STUDENT PROFILES

Andrea Argueta (she/her)

I am a sixth-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program. I am a native Houstonian from the Alief area. I earned my B.A. in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. After completing my undergraduate degree, I worked as a full-time research assistant at the Children’s Learning Institute at UT Health - McGovern Medical School. I have completed practicum rotations at UH Clear Lake - Counseling Services, Harris County Juvenile Probation Department and Applied Psychological Services. My current practicum sites include the Federal Bureau of Prisons - Federal Detention Center Houston and the Houston Fire Department. My research interests are broadly focused on multicultural issues and the impact of traumatic experiences on mental health outcomes of minority populations. I am also interested in the impostor phenomenon and the influence of racial microaggressions. My professional goals are providing bilingual services, including therapy and conducting psychological evaluations, in a forensic/correctional setting. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, reading, listening to music and watching shows/movies. aargueta304@gmail.com

Abby Bergey (she/her)

I am a doctoral student in the counseling psychology program at the University of Houston working with Nathan G. Smith. I earned a B.A. in psychology with a minor in gender studies from Whitman College, where my undergraduate research focused on attachment security, belonging and depressive symptoms in LGBPQ individuals. After graduation, I worked as a clinical research coordinator at the Community Access, Recruitment, and Engagement Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. In this role, I contributed to studies focused on improving accessibility in clinical research, with an emphasis on building diverse recruitment, retention and engagement infrastructure. My current research interests include risk and resilience factors impacting LGBTQ+ and other historically marginalized populations, particularly in relation to substance use and cancer health equity. I am broadly interested in how intersecting identities shape health outcomes and in translating research into meaningful improvements for population health and clinical care. You can contact me at aebergey@cougarnet.uh.edu. 

Corissa Barrow (she/her/ella)

I am a second-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program at the University of Houston. Primary interests include exploring the role of dyadic interactions and its utilization in current prevention and intervention substance use treatment programs in Latinx/Hispanic populations. Secondary interests include the usage of community practices as an aim towards increasing participation in health-focused research, understanding stressors that contribute to cannabis use specifically within second/third generation Hispanics along with understanding transgenerational/intergenerational strengths and stressors within family systems. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, staying active and hanging out in the Houston area with family and friends!

Haleem A. Brown (he/him)

I am a third-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program at the University of Houston, working with Dr. Allan. I am from Lauderhill, Florida, and attended Florida A&M University for my B.S. in psychology and M.S. in community psychology. My research interests focus on academic experiences and achievement of collegiate Black male students. This fall I will start my practicum at Total Wellness Assessment & Counseling Center. My professional goal is to become a tenured professor at an Historically Black College and University while conducting meaningful research with students. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, photography, hiking, basketball, music, and golfing. Feel free to contact me at hbrown5@CougarNet.UH.EDU

Kerry Chavez (she/her)

I am a third-year student in the counseling psychology doctoral program under the advisement of Dr. Marcel de Dios. I grew up south of Atlanta, GA and earned a B.S. in chemistry from Emory followed by an M.S. in environmental engineering at GA Tech. After working as a research chemist, I decided to take my science career in a more holistic direction by becoming a counseling psychologist. My research interests center on the intersections of health disparities, substance use and stress. Currently I am completing a practicum placement at The MendCenter, where I am learning to provide services to clients with severe and chronic mental illness. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, being in the great outdoors and reading audiobooks.

