PhD in Human Development and Family Studies: Oregon State University
Master in Public Health: Oregon State University
MA in Counseling Psychology: Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
BA in Psychology: University of Puerto Rico

I have more than 20 years of experience working with health and human services agencies and deeply value and engage in multidisciplinary efforts to improve family health and well-being in diverse and multicultural contexts. While working with immigrant families in Florida, Washington, and Oregon, I realized that there were many systemic issues affecting their well-being. I decided to pursue doctoral studies to address some of the issues faced by immigrant families. As a bilingual/bicultural professional and mother, I know first hand the challenges faced by parents raising kids in a bicultural environment and by mothers juggling work and family. These experiences have driven my research agenda. My current research areas of interest include: Latinos families’ well-being and health disparities, rural health, maternal and child health, fatherhood, poverty, and diversity in higher education. Besides my scholarly work, I was appointed by Oregon former governor Kitzhaber to a position in the Oregon Commission for Women and was reappointed for a second term by Governor Kate Brown. In this role, I have been engaged in policy work related to women, children, family, and health.

Health and Social Services
Assessment and Program Evaluation
Poverty and Public Health
Women’s Health