Mary Bell (Intern)

Hello, my name is Mary Bell and I am 27 years old. I am married with dogs and live in Waco, Tx. I earned my BSW in August of 2022 from Tarleton State University, Bleed Purple! This is my second semester at UTA in the advanced program specializing in Children and Families and I will graduate in August of this year! The goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker so that I can work in a therapy setting with children, families and young adults. I currently work at a faith based foster and adoption agency as a case manager. I am excited for the semester and look forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and being a more well rounded social work professional.

Martaya Brown (Intern)

My name is Martaya Brown, and I am 30 years old. I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and I have lived in Arlington, Texas for a little over a year.  In 2014, I joined the United States Air Force where I was stationed in Grand Forks, North Dakota. While in the service, I received my master’s degree in Psychology (prior to the service, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in criminology).  I am currently participating in a dual degree program at UTA to obtain my MSW and an MBA. My main goal after graduation is to establish my own assistant living “community”.  In this community individuals with disabilities have access to resources for proper care and to maintain their independence and dignity. I emphasize community because I do not want it to be or feel like a facility setting.  Many assistant facilities do not have the best reputations when it comes to providing care and a better quality of life for people. I currently work at a private assistant living residence with 6 amazing clients. I am very sociable, but also a little shy. I am so excited for this upcoming semester, and I can’t wait to work with you!

Olga Carrillo

Hello Mavs! My name is Olga Carrillo and this is my second semester serving as a Graduate Student Leader (GSL) and completing my internship with the program as well!  I received my bachelor's in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington in December 2020. I am now pursuing my MSW here at UTA and enter direct practice in Mental Health and Substance Abuse. I have previously interned with the Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention program here at UTA. I loved the hands-on experience and thus shaped the shift into the social work world.  In my free time, I love traveling and trying anything once (especially food)!

Karla (Kay) Clark

Hello, my name is Karla Clark and I prefer to be called Kay. I am currently in the MSW program with a focus on Children and Families. I recently graduated in May ’22 from the BSW program here at UTA. Go Mavericks!! I chose social work, since I truly believe this is my calling. In the past, I have volunteered in nursing homes and was able to build relationships with elderly people. In the future, I would like to work with the aging population or with children and families. I am married and a mother of 2 children who are a big part of why I continue to pursue furthering my education. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy traveling on cruise ships (before covid). Although this is my first semester as a GSL, I have previously served as a USL and enjoyed helping others to reach their goals. I am excited and look forward to the opportunity to help my fellow peers.

Angel Do

Greetings everyone, my name is Angel Do and this will be my first year as a GSL. I completed my bachelor’s degree of psychology at Texas Woman’s University. This will be my very first semester at UTA as an MSW student with a concentration in Mental Health & Substance Misuse. After I graduate, I want to become a mental therapist to further support those in need in hopes of opening my own practice as well. A quote that always resonates with me by the great Kobe Bryant, “You always want to outwork your potential. As hard as you believe you can work, you can work harder than that.” I look forward to helping others navigate this journey together.

Lecia Edwards (Intern)

Greetings! My name is Lecia Edwards and this is my second semester serving as a Graduate Student Leader (GSL) and as a GSL intern. I received my bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of North Texas in 2004. I am currently in my last semester as a foundation student in the MSW Program, and I plan to pursue Direct Practice in Children and Families as my concentration. Currently married for 35 years, my husband and I are proud parents of three adult children ages 35, 33, and 29.  I am also a Nana to my wonderful seven-year-old grandson who lives in Kansas City, MO. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, traveling, playing the piano, shopping, and driving my “muscle car”. As a longtime special education administrator in a public school district, I have a passion for helping others. My work facilitates the development of children by giving them access to the resources they need to excel in the classroom, and also performing tasks outside of school. My goal is to become a school social worker and continue to serve the needs of children with the goal of helping them reach pliable goals and assist them with the best chance to succeed in life regardless of their circumstances. I am excited about completing my internship with the program and honored to serve as a GSL. I look forward to supporting other students during OUR journey through the UTA MSW program!

