Tracie Prosser (Intern)

Welcome to Maverick Country!! My name is Tracie Prosser, and I am a Graduate Student Leader intern in my foundation year of a Master’s in Social Work.

I am a proud retired Army veteran who served their country with great pride, dedication and discipline. I earned my Dual Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology -License Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) from the University of Texas A&M Central Texas. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work at Tarleton State University.

Now, as an MSW student specializing in Mental Health and Substance misuse, my plan and primary focus is to work with fellow veterans and their families who are suffering from the aftermath and effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)and chemical dependency. My area of work will be to reduce the stigma that is often associated with seeking assistance for individuals, families and couples by demonstrating empathy, skills, competencies, leadership, values and cultural diversity. My commitment to you as a GSL will involve being an active listener, a present leader during a crisis, with the understanding and mutual agreement that in the event that a crisis is not resolved in that moment, it WILL be resolved. I am originally from the great state of Georgia also known as the Peach state, but I now call Arlington Texas home. Let’s get to work..

Self-PityI never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself. D. H .Lawrence

Leah Neal (Intern)

Leah Neal is a passionate advocate for social justice with an MPA and a growing interest in mental health and substance misuse. She's pursuing a Master's in Social Work to make a tangible impact on her community. In addition to her role as a Senior Contract & QA Audit Specialist at Texas WIC, Leah is actively involved in two family-owned businesses. She serves on the board of Aunt Sally's Pralines, a New Orleans candy company with a rich history, as well as Zettabyte Content, a technology marketing consultancy founded by her husband. Her diverse background in public service, business, and family enterprise equips her with a unique perspective and a strong foundation for her future in social work.

Natasha Sutherland (Intern)

Hello Everyone, I am Natasha Sutherland, a second semester foundation year student in the MSW program, with a CAP focus. I received my BSW from Midwestern State University and a Master of Science in Management and Educational Leadership from the University of the West Indies. I am from an island nation called Grenada. For the past 10 years I have worked in the field of Emergency and Disaster Risk management as an instructor in and a surge consultant. I enjoy reading ,watching movies, physical activities and just hanging out with friends and family.

I am passionate about improving the quality of service provided by organizations within the community. As a GSL, my goal is to ensure that the student experience at UTA is an impactful one where they gain the skills and knowledge needed to improve the lives of their client and community while being able to connect them to resources that will lead to their success.

Let us continue to strive for excellence in our educational journey.

Mia Cozzarelli (Volunteer)

Hello everyone, I recently graduated from my bachelor's in psychology at Texas State University (in the beautiful hill country). This will be my third semester being a part of the GSL program, which I am very excited about. My career aspirations is to become a school social worker/college therapist, which eventually I can open up my own private practice and provide counseling for young adults. Currently I work at Hays-Caldwell Women's Center as a part-time shelter advocate. During my free time I like to go on hikes, stay at home with my dog and cat (Comet & Leo), go out with friends, travel, and go to car events with my significant other. Overall, I'm very excited to work with everyone and help each other out through our academic journey. 

Alyssa Gallagher (Volunteer)

Hello everyone! My name is Alyssa Gallagher and I am approaching my advanced year as an MSW student. I have been lucky enough to be selected as a Graduate Student Leader for my foundation placement. I hope to make meaningful connections and make the most out of the semester that I have as a GSL at UT Arlington. I chose Social Work because of the endless opportunities that exist as a professional social worker. I have worked as a Registered Behavior Technician at a center for neurodivergent children, as a Behavioral Health Technician at a psychiatric hospital, and as a middle school teacher. As you can see, the areas that I am interested in are broad, and social work was the perfect profession for me to keep my options open. I expect to graduate in the Spring of 2025 and untill then I am excited to continue creating new connections and fostering relationships with other MSW students. I know how hard it is to manage school, work, and life and I am happy to be a listening ear for anyone who needs to vent about this balance! Having each other is truly the only way we will all get through this.

Jordan Gatson (Volunteer)

Hello, my name is Jordan Gatson, a passionate social work professional focused on children and family services. Recently earning my BSW, I’m now embarking on my master’s to deepen their understanding of the social work aspects of therapy. Asa parent to a soon-to-be four-year-old daughter, I value the importance of community and believe in the power of a supportive village. Being part of the UTA community, I am dedicated to offering support and encourage others to reach out whenever needed.

Michelle Gonzalez (Volunteer)

Hello everyone, my name is Michelle Gonzalez. I am a first- generation student, I graduated with my BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology in December of 2021 from UNT Dallas. I am currently in my second year of the MSW program. My concentration is Mental Health and Substance Misuse. I work full time as a Immigration Paralegal, here in the DFW area. I am really excited to be able to advocate in the future as a LCSW for the Hispanic/ Latino community. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and reading when breaks are in session. I am excited as a second semester GSL volunteer to be able to assist my peers in sharing resources and information to help them grow!

Farah Hannun (Volunteer)

Hello everyone, my name is Farah Hannun and I am currently in my first semester as a GSL Volunteer, and former GSL Intern. I am in my second semester as a MSW student!

I received my bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies, here at UTA. I am looking forward to completing my degree and working with women and children as a social worker! In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I am excited to start this new semester as a GSL intern and to be here to help and connect everyone.

Kimberely Jimenez (Volunteer)

Hi everyone! My name is Kimberly, and I have recently graduated from the BSW program and am now in my first semester as a graduate student. I am passionate about helping others and striving to create positive change in the world. I served as a USL volunteer before transitioning into a Graduate Student Leader (GSL) Volunteer, and I have enjoyed every bit of it this far. My goal is to assist you and connect you to the resources you need so that we can make a difference throughout our social work journey together. I look forward to working with you all! Please reach out with any questions; I am always happy to help.