Taylor Coleman

My name is Taylor Marie Coleman, and I am a first-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program where my advisor is Dr. Chakema Carmack. I hold a B.S. in health with an emphasis in promotion from  UH , an M.A. in clinical mental health counseling from Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist University), and I am a licensed professional counselor-associate in the state of Texas. For the past six years and during my undergraduate and graduate studies, I worked at several clinical mental health agencies as a qualified mental health professional in the greater Houston area. I was employed as a case manager and worked closely with Houston’s women and children homeless population, and marginalized youth developing treatment plans and interventions and as a qualified mental health professional my delegated responsibilities included providing psychosocial rehabilitation to parolees who also are diagnosed with DSM-V disorders, skills training, motivational interviewing and medication management.  I assisted my clients by helping them understand their diagnosis, manage their illness through psychoeducation, skills training and develop a personalized plan of care tailored to their needs. Many of my clients had co-occurring substance abuse disorders that exacerbate their mental illnesses. My counseling training and experiences have emphases in the following populations: ethnic minorities, LGBTQAI+, deaf and hard of hearing, women, African American/Black women, African American/Black males, military, marginalized populations, disenfranchised people of color, Christian and spirituality, adolescents, young adults and adults.
My goal is to become a health counseling psychologist who specializes in marginalized populations, disenfranchised people of color, and behavioral coping and resilience in marginalized populations. I am in pursuit of a lifetime career working directly with these individuals and studying to understand the psychological aspects of their mental illness and improve optimal functioning through a culturally humble lens. I have always had an affinity for connecting with other people, but after working closely with minority populations, marginalized populations, and individuals who suffer with substance abuse and serious mental illness. Pursuing a Ph.D. in counseling psychology will provide me with the proper tools and obtain the proper education, emphasis in research that I desire and licensure to help these individuals in a greater capacity.
My personal interests include spending time with friends and family, traveling, shopping, watching true crime documentaries, going to concerts, trying new restaurants and enjoying my two cats Cleo and Coco.

Jacob Crocker

I am a first-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program at  UH  working under the supervision of Dr. Smith. I was born in Sacramento, CA, and raised in Plymouth, CA. I earned my B.A. in psychology with a minor in multicultural queer studies and my M.A. in academic research in psychology with and emphasis in social psychology at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt. My research interests include minority stress, LGBTQ+ health outcomes, substance use and the role of identity and community in treatment and intervention. I am also currently a research assistant for a U54 NIH funded grant project exploring the effects of minority stress over time on LGBTQ+ health outcomes via biomarkers. In my free time, I enjoy reading, running, visiting museums and watching YouTube and Netflix.

Vincent Dang (he/his)

I am a second-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology Ph.D. program in the Coping and Resilience research team under the mentorship of Nathan Smith. My research interests include minority stress, LGBTQ mental health, Asian American psychology, HIV prevention, substance use and sexual risk behaviors in vulnerable populations. Before starting graduate school, I worked at the Center for Neurobehavioral Research on Addictions at UT Health Houston as a research assistant II and a health advocate student intern at Legacy Community Health through the AmeriCorps program. Currently, I am assisting in tobacco and cancer prevention research at MD Anderson through their Supporting Tobacco-Related Ongoing Education and Research Scholars program. In my free time, I enjoy reading books, going to concerts, making TikToks and watching Asian dramas. 

Tarik Goulbourne (he/him)

I am a doctoral student in the counseling psychology program at the University of Houston. I am originally from Florida. I earned my B.S. in biology with a minor in psychology and an M.S. in community psychology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. While at FAMU, I worked as a graduate assistant for a professor researching data dissemination and the psychological implications of social media on individuals of African descent. Prior to beginning graduate study at  UH , I worked as an Admission and Discharge Coordinator for an inpatient crisis stabilization unit at the Apalachee Center Inc. in Tallahassee, FL. My research interests focus on factors affecting LGBTQ+ health and I am particularly interested in substance use and the experiences of those with intersecting marginalized identities. In my free time, I enjoy listening to audiobooks, watching tv shows and movies, going to community events in the park, exploring the city, working out and spending time with friends and family.  tdgoulbo@cougarnet. uh.edu

Taylor Longoria

I am a first-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program working under Dr. Marcel de Dios. I grew up near Corpus Christi, TX and I later moved to College Station where I attended Texas A&M University and earned my B.S. in psychology. Here at  UH , I am part of the Psychology of Addiction Collaborative lab. Currently, my research interests focus on alcohol use and drinking motives among Hispanic/Latinx populations. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching movies and TV shows, traveling and making new Spotify playlists.