Aaron Feibush (Intern)

Hello folks! I am excited to be serving as a GSL for my Foundation year internship at UTA. I am an out-of-state student currently living in New Jersey just outside of Philadelphia. My greatest personal accomplishments include being married for the last eight years and being an active father to an energetic one year old boy! Currently I work with a client through the NJ Department of Developmental Disabilities and have some additional part-time teaching responsibilities as well. I have completed an M.S. Ed. and a BA, but ultimately am seeking to transition into the social work field. I am interested in mental health and psychology and hope to gain clinical experience during my time at UTA in order to be able to transition into the therapy / counseling aspect of social work. I am also potentially interested in teaching social work or psychology in the future. In the meantime, I look forward to assisting you, helping connect you to your peers and streamlining your overall experience in the MSW program!

Chloe Glenn (Intern)

Hello fellow Mavs! My name is Chloé Glenn. I am in my final semester of my foundation year at UTA, and I plan on concentrating in Mental Health and Substance Abuse. This is my first semester as a GSL. I received my bachelor's in psychology from Austin College and have since worked as an adult probation officer. I plan on continuing working with offenders after graduation. In my free time I love to spend time with my family, listen to crime podcasts and baking new recipes. I look forward to serving UTA as a GSL Intern this semester and am excited to contribute to the success of the MSW program!

Melissa Griffiths

Melissa's formal education includes a Bachelor's Degree from Brigham Young University in Public Relations and an MBA from Stevens-Henager College. She has received Special Education Advocacy Training provided by the Council of Parent Attorneys, and Advocates, coursework by Down Syndrome Education International, and has attended conferences and trainings on learning disabilities. As a Texas Partners in Policy Making Graduate, she continues to make strides to improve legislation at the state level. Melissa is especially passionate about education advocacy and actively supports families in navigating the IEP process through the company she founded, DFW Advocacy. DFW Advocacy aims to promote inclusion, person-centered practices and policies, and encourage self-determination for individuals with disabilities. Melissa plans to use her MSW degree to continue to support individuals with disabilities and their families through direct counseling, and local and state advocacy.

Hannah Hensley (Intern)

Hello Mavs! My name is Hannah Hensley (she/her) and I am a new intern in the GSL program. I earned my BS in Public Health from Southern New Hampshire University in 2021. I am pursuing my MSW with the plan to work towards my LCSW in the future.  Throughout my undergrad experience, I developed a passion for maternal mental health and hope to be able to serve in this space. I currently reside in Tucson, AZ due to my husband being active-duty military. We have a full house with our two big dogs and three children - our five-year-old son and two-year-old boy-girl twins! In addition to being a stay-at-home parent and grad student, I am also newly homeschooling my children and enjoy gardening, reading, exercising, watercolor, and whatever other hobbies I can get my hands on during nap time! I am excited and grateful to serve as your GSL this spring!

Dycarriya Johnson

Hello, my name is Dycarriya (Die-car-e-yuh) Johnson (She/her). I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Social Work with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas in May of 2022. I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work with a focus in Community and Administrative Practice (CAP). This will be my second semester participating in UTA’s graduate program. It will be my first semester working as a Graduate Student Leader (GSL). I look forward to working with you all!

Melainie Lauderdale (Intern)

Hello fellow Mavs! My name is Melainie Lauderdale, and I am a 49-year-old single mom to two great kiddos ages 12 and 13. My undergraduate degree is in psychology, and I am in my final two semesters for my Master of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health and Substance Misuse. I am an older, nontraditional student that has had to learn the ropes and advocate for myself in this new life adventure called graduate school and I could not have done it without the help of my past GSL’s. I utilized my GSL frequently when I needed guidance, and she has been vital to my success. I hope to offer my constituents the same support so please do not hesitate to reach out and ask questions at any time. Good luck with Spring 2023 I look forward to getting to know you all.

Reagan Leslie (Intern)

Hi everyone! My name is Reagan Leslie. I am in my second semester of the MSW program with UTA and this is my first semester as a GSL Newsletter Intern. I am currently a foundation student, but I plan on specializing in Mental Health and Substance Misuse. I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Theatre with a minor in Social Work in Fall 2021. I have a deep passion for working with children who have behavior and mental health issues and want to normalize children going to therapy and having a safe space. I know that this experience will give me the opportunity to work with wonderful individuals and expand my knowledge for my future career. I look forward to being one of the interns in charge of our newsletter and to be a contribution to the success of UTA’s MSW program. GO MAVS!

