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 clients 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 Fleckenstein (Volunteer)

Hello everyone! My name is Alyssa Fleckenstein 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.

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.

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

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 !!!

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.

Schmona Shepherd (Volunteer)

Hello everyone! My name is Schmona Shepherd, and I am currently in my second semester as a foundation student in the MSW program here at UTA. I graduated from Monroe University in 2018 with a BBA and an AAS in Health Service Administration. I was born and raised in Guyana, which is located in South America, currently I reside in New York City.

Throughout my career, I’ve held various roles in Administration, Direct Patient Care, and Child and Youth Development. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, writing, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family.

I am deeply passionate about supporting children and families. As a mother to a vibrant four-year-old boy, I’ve learned to see life through a new lens. As your GSL, I am here to connect, network, and offer my assistance whenever you need it. My primary goal is to provide you with the resources and support you need to succeed during your time at UTA.

I look forward to working with you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Elwim Sorto (Volunteer)

Hi everyone! I’m Elwim E. Sorto (he/him/his), and I’m excited to begin my Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program in Spring 2024 at just 20 years old! As a proud first-generation college student, veteran, published author, and co-founder/CEO of The Queer Social Work Association, I’m deeply passionate about advocacy and creating equitable spaces for marginalized communities. This semester is especially meaningful as it marks my first as a Graduate Student Leader (GSL).

I currently serve as the School of Social Work Senator and a board member of the Intercultural Student Programming Board, where I work to amplify diverse voices. One of my proudest achievements was raising the first transgender flag in the School of Social Work—an important milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion.

Specializing in CAP, I aim to influence policies that empower underserved populations and expand LGBTQ+ representation in social work. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a doctorate and drive systemic change through research and policy development.

Outside of academics, I enjoy celebrating beauty, confidence, and creativity, exploring trends, and making unforgettable memories with my best friend. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need ANYTHING. I’m excited to work with you ALL and make this an incredible and meaningful semester together!