51̽»¨

1. When you started at UNT, what’s your major?

• In 2018, I was accepted into the Clinical Psychology PhD program at the 51̽»¨ (UNT). During my time there, I completed my graduate studies, earning both my master’s and doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology.

2. What were your plans after graduation? How have these plans changed (if at all)?

• After graduating, I planned to move back to my hometown of Austin, TX, and pursue a career as a clinical psychologist. I was fortunate to achieve this goal, and along the way, I made the decision to start my own private practice to provide mental health services to the communities I am most passionate about. Becoming a business owner was never part of my original plan, but looking back, I’m grateful for the way things unfolded.

3. Did you feel like UNT was helpful in preparation for your future career?

•  Yes, UNT played a significant role in preparing me for my career by providing the education and resources I needed to grow as a psychologist. The diverse coursework allowed me to explore various facets of psychology, and I had the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, many of whom I still keep in touch with today.

4. Did you utilize any 51̽»¨ Center resources or services during your time at UNT? If so, which ones were most helpful in your professional development?

• Although I didn’t personally use the 51̽»¨ Center resources, I often recommended them to students I taught who needed guidance with job and internship applications. Many of them found the services useful in helping them navigate their career paths and make informed decisions about their professional futures.

5. Looking back, what 51̽»¨ Center services do you wish you had taken more advantage of during your time as a student?

•  Looking back, I believe I could have benefited from using the 51̽»¨ Center’s mock interview services while preparing for interviews with 15 different APA-accredited psychology internship sites during my fifth year in the program. Additionally, having more guidance on refining and strengthening my CV would have been a great resource.

6. Could you share a particularly memorable moment or challenge during your time at UNT that helped prepare you for your current role?

• A pivotal and challenging moment during my time at UNT was the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges of that period, including the transition to virtual classes and providing therapy through telehealth, pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. I learned to navigate change with adaptability and resilience, skills that continue to serve me in my career. Additionally, gaining experience in telehealth therapy expanded my ability to provide mental health services to individuals who may not have easy access to in-person care.

7. How did your UNT education prepare you for the business aspects of running your own private practice?

• Although the Clinical Psychology program at UNT did not offer courses specifically focused on private practice, I had the opportunity to network with psychologists in the field who were in private practice, which was beneficial. The networking skills I developed during my time at UNT have been instrumental in marketing my private practice building professional connections that continue to support my growth as a business owner.

8. What advice do you have for prospective or current students as they decide what they want their next steps to be (part-time jobs/interviews/internships/careers/etc.)?

• One of my favorite quotes that inspired me to apply to graduate school and eventually start my own business is, “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” Often, self-doubt becomes the biggest obstacle to achieving our goals. My advice to current and prospective students is to push past fear and go after what truly excites them. Believe in your abilities, take risks, and pursue your passions with confidence.

9. How has your understanding of mental health care evolved since your time at UNT to now being a practice owner?

• As I’ve gained more clinical experience and worked with diverse populations, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of the systemic barriers that exist in mental health care—barriers that disproportionately affect certain communities. One of the driving forces behind my decision to open a private practice was the desire to reduce linguistic and cultural obstacles to care. By focusing my work on serving BIPOC communities, particularly the Latino Spanish-speaking community, I strive to make mental health services more accessible and culturally responsive. For more information on the work that I do, feel free to visit my website:  

10. Looking back at your journey from UNT student to practice owner, what has been your proudest achievement so far?

• It’s hard to choose just one, but I would say that earning my doctorate has been my proudest achievement. As the daughter of immigrants and the first in my family to attend college, this milestone holds deep personal significance. Beyond my own journey, I recognize the importance of increasing representation in higher education. Seeing more BIPOC individuals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, pursue advanced degrees helps break down systemic barriers and inspires future generations to see themselves in these spaces. I hope my path serves as a reminder that these achievements are possible and that diversity in higher education strengthens the field as a whole.