Blake McCafferty (Intern)

My name is Blake McCafferty, and I am an Army veteran. I spent nine years in the service. I helped my Soldiers grow, so that they get the most out of life. My undergraduate program was in Emergency and Disaster Management. I joined the GSL program to help students, like with my Soldiers, with questions as they go through the MSW program. My goals are to help you experience your best years at the university. I want you to grow and help the way you are training and learning. We are the future and are the ones that can make a difference. In everything you do, realize that you can achieve what you put your mind to. You could be the one, the one that ends the negative in society bringing out the brightest picture.

Interests: writing songs, research, and helping people overcome challenges

Sandra Miller

Howdy, all!  My name is Sandra (Sandy) Miller and I am in my Advanced year at UTA. This is my fourth semester as a GSL. I received my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State in 1994 and worked for many years as an adult probation officer before becoming a stay-at-home mom to my two awesome boys, now 12 and 17. My goal is to graduate when my oldest son finishes high school and enter direct practice in Mental Health and Substance Abuse. In my free time, I love camping, fishing, reading, and experimenting with new recipes for my friends and family. I also play a number of musical instruments very badly, much to the delight of my long-suffering family and neighbors. I love helping people find answers to their questions, and I have asked many questions myself since returning to school. Remember we are ALL in this together with the common goal of helping others!

Twana Miller

Hello Mav, family! My name is Twana Miller; this is my third semester as a USL and my first semester as a GSL. I am a full-time MSW Health Cohort student, and I graduated in the Spring of 2022 with my BSW from UTA. I have a mission and the heart to help those incarcerated with health disparities within the prison system. I enjoy listening to worship music, volunteering, creating vegan meals for my family & DIYs, reading a good book, and spending time with my husband and three young men. I am thrilled for the opportunity to serve as your GSL this semester. We're a team, and I look forward to growing with you. We're in this together. "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world"- Nelson Mandela

Let's go, MAVs.

Georgine Mwamba

Hello, my name is Georgine Mwamba. I am a second year Graduate Student Leader. My specialty is Health, I plan to graduate in the Summer of 2023. The goal is to work in hospital settings and be a voice of children and adults who need organ transplants. I would like to be part of decision making when it comes to what and who needs organ transplant the most. I currently work in Disability Services with My Health My Resource of Tarrant County. I am glad that I get to work with people from diverse backgrounds. Interacting with clients and coordinating their services makes me feel accomplished. Other than being a student, I am a wife, a mother of four and volunteer at Compass kids. I enjoy reading, singing, dancing, cooking, telling jokes and spending time with my family. I am honored to be a Graduate Student Leader and I look forward to assisting my constituents in any way I can and to building a great community of social workers.

Byron Myles

My name is Byron Myles (He/Him/His) and I am a second semester Foundation student at UTA. This is my second semester as a GSL volunteer. I received my undergraduate degree in Music Education from Texas Christian University. I have spent my time in the classroom for the last few years and have since switched over to the non-profit sector. My goal is to work in the scope of Social Justice for marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. When I am not working or doing classwork, I enjoy cooking, making music, binge watching shows/anime and hanging out with friends.

Jordon Ward (Intern)

Greetings and salutations my peers! My name is Jordon Elizabeth Lee Ward; I earned my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Dallas in 2019, and I am now a second year MSW student specializing in Community and Administrative Practice (CAP). This is my first semester as a GSL intern serving as a Newsletter Lead, and I am excited to get to know and learn from my constituents, provide an interesting and informative newsletter, and develop into the social work leader I hope to become. When I am not focusing on my studies, I am working full time, spending time with my loved ones and sweet cat, Booboos, traveling, and testing my mind with trivia and puzzles. I love art, and I try to lead my life with a quote in mind from my favorite artist, Vincent Van Gogh; “what would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything.” With that said, I implore you all to muster up the courage to attempt everything you desire in this world; go forth and make great change dear friends!

Suri Zuniga

Hello, my name is Suri Zuniga. I am in the MSW program and a Graduate Student Leader. I graduated from UTA with my BSW in Spring of 2021. Growing up I was not sure what I wanted to do, but I knew that I wanted to help others. When I heard of social workers, I was truly amazed by all they do for people. As a DACA recipient, I know the importance of having someone guide you through a tough situation you know nothing about. Eventually, I would love to work with children in the immigration system and provide families with the resources to help make their situations easier. I am excited to be a GSL and help others enjoy their time here at UTA!