College of Education

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

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.

Sana Flynn (they/them)

Sana is currently writing their dissertation on non-binary people and identity concealment and plans to focus on college counseling and serving LGBTQ+ clients at internship next year. Their hobbies include drawing, painting, ceramics, and appreciating the outdoors.

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

Tracie Liu (she/her)

I am a sixth-year doctoral student transferred into the University of Houston from Purdue University with Dr. Blake Allan. I obtained my B.A. in psychology and writing seminars from Johns Hopkins University and my M.S.Ed. in counseling psychology from Purdue University. My research interests focus broadly on the impact of reminiscence on wellbeing for individuals across the lifespan, with a specific emphasis on how Chinese Americans use reminiscence. I am currently working with the Houston Fire Department in providing mental health services to firefighters and their families, and have previously completed practicum placements at the Purdue Counseling and Guidance Center, the MendCenter and at  UH  CAPS. My favorite pastimes include reading in parks, finding new restaurants and bouldering. Direct contact info:  tliu502@gmail.com  

Danielle Llaneza (she/her)

I am currently a fourth-year doctoral student in the health psychology track of the counseling psychology program at the University of Houston. I work under the mentorship of Dr. Correa-Fern  á ndez and completed the Graduate UHAND Scholar position through the University of Houston/MD Anderson Cancer Center Program. I am interested in investigating the biological and psychological mechanisms that maintain chronic diseases in adult minority populations. Specifically, I am interested in using a biopsychosocial framework to examine lifestyle behaviors that may influence a person’s risk of developing cancer. I completed my B.A in psychology & Spanish at Rutgers, The State University of NJ (Jersey native!) and my M.A. in developmental psychology (risk, resilience, prevention concentration) at Teachers College-Columbia University. After completing my master's, I completed a graduate internship and research position at the NYC Department for the Aging and taught undergraduate-level courses at Hunter College. In my free time I enjoy reading as many books I can find, spending time with my family, taking care of my plants and traveling (post-pandemic of course!).

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.

Marla Munro (she/her)

I am a fourth-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program working with Dr. Nathan Grant Smith. I grew up in Florida and moved to Texas from Oregon in 2020. I received my B.A. in women’s studies from the University of Florida and my M.S.Ed. in education, culture, and society from the University of Pennsylvania. My master’s research focused on the experiences of LGBTQ youth in K-12 schools. While working full-time in higher education and student affairs for a few years, I was a part-time research assistant in the Disability and Social Interaction Lab at Oregon State University and studied the stigma experiences of people with rare diseases. My current research interests include LGBTQ clients’ experiences in eating disorder treatment, body image and sexual identity development in LGBQ women and anti-LGBTQ experiences in healthcare settings. My clinical interests include working with LGBTQ clients, people with obsessive-compulsive disorder and people with eating disorders. I am currently completing practicum at Baylor College of Medicine’s OCD and Anxiety Clinic. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, watching Netflix/Hulu and trying new restaurants around town. You can contact me at   mmunro@uh.edu.

Journa Njoh (Cobite) (she/her)

I am a third-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program at the University of Houston on the health psychology track. My advisor is Dr. Ezemenari Obasi. I am of Haitian descent and was raised primarily in South Florida. I received both a B.A. in sociology as well as a M.Ed. and education specialist degree in counselor education (mental health counseling concentration) from the University of Florida. My research interests are focused on exploring health disparities related to accessibility and quality of mental healthcare and social/cultural influences as they relate to chronic stress, particularly among Black and ethnic minority groups. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, fitness, cooking, and binging shows.

Feel free to contact me at jcobite@uh.edu.

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.

Erica Rey (she/her)

I am a sixth-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program. My advisor is Dr. Nathan G. Smith, and I am a member of the CORE Research Team. I am a native Texan and earned my B.A. in psychology and women’s, gender, & sexuality studies at the University of Houston. Before beginning graduate study, I worked in programs serving the LGBTQIA+ community, including  UH ’s Transgender Health Lab, Gender Infinity, and AmeriCorps at The Montrose Center. My research interests include improving access to affirming care for non-binary and transgender populations and identity development. My clinical interests include LGBTQIA+ issues and treatment of trauma and substance use. In my free time, I like to spend time with my husband and our two dogs. When able, I enjoy traveling, hiking, creating, yoga, reading and live music.  erey@ uh.edu  

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.

Christian Segura

I am a first-year doctoral student working under the mentorship of Dr. Blake Allan. I received my B.S. in corporate communication from Lamar University in 2020 and started my M. Ed. in counseling at  UH  in 2021, which I plan to complete en route to my doctorate in counseling psychology. My research interests include meaningful and fulfilling work and equity in higher education and the workforce. Specifically, I am interested in how work precarity affects working Latina parents and relates to health disparities experienced in that population. I am also interested in the relationship between trauma and mental health, how people create meaning from their experiences, and the process of resilience. When not working, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, being active outside, reading novels, and binge-watching streaming shows.

Ashley Taylor

Born in Oregon, I was a competitive figure skater for 18 years before hanging up my skates to pursue my academic endeavors. Now, under the mentorship of Dr. Blake Allan, I am a sixth-year doctoral student in health psychology track of the counseling psychology program. Prior to my doctoral studies, I completed my B.S. in Psychology at the University of Texas at Arlington. My research centers on understanding the biopsychosocial mechanisms that contribute to the development of personality disorders and the ways in which serious mental illnesses contribute to criminal behavior and motivation. In addition, and after losing my father to suicide in 2021, I have devoted my time to better understanding trauma-related psychopathology and suicidality. I am currently working with Dr. Adriana Macias Strutt, Professor in the Department of Neurology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine, to complete my doctoral dissertation which centers on understanding the clinical and forensic implications of head injuries. Since the start of my doctoral tenure, I have completed practicum rotations at The MendCenter, Applied Psychological Services, Baylor College of Medicine’s Department of Neurology, G. Harris Enterprises, the Federal Detention Center (Houston – BOP) and Harris County Psychiatric Center. My clinical interests center on conducting forensic evaluations and providing psychotherapy to individuals experiencing significant psychopathology. In addition to my research and clinical interests, I have held a service role since 2019 as the Graduate Student Representative on The University of Houston’s IRB Committee 1. Ultimately, I would like to work as an attending psychologist for an inpatient psychiatric hospital, while continuing to engage in meaningful research. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors and reading.

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.

Yesenia Zetino (she/her/ella) 

I am a fourth-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program, working with Dr. Consuelo Arbona. I am originally from El Salvador but grew up in Houston for most of my life. I received my B.S. in pPsychology at Loyola University Chicago with a minor in social work. My research interests include Latinx and immigrant populations, childhood trauma, and cultural factors in relation to mental health outcomes. I have completed a practicum placement at the Rice University Counseling Center, and my current placement is at a child-focused private practice working with Dr. Michelle Forrester. In my free time I enjoy watching documentaries, trying out new coffee shops and spending time with my dog.  ylzetino@ uh.edu