Amy S. Garrett, Ph.D
Principal Investigator, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Co-appointment in Department of Radiology
Director, Department of Psychiatry Neuroimaