Staff

Staff
Advisory Board
Research Goals
Media

Current Staff

Dr. Cecilia Montiel-Nava

Director

Dr. Cecilia Montiel-Nava

Dr. Cecilia Montiel-Nava
Director

Dr. Cecilia Montiel-Nava, a bilingual clinical psychologist, holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), an M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland, and a B.A. in Psychology from the Universidad Rafael Urdaneta (Venezuela).

Dr. Montiel-Nava’s research focuses on five topics: (1) understanding ethnic disparities among children with autism spectrum and neurodevelopmental disorders, (2) ADHD and its comorbid disorders, (3) evidence-based interventions that can be carried out by parents of children with developmental delays in underserved populations, (4) validity and acculturation of diagnostic instruments, and (5) bilingualism and autism. Her research has as the ultimate goal to reduce the gap in access to services that identify and treat neurodevelopmental disorders to improve the quality of life of RGV residents.

Contact her at cecilia.montielnava@utrgv.edu.

Dr. Maria Cecilia Montenegro

Faculty

Dr. Maria Cecilia Montenegro

Dr. Maria Cecilia Montenegro
Faculty

Dr. Maria Cecilia Montenegro, or Cecilia as she likes to be called, pursued her Ph.D. under the supervision of Dr. Montiel-Nava and served as the first lab manager of the BeChilDLab. Cecilia completed her doctoral psychology internship at Burrell Behavioral Health Center (part of the National Psychology Training Consortium) in Springfield, Missouri. Before that, she completed her Master’s Degree in Counseling, where she did clinical work which included helping children and families going through the grieving process, psychoeducation on topics such as parenting skills, and group and individual counseling. Her love for research pushed Cecilia to also finish a thesis, and she was the only student in her graduation class to do so. For Cecilia, people have great potential for greatness, and her goal is to help clients find and treasure that potential. She is a proud resident of the Rio Grande Valley, and is enthusiastic to serve her community with empathy and kindness. Her research focus is on diagnostic and service barriers among Latinos with neurodevelopmental concerns.

Geohanna Noel, M.S.

Lab Manager, Ph.D. Student

Geohanna Noel, M.S.

Geohanna Noel, M.S.
Lab Manager, Ph.D. Student

Geohanna Noel graduated from Rafael Urdaneta University in Venezuela with a B.S. in Psychology in 2006; she also holds a Master's in Basic Medical Sciences from Los Andes University in Venezuela in 2014. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at UTRGV. Geohanna is passionate about becoming a Clinical Psychologist, and she is primarily interested in neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder, and how parent-mediated interventions can positively impact autistic child engagement, social communication, and disruptive behavior by empowering parents and caregivers with evidence-based programs.

During her free time, Geohanna loves dancing flamenco and salsa, doing rock climbing, and sharing with friends, family, and her two cats.

Victoria Villarreal, M.A.

Ph.D. Student

Victoria Villarreal, M.A.

Victoria Villarreal, M.A.
Ph.D. Student

Victoria L. Villarreal graduated from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a B.S in Psychology in 2023. She is currently pursuing an M.A in Clinical Psychology at UTRGV and plans to continue her education by obtaining a PhD in clinical psychology. Victoria is interested in becoming a Clinical psychologist primarily interested in child cognitive development.

Being born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Victoria’s pursuing her goals with the intention of giving back to the community that she is proud to be a part of. In her free time, Victoria enjoys being outdoors, crocheting, watching movies and being with her friends and family.

Ifeoma McGuire, M.A.

Ph.D. Student

Ifeoma McGuire, M.A.

Ifeoma McGuire, M.A.
Ph.D. Student

Ifeoma holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas Permian Basin. Prior to graduate school, she had spent over a decade exploring treatment solutions and inclusion practices for neurodevelopmental conditions that present with cognitive impairment, with a particular interest in autism. As a doctoral student in the BeChilD lab, Ifeoma is exploring transdiagnostic and intersectionality factors involved in identifying and treating ASD.