Natasha Kastner (Volunteer)

Hello, fellow Mavs! I'm Natasha Kastner, a first-generation MSW student specializing in mental health and substance misuse, with a keen interest in neuroscience and how trauma impacts the mind and body. After graduation, I plan to pursue certifications in trauma-informed yoga and EMDR. While I aim to obtain my LCSW to work at the micro level, I can also see myself transitioning to more of a macro focus in the future, driven by my interests in environmental justice and urban planning. The idea of helping larger groups at one time seems infinitely rewarding. I have a bachelor's in communication studies and over a decade of retail management experience. I'm also a wife and mother of two amazing preteens who keep me on my toes every day. I’m eager to explore multiple avenues alongside my peers, contributing to positive change and putting a little good mojo back into our world!

Deva Kellam (Volunteer)

Hello Scholars! My name is Deva Kellam and I’m so excited to be part of your academic journey at UTA. Joining this program was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I am eager to help others find the same joy and fulfillment that I have in the School of Social Work. I am currently a Foundation Year student and intend to pursue the Community and Administrative Practice concentration. In addition to serving as a GSL, I am also an AmeriCorps Service Member in the Survivor Link program offered through UTA. Upon graduation, my hope is to attain licensure and begin working with communities disproportionately impacted by School to Prison Pipeline policies.

Outside of school, I love to travel with my little family and take as many trips to the zoo with my toddler as possible. I am also an avid Ukulele player and a huge Dallas Wings fan.

If you have any questions about school or life in the DFW area, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Katherine Morrison (Volunteer)

Hello everyone! My name is Katherine and I use she/her pronouns. I was born in Houston but raised the DFW area. I have a B.S.in Rehabilitation Studies and I am currently pursuing a Master's in Social Work. This is my third semester as a GSL, and I currently work part-time as a nanny for two awesome kids. I look forward to working, getting to know and helping my fellow peers! Have a great semester!

“No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”-Taylor Swift

Angie Outlaw (Volunteer)

Hello everyone! I am Angie and I am a Graduate Student Volunteer for Fall 2024. I am in my advanced year and my specialty is Mental Health and Substance Misuse.

I live in San Antonio with my husband and my father. After my husband retired from the Army, we decided to make this area our home. We recently purchased a property in the country, and I am excited to live the “farm life”.

My undergraduate degrees are in Graphic Design & Media Arts and Human Science. I went back to school in 2020 and I had just graduated with my degree in Graphic Design when I decided that I needed to finish the degree I started. I enrolled in the summer of 2022, and I graduated from Texas Tech University in December 2022. I look forward to helping my constituents this semester.

Alexa Page (Volunteer)

Hi everyone ,my name is Alexa Paige and I am a GSL volunteer in my Foundation year of our masters and Social Work Program. I received my Bachelor's of psychology with a minor and child development in May 2023 from Texas Woman's University. I have been accepted into the Dual Masters program at UTA where in addition to earning a Master of social work, I am also earning my Masters in Special Education. I have selected my specialization in mental health and substance misuse. I intend on working in the residential treatment center to help educate families that are struggling to assist their children with educational disabilities and other mental health concerns. I am currently a permanency specialist ( CVS worker)in our community. Our kids are contracted through DFPS, so if you have any additional questions about working in the child welfare system , I am here !!!

Emily Rappaport (Volunteer)

Hi everyone! My name is Emily Rappaport, and this is my second semester serving as a Graduate Student Leader. This is my first semester in the Master's program, and I am specializing in Health. I am also involved in other organizations in the SSW as well; so, you might see me around more than just your GSL. When I am not in school, I try to read every book on my shelf, and watch binge watch TV shows. I am a cat mom to the cutest cat ever. I would rather be in the mountains at any time of the year. I am looking forward to this semester and upcoming year, and I cannot wait to help my peers succeed! I hope everyone has a great Fall semester! I am so excited for this opportunity to serve other peers. If you see me around, don’t be afraid to say hi!

Jacqueline Raya (Volunteer)

Hi everyone! My name is Jacky and I am in my second semester of the MSW program and my first semester in the GSL volunteer program. I hope to be a source of support for my peers as they embark on this new journey of a MSW. I got my undergraduate degree in Psychology at University of Texas at San Antonio. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family. My goal after graduation and getting licensed is to be a school social worker. I thrive in environments where I help others find services or resources. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and working together to have a great semester!

Angie Ruvalcaba (Volunteer)

Hello everyone! I am beginning my advanced year of the Master of Social Work program and my third semester as a Graduate Student Leader. I received my Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology and Chicanx Studies at the University of California, Davis, in 2018. I currently reside in San Jose, CA, with my husband, two children, and my dog. As a Graduate Student Leader, my goal is to support others in facilitating and enhancing their experience in the Master’s of Social Work program.

Mia Wilson (Volunteer)

Hi Maverick family! My name is Mia Wilson. I graduated from UTA with my Bachelor's in University Studies back in 2022.This fall will be my first semester back at UTA as a graduate student getting my MSW. This will also be my first semester as a GSL, and I am looking forward to working with everyone. Fun fact about me is that I was a tour guide for UTA in my undergrad and know the campus and people very well!

My plan is to finish my master's and go on to work in Higher Education helping young adults adjust to the college lifestyle, all the while being a helping hand in a pivotal point in their life.

Holland Wynne (Volunteer)

Hello my name is Holland Wynne, I go by Holly for short. I'm currently in my first year as a grad student in Master of Social Work, I'm 22 years old. I received my B.S degree at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Psychology with a minor in criminal justice back in December of 2023 at 21 years old. I'm very excited to help everyone out this semester.