Latinx Health Internship in Oaxaca
Monica Torreiro-Casal
Chicano/a Studies
Mónica Torreiro-Casal holds a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from Northeastern University, Boston, MA and a MFT (Marriage and Family therapist master’s degree) with Latinx mental health emphasis from Santa Clara University, CA. She works as Lecturer for the Chicana/o department at UC Davis, CA where she teaches classes with a mental health emphasis developed by her mentor Professor Flores. Her research, clinical and teaching interests include Latinx and Immigrant Community Mental Health, Feminist Chicanx Psychology and Minority Qualitative Research. She conducts research on immigration and mental health and mentors students on their research projects and academic journeys to contribute to their professional development.
A Message to Students and Parents
Mónica was born in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain where she studied her undergraduate in Psychology before moving to live in The Netherlands. She migrated to the USA where she has lived in Boston, MA and Bay Area, CA. As a trained psychologist, she has worked in community mental health settings and university counseling services (domestic violence, addictions, LGBTQIA, immigrants, school settings). Mónica’s clinical emphasis at UC Davis as post doctoral fellow psychologist focused on AB540 and undocumented students on campus. I consider a fundamental component of students’ academic development to expose themselves to other cultures and professionals from other countries. These international experiences contribute to their growth to become professionals with a global vision and unique set of skills.
I am interested in being part of this program because of the classes offered, the excellent caring professionals involved in the program and the field experiences available for students. I also enjoy working with students and provide guidance, support and help them to adapt and adjust to new situations. Mónica speaks four different languages and enjoys traveling, eating food from all around the world, music, dancing, biking, swimming and spending time with family. Mónica has a 15 year old son and lives with her brother, nephew (10) and niece (16). I have been in Mexico on numerous occasions and I am familiar with their culture, traditions and hospitality. As a Spanish speaker, I will be happy to help students with their language acquisition and anything that is needed to make their experience a positive one."