Ifeoma enjoys worshipping (Christian gospel music), spending time with family and friends, running, and weightlifting.

Carmen Orendain-Soto

Ph.D. Student

Carmen Orendain-Soto

Carmen Orendain-Soto
Ph.D. Student

Coming soon!

Danna Gutierrez

Project Manager in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) SEI Intern

Danna Gutierrez

Danna Gutierrez
Project Manager in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) SEI Intern

Coming soon!

Celeste Islas

Clinical and Research Assistant in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) SEI Intern

Celeste Islas

Celeste Islas
Clinical and Research Assistant in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) SEI Intern

Coming soon!

Gabriela Castillo

Clinical and Research Assistant in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) SEI Intern

Gabriela Castillo

Gabriela Castillo
Clinical and Research Assistant in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) SEI Intern

Coming soon!

Ricardo Ruiz Martinez

Volunteer

Ricardo Ruiz Martinez

Ricardo Ruiz Martinez
Volunteer

Ricardo Ruiz Martinez, or Ricky as he likes to be called, is currently an undergraduate student pursuing a B.S in Psychology and a B.S. in Biology at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He plans to apply to NY Grossman School of Medicine following his graduation in 2026. Ricky was awarded the Outstanding SEI Intern of the Year Award (2024-2025) through his work under the BeChilDLab.

Being an immigrant native to Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, Ricky wishes to advocate for those who struggle to find a sense of belonging. By continuing in the route of psychology and biology, he plans to become a pediatric psychiatrist in the hope of giving a voice back to the systemically neglected youth of the Valley. Outside of the realm of academics, Ricky enjoys training in calisthenics, sewing, and savoring 70’s soul music records.

Ariel Alaniz

Volunteer

Ariel Alaniz

Ariel Alaniz
Volunteer

Coming soon!

Jorge Saenz, B.A.

Volunteer

Jorge Saenz, B.A.

Jorge Saenz, B.A.
Volunteer

Jorge Saenz is a non-traditional student who returned to campus as part of a career pivot into the world of psychology. Motivated by curiosity and connection, Jorge is driven to learn about how different neurotypes communicate in order to help others live intentional lives within a community.

As home grown RGV native, Jorge's goal is to pursue a graduate degree and career in clinical psychology. He does this in order to help create a better understanding of the different intersectional factors that need to be considered for providing effective resources and treatment for individuals who call our charming, but smoldering crucible their home.

Chenoa "Mavis" Navarro, B.S.

Volunteer

Chenoa "Mavis" Navarro, B.S.

Chenoa "Mavis" Navarro, B.S.
Volunteer

Chenoa "Mavis" Navarro is an aspiring psychologist currently pursuing her master's degree at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Dedicated to reshaping the narrative around Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Mavis works for this cause as an autistic self-advocate and researcher.
Her journey into the world of ASD research was sparked by disheartening portrayals of individuals with ASD in textbooks and research papers. These portrayals inspired a mission to amplify autistic voices and offer a more positive and authentic perspective.

Beyond academia, Mavis finds enjoyment in sketchbooking, video editing, and has recently delved into the world of puppeteering.

Former Staff

Erin Garza, M.A., LSSP

Erin Garza, M.A., LSSP

Estefani Erin Garza was a doctoral student and research assistant who graduated from Texas A&M University, College Station, in 2005 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She obtained her Master's degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi in 2008. She has worked as a School Psychologist/Licensed Specialist in School Psychology for nearly 13 years servicing districts across South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. She is passionate about advocating for children with disabilities and their families in order decrease barriers to diagnostic services as well as access to intervention and rehabilitative services.

Ashley Leija, B.S.

Ashley Leija, B.S.

