By:
Mari Carmen Bennasar, Psy.D.
Director, Latino Mental Health Program Dr. Cynthia Lucero (LMHP)
Daisy Rivera, Psy.D.
Docent, Latino Mental Health Program Dr. Cynthia Lucero (LMHP)
The program Mental Health with Latinos Dr. Cynthia Lucero (LMHP) at William James College (WJC) in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, is a specialty program available to all students at the college. The program is named after Dr. Cynthia Lucero, a WJC alumna from Guayaquil, Ecuador, who died in 2002 at the age of 28 after collapsing during the Boston Marathon shortly after completing her doctorate in clinical psychology. She was a community-oriented young woman with a passion and commitment to serving underserved populations, especially those of Latino origin. She stressed the importance of culturally and linguistically appropriate care.
The LMHP program follows this mission and has been sending students to Guayaquil for a month-long immersion experience since 2008. This year, we are proud to partner with Universidad de Especialidades Espiritu Santo (UEES) to provide our students with professional and personal experiences to enhance their understanding of Latino communities.
On July 13, 11 very excited students (from the Organizational Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs) arrived in Guayaquil accompanied by myself, Dr. Mari Carmen Bennasar, director of LMHP and Dr. Daisy Rivera, LMHP faculty and WJC student.
Although we had countless zoom meetings in preparation for this immersive experience, it was not until we had the opportunity to meet and network in person that our understanding of the programs and the myriad of opportunities for collaboration became truly clear. After several meetings with the psychology department at UEES, the personal and professional dedication at LMHP awakened and quickly deepened. It was refreshing to see UEES share our passion and commitment to training our students.
The benefits of our month-long experience extend to long-term collaboration with both faculty and students. UEES and WJC are excited about the possibilities of collaborating on research projects, conferences and workshops, and other professional endeavors.
During their stay, students participated in many activities, such as clinical observations and interventions (Neurosciences Institute), school visits (Young Living and Thomas More), general and clinical language support classes, socio-cultural experiences (ecological hostel in Manabi, visits to small local communities) and home stays with local families.
The WJC students left with warm new friendships, as well as a deeper understanding of Ecuadorian culture, Spanish and its clinical nuances, the mental health system in Ecuador, and themselves. They learned about the importance of gender roles, religion and spirituality, family, politics and systems, and we all learned about the importance of connection through food and the spectacular Ecuadorian cuisine! We appreciate how this experience has encouraged us to become better agents of change, to appreciate the power of collaboration and teamwork, and the power of love and care.
We are deeply grateful for all the people who facilitated and worked hard to make this a wonderful experience. THANK YOU to Chancellor Carlos Ortega, Mr. Marcos Espinel and Mr. Johnny Gonzalez. THANK YOU to the UEES International team, including student leaders, INC staff, Thomas More and Young Living. Thank you to our cultural guides and host families. We are eternally grateful to the Lucero Family for initiating this trip so many years ago.
See you soon UEES and Guayaquil!
Universidad Espíritu Santo (UEES), began its academic activities in 1994 as a private, self-financed, non-profit institution. Its spirit of commitment and constant innovation are present in the quality of the service it offers to its community.
