Meet Our Team

Hi, my name is Ja'lessa. I received my Master's of Education at the University of Louisville in 2018. While in my Master's program I developed a passion for working with underserved adolescents and trauma. My research interests are now focused around academic achievement, social class stressors, and trauma amongst African Americans. As an EMDR trained counselor, I am highly interested in the manifestations of trauma and healing through emotions. In my spare time I enjoy practicing yoga, playing Nintendo, and trying new foods. If you have questions, I can be reached at jhardwi@nmsu.edu.

Hola! My name is Giovanna Perez. I graduated with my Master’s in Experimental Psychology from the University of Texas El Paso. My research interests include suicidality in Latinx. Specifically, I am interested in the effects of sociocultural factors on suicidal behavior. In addition, I am interested in treatment seeking behaviors in Latinx.

Hello! My name is Shuo “Coco” Wang (王硕). I originally come from China. I received my Master’s degree in Counseling (Marriage and Family Therapy) from California State University, Fullerton, and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Behavior in University of California, Irvine. My research interests are focused on Asian and Asian American sexual minority individuals’ mental health issues, self-identity/self-concept development, and practical application and efficiency of therapy. I love to travel, learn languages, listen to music and play video games. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions shuow3@nmsu.edu.

Hi! My name is Donna. I am originally from Southern California and graduated with my B.A. in Psychology from California State University San Marcos. My research interests are centered around the mental health of multiracial individuals. This includes how multicultural factors, acculturation, and cultural identity development affect the mental health of multiracial individuals. Video games, animals, art, music, and sweets are some of the things I love! Feel free to send me an email at donnaph@nmsu.edu if you have any questions!

Hello! My name is Rebecca. I graduated with a Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University in 2016. I am currently a Counseling Psychology Doctoral Candidate interning at VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS). My research interests include multicultural factors related to mental health services, efficacy of treatment modalities in therapy, and resiliency. I am originally from Southern California and in my spare time I love to be outside and near water. Feel free to send me an email if you have any questions!