Monica is a research assistant on the Population Health team whose work is driven by an interest in the structural factors causing health inequity. As a social worker, she is passionate about understanding how policy levers contribute to accessibility within the health care and service systems. Monica has been a caregiver in different phases of her life and understands the stress managing health care for family members can place on a person. She brings this empathy to her work in pursuing more accessible health care. A child of an immigrant, Monica learned Spanish as an adult to connect to her family and grow professionally.
Prior to joining HSRI, Monica was a graduate research assistant and student health advocate at the University of Texas at Arlington, where her work explored research areas including Medicaid waiver programming for children with complex behavioral health needs and strategies for promoting health equity through outreach and advocacy. Prior to that, Monica worked at United Way of Denton County processing rental applications as an eviction prevention specialist during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When not at work, Monica enjoys reading, cooking, and quietly working in her garden. She enjoys being silly and bringing joy to those around her while creating space to talk about all the serious topics in society.
Education
- Master of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington
- Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington
- Bachelor of Spanish for Global Competence from the University of Texas at Arlington