Wilmer Lugo 

I am a second-year doctoral psychology student in the counseling psychology program under the mentorship of Dr. Correa-Fernandez. I am originally from Lares, Puerto Rico, where I was born and raised. I received my B.S. in psychology from American Military University and a subsequent M.A in clinical psychology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. My research interests include the intersection of individual personality traits and the environment and how it influences health-related decisions, primarily anti-smoking prevention measures and adherence to cessation programs. I am also interested in health disparities focusing on the interactions between medical professionals and their patients, with emphasis on the Latinx community. When time permits, I enjoy spending time with my family, online gaming and martial arts.

Madeline Amezcua Montano 

I am a first-year Counseling Psychology doctoral student working with Dr. Correa-Fernandez. I completed my B.A. in Psychology at Portland State University and my M.Ed. in Prevention Science at the University of Oregon. My research interests include coping skills, trauma and mental health literacy within the Latine community. Prior to attending the University of Houston, I worked as a crisis screener supporting individuals navigating crises and traumatic events. To recharge, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, exercising, painting, reading, listening to podcasts and rewatching shows.

Abha Prasad (she/her)

I am a second-year doctoral student in counseling psychology. I was born in Coorg, India. I earned my MBBS from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore in 2008 and M.D. in psychiatry from Government Medical College, Kozhikode in 2012. My work experience constitutes 1 year as a senior resident and later at a private clinic where I worked as a consultant for close to 3 years. My research interests include decent work, meaningful work, access to decent work and meaningful work in marginalized communities, individuals of low socioeconomic status and individuals with chronic mental illnesses and mild intellectual disabilities. I am also interested in studying the impact of Covid 19 on low wage workers and burnout in mental health professionals. Dr. Blake Allan is my advisor. My current placement is at the Mend Center for my practicum experience. My professional goals include being in academia while also being involved in research and activities that would benefit the underserved communities. My hobbies include cooking and reading books.

Luane Araújo Rabello (she/her/ela)

Luane is a fourth-year student in the counseling psychology doctoral program under Dr. Correa-Fernandez’s advisement in the University of Houston. Originally from Brazil, she received both Bachelor and Master´s degrees in psychology at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). She also worked as a cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT) in a private practice for 3 years in Brazil on the treatment of the most various psychological disorders. Her professional goals include providing counseling for Latinx (especially the Brazilian population), teaching undergraduate students and continue researching the smoking field (especially treatment and development of interventions for vulnerable populations such as the Latinx community). More recently, she has been working with factors associated with the use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) among Hispanic Youth and with the development of smoking cessation interventions among Latinx. Her hobbies include spending time with her dog Olive, exercising, watching TV shows and reading.

Kaixuan An

I am a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program at University of Houston, advised by Dr. Smith. I hold a BA in Psychology from Case Western Reserve University and an MA in Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. My research examines how minority stress, identity, and community connection influence mental health and substance use outcomes in LGBTQ+ populations, with a focus on intersecting marginalized identities. Through this work, I aim to address health disparities and promote well-being within marginalized communities. In my free time, I enjoy film photography, playing guitar, hosting dinners with friends, and eating.

Rachel D. Roberts (she/her)

I am a third-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program at the University of Houston, working under the guidance of Dr. Conseulo Arbona. I was born and raised in Oklahoma City, OK. As a first-generation college graduate, I completed my B.A. in psychology and minored in African American studies at the University of Oklahoma. I also earned my M.Ed. in professional counseling from the University of Oklahoma. I worked in the field for the past 5 years as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC). My experiences range from working with lower SES adolescents to middle aged adults in residential, outpatient, and the university college setting. I am currently training at the DBT center for my practicum experience under the guidance of Dr. Lindsey Overstreet. My current research interest lies within exploring the health disparities within the reproductive health of black women as influenced by substance use. In my free time I enjoy cooking, traveling and game night with friends.

