Dr. Herbozo is an Associate Professor and Director of Bariatric Psychology in the Department of Surgery and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Rush University Medical Center. She is a proud, bilingual Latina of Peruvian heritage.

“My mentors were instrumental in my growth as an undergraduate student and beyond. During my undergraduate training at the University of Central Florida, two pivotal experiences paved the way for me to become a clinical psychologist. The first was mentorship from a faculty mentor and her doctoral student in my pursuit of doctoral training. The second was seeing two Latinas in my university’s Clinical Psychology doctoral program - representation matters. This career path may initially seem like a daunting endeavor but with persistence and support, you will accomplish your goals. PLANS is here to help you navigate this rewarding path.”

Dr. Asvat is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Rush University Medical Center and a Clinical Psychologist in the Supportive Oncology Program, Psycho-oncology Section at Rush Cancer Center. She is bicultural Indian/Latina, bilingual, and a proud Panameña.

“Clinical Psychology is an infinitely rewarding field to engage with personally and professionally. The doctoral training required a significant investment of time and resources and connecting with supportive mentors was essential to my success. If you have passion for this field, the road is worth traveling. I hope PLANS will be a partner in your journey.”

Isabel C. Quiñones is a doctoral student pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the Illinois Institute of Technology. She is proud to be a first-generation student and Venezuelan.

“Going into undergrad as a pre-med student, I had very little knowledge about the field of Clinical Psychology. However, after taking my first psychology course during sophomore year, I instantly found my passion for psychology and more importantly for helping others. The following years I worked really hard to find information about what a career in Clinical Psychology would look like and how I could accomplish my goals. I wish I had mentors like those in PLANS along the way who I could relate to on a personal and professional level. Now, I love what I study and the amazing people I get to work with and I hope PLANS can help you reach your goals as well.”

Melanie Grad-Freilich is a doctoral student pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical and Developmental Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on interpersonal adversity and psychopathology in adolescence.  She is proud to be a bilingual Latina with family from Argentina.

“It took a village to get me into grad school - and I will forever be grateful to my mentors, friends and family who helped me along the way. I would not be where I am without them! Older graduate students in particular gave me so much support and guidance, and I am so excited to be a part of the PLANS team and pay this mentorship forward to future students interested in applying to Clinical and Counseling Psychology doctoral programs.”

Ramiro Angelino is a behavior therapist implementing applied behavior analysis interventions to children ages 2-7 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Concurrently, he also serves as a research assistant in the Body Image and Eating Behaviors lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Ramiro is proud to be Latino, first-generation, and bilingual.

“As a first-generation Latino pursuing a career in research and clinical psychology, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with a sense of imposter syndrome. Transferring into a research focused, predominantly White institution increased this feeling. Fortunately, I had the support of an amazing a mentor who helped me navigate the institution and take advantage of the opportunities it had to offer. I am excited to be part of PLANS team and support their efforts in providing mentorship for students interested in applying to Clinical/Counseling Psychology doctoral programs.”

Laura Rosado Philippi, a born and raised in Puerto Rican woman, embarked on a new chapter by moving to the United States to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Anthropology at Fordham University. Grateful for her family's unwavering support, she acknowledges their sacrifices and dedication, especially as she became the first in her family to venture abroad for her education. Laura strives to continue spreading hope, resilience, and empowerment within her community and beyond.

"Growing up in Puerto Rico, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by my community in accessing mental health services. Moving to the US for college only magnified these disparities. My aspiration to alleviate the stigma surrounding mental health in Latinx communities led me to co-found the Puerto Rican Student Association at Fordham and actively participate in multicultural affairs committees. PLANS' mission to support Latino students in psychology resonates deeply with me. As their Social Media Intern, I am eager to help amplify their impact and reach a broader audience.”

Darlene Campos (she/her/ella) is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Clark University. She will attend Lehigh University in the fall of 2024 as a doctoral student pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. She is a proud Peruvian-American and first-generation college student.

“It is thanks to my family, friends, and mentors that I have felt supported to pursue a career in research and counseling psychology. My first step was asking for help and connecting with supportive and accessible mentors with similar identities to me. From there, I gained confidence and pursued my goals. I hope to continue to tell my story and support the work of PLANS to ensure other Latines have access to resources and opportunities that will also help them achieve their goals.”