the Power Tools for Nonprofits Conference, Houston, TX (2024).
Ann Liberman was the invited CCDSWE Conference Career Consultant at the National Association of Social Workers Conference, Washington, DC (2024).
Dr. Robin E. Gearing presented Coping Skills during COVID-19 Among an Indigenous Community (co-presenters Billiot, S., Davies, H.), Understanding Family-Level Mental Health Stigma in Latino Communities (co-presenters Brewer, K. B., Washburn, M., Gibson, R., Tomar, N., Giraldo-Santiago, N., Torres-Hostos, L. R), and Attitudes Towards Youth and Adult Suicide, Results from a Community Survey in Harris County (co-presenter Burr, S.) at the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), 29th Annual Conference, Seattle, Washington (2025)
Dr. Robin E. Gearing presented The Globalization of Research Informing Practice at the International Conference organized by the Nirmala Niketan, Practice Research in Social Work & Allied Social Services in a Global Context, Mumbai, India. (2024)
Dr. Robin E. Gearing presented The Evolution of the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Program: Strengthening an Evidence-Based Outpatient Treatment for Non-Adherent Adults with a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) (co-presenters Washburn, M., & Kovach, J. V.) and Enhancing Mental Health and Justice System Outcomes in High Need Populations Through the use of Multisystem Liaisons (co-presenters Washburn, M., Lastovica, K., Johnson, C., Frank, M., & Kovach, J. V.) at the International Congress on Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Psychology Congress, Tokyo, Japan (2024).
Dr. Robin E. Gearing presented Examining Differences in Suicide Stigma Among Mexican Americans and Mexicans: The Influence of Place, Sociodemographic Factors, and Acculturation (co-presenters Washburn, M., Brewer, K. B., Torres-Hostos, L. R., Isnardo de la Cruz, P, Yu, Miao, Giraldo-Santiago, N., Cabrera, A., & Garcia Andres, A.) and Examining how Individual Perceptions, Beliefs about the Etiology, and Personal Responsibility related to Suicide and Stigma (co-presenters Boateng, D., Asante, R., Brewer, K. B., Washburn, M., Fogel, S., Carr, L. C., Savani, S., Robinson, A., & Robbins, S. P. ) at The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), Bangkok, Thailand (2024).
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