Ashley Leija was an undergraduate student who obtained her B.S. in Psychology at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Following her graduation, Ashley plans to apply to graduate school to finish an M.A. in School Psychology to further her stance on the treatment and assessment of neurodivergent individuals. Born in Houston, Texas but raised in Matamoros, Mexico, Ashley plans to help neurodivergent children get the resources they need in order to succeed in achieving their academic goals.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys watching psychological thriller films and creating music playlists.

Ana Ramirez, M.A., BCBA

Ph.D. Student

Ana Ramirez, M.A., BCBA

Ana Ramirez, M.A., BCBA
Ph.D. Student

Ana C. Ramirez is a bilingual board certified behavior analyst (BCBA), and a doctoral student in clinical psychology in the Department of Psychological Sciences at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). She is currently pursuing her doctoral psychology internship at the UC Davis Mind Institute in Sacramento, CA. Ana is also a Master Trainer for the World Health Organization (WHO) and Autism Speaks Caregiver Skills Training (CST). Her research focuses on assessment and treatment of autistic children and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, particularly on bilingualism, cultural differences, and ethnic disparities.

On her free time, Ana is a professional Netflix watcher.

Miriam Ortiz, B.S.

Ph.D. Student

Miriam Ortiz, B.S.

Miriam Ortiz, B.S.
Ph.D. Student

Coming Soon!

Ana Lucia Garrido Huerta, M.A., BCABA

Ph.D. Student

Ana Lucia Garrido Huerta, M.A., BCABA

Ana Lucia Garrido Huerta, M.A., BCABA
Ph.D. Student

Ana Lucia Garrido Huerta is a PhD student in Clinical Psychology at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Ana Lucia holds an MA in Experimental Psychology and a B.S in Psychology with a minor in Biology. Ana Lucia plan to continue her work with children and parents in the ASD community. She also holds an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Development and looks forward to further her education in children's cognitive development.

Being born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Ana Lucia aims to contribute to the Hispanic and Latino community in the Rio Grande Valley. In her free time, Ana Lucia enjoys playing padel and tennis, as well as reading and watching documentaries.

Breana McCormack

Ph.D. Student

Breana McCormack

Breana McCormack
Ph.D. Student

Coming soon!

Jessica Abouchard, B.S.

Volunteer

Jessica Abouchard, B.S.

Jessica Abouchard, B.S.
Volunteer

Jessica E. Abouchard is a graduate of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, holding a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Mass Communication with a concentration in Advertising. Born in Toluca, Estado de Mexico, Jessica treasures her cultural heritage, which has allowed her to develop a profound sense of empathy for the RGV community. With a desire to make a meaningful impact, Jessie aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at UTRGV, focusing on amplifying underrepresented voices, particularly those of Hispanic ASD families.

In her spare time, Jessie enjoys singing, traveling, theatre, watching movies and TV shows, and spending time with loved ones.

Sira Nakwaasah, B.S.

Volunteer

Sira Nakwaasah, B.S.

Sira Nakwaasah, B.S.
Volunteer

Sira Nakwaasah graduated from the University of North Texas with a BS. in biology and a minor in Spanish. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in medicine at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine and intends to specialize in child and adolescent psychiatry.

In her free time, Sira enjoys reading non-fiction, sewing and gardening.

Current Staff

Dr. Cecilia Montiel-Nava

Dr. Maria Cecilia Montenegro

Geohanna Noel, M.S.

Victoria Villarreal, M.A.

Ifeoma McGuire, M.A.

Carmen Orendain-Soto

Danna Gutierrez

Celeste Islas

Gabriela Castillo

Ricardo Ruiz Martinez

Ariel Alaniz

Jorge Saenz, B.A.

Chenoa "Mavis" Navarro, B.S.

Former Staff

Erin Garza, M.A., LSSP

Ashley Leija, B.S.

Ana Ramirez, M.A., BCBA

Miriam Ortiz, B.S.

Ana Lucia Garrido Huerta, M.A., BCABA

Breana McCormack

Jessica Abouchard, B.S.

Sira Nakwaasah, B.S.

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