Kameron Simmons (she/her)

I am a second-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program at UH working under the supervision of Marcel de Dios. I grew up in Richmond, VA and earned a B.S. in psychology with a minor in Spanish from Virginia Tech and a M.S. in sport psychology from Florida State. Before moving to Houston, I was working as a clinical research coordinator at VCU Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies in Richmond, VA studying opioid and cocaine use disorders. My research interests include substance use, health disparities, racial differences and comorbid disorders within athletes or other professionals. In my free time I enjoy working out, traveling, reading, photography and spending time with friends/family.

Jadyn Sanders

Greetings! I am a doctoral student in the counseling psychology program. I am originally from Flint, Michigan and moved to Houston for undergraduate. I graduated with my B.S in psychology and minor in human development and family sciences in 2024 from UH. While in undergrad, I worked as a research assistant in the Clinical Psychology Department. My research interests center around attachment theory, resilience, and trauma. In my free time, I enjoy being at church, walking at the park to feed the squirrels or laying with my cat, Fawn. Peace be unto you! Email: jsande26@cougarnet.uh.edu 

Elaine Sun (she/her)

I am a second-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program with Blake Allan. I obtained my B.A. in psychology from The University of Ohio State and my M.S. in biostatistics from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. My research interests include broader understanding of individuals’ vocational experiences within the context of their lives and across cultures. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and playing racket sports.

Victor Vergara

I am a doctoral student in the counseling psychology program at  UH . Under the mentorship of Dr. Correa-Fernandez, my research is centered on employing scientific methods to uncover disparities within the Latino community. Additionally, I am deeply intrigued by the intersection of counseling psychology and neuropsychology, particularly in relation to active military personnel and veterans. I am keen to explore how neuropsychological evaluation and cognitive health assessments can inform and enhance counseling interventions, aiming to support their mental well-being and optimal functioning. My academic journey includes an undergraduate degree from Western Kentucky University and a Master's in health psychology from Universidad Javeriana in Colombia. Beyond my academic pursuits, I am passionate about sports, maintaining an active lifestyle and enjoying the company of family and friends.

Isabelle Parra-Valencia (she/her/ella) 

I am a first-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program and a member of the Latino and Behavioral Health Research Team under the advisement of Dr. Correa-Fernandez. I grew up in Sugar Land, TX, and I received my B.S. in psychology from the University of Houston in 2022. My research interests include understanding substance use-related disparities among Hispanic/Latinx individuals through a socioecological lens, community-based participatory research methods, and culturally sensitive interventions. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and pickleball, cooking, dancing and spending time with my loved ones.

Alyssa Steinfeldt (she/her/ella) 

I am a first-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program at the University of Houston, where I am advised by Dr. Bob McPherson. I was born and raised in the DFW area and earned my B.A. in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin. My research interests center on the intersection of disability inclusion and psychotherapy practices. More specifically, I am interested in exploring therapists' competence in working with individuals with ASD, the psychosocial well-being of caregivers of children with disabilities, and the role of telehealth in supporting individuals with disabilities. Outside of academics, I enjoy baking, reading and spending time with my family.

Emily Fillip (she/her/ella) 

I am a first-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program working with Dr. Blake Allan. I grew up in Sugar Land, Texas and earned my B.S. in psychology at Texas A&M University. My research interests include health and wellness in the workplace. Specifically, I am interested in improving the transition back into the workplace for postpartum mothers and creating a more manageable work experience for those with chronic conditions. I am also broadly interested in exploring resiliency in the face of adversity. In my free time, I enjoy reading, yoga, cooking and trivia nights with friends. Feel free to contact me at emfillip@uh.edu

Izah Qureshi

My name is Izah Qureshi. I am new to Houston and have lived in Virginia for the past 16 years. I went to the University of Virginia and majored in Psychology. At UH, I am interested in studying eating behaviors and disorders.