DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Home DSW Candidates Nancy Correa Centeno

Nancy Correa Centeno

MSW, RCSWI, Doctoral Candidate

Clinical interventions for Hispanic immigration school aged children, what we need to know about their Immigration and migration trauma.

Concentration - Clinical Social Work

Abstract

Immigrant Latin/Hispanic youth are at a heightened risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological issues due to their migration experiences. Hispanic students who relocate to the United States encounter inadequate support within the public education system. The traumatic journey from their homeland to a new location presents significant challenges regarding the mental health resources offered in schools and limits access to clinical assistance. Moreover, Latin/Hispanic youth migrating to the U.S. continue to experience adverse situations both during and after their settlement, including poverty, language barriers, economic strains, parental separation due to loss or persecution, imprisonment, and a disconnect from their cultural heritage, all of which hinder their integration into the local community. It is expected that all students should receive equivalent support from school systems regarding mental health services. However, this capstone presentation emphasizes the research available on current clinical approaches targeting Hispanic immigrant students. It examines the existing school policies and the difficulties faced by immigrant students in the United States. The significance of this research arises from documented evidence of the challenges Latin/Hispanic immigrant students encounter while pursuing equitable education and the research-informed clinical strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, that practitioners are utilizing to improve the mental health of these students.

Biography

Nancy Correa Centeno is pursuing her doctorate with a focus on clinical social work at the University of Kentucky. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of South Florida. She obtained her master’s degree in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. Nancy has served as a school social worker within the Pasco County School District for several years. She spearheads the district bilingual program, significantly impacting the Spanish-speaking families it supports. Nancy is dedicated to promoting student success by partnering with leaders from the Latin community. Her work has taken her to multiple Latin American countries, where she has positively influenced at-risk communities by providing essential school resources and mental health interventions. Furthermore, she is an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida. Nancy teaches undergraduate and graduate social work courses within the College of Behavioral and Community Science.

Nancy’s research centers on Hispanic immigrant youth who are at a heightened risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological issues stemming from adverse experiences during the migration process and settlement trauma. Her research underscores the importance of assessment, treatment, and policy formulation within educational frameworks. Both her research and practice are grounded in anti-racism principles. The National Organization of Forensic Social Work conference will showcase Nancy's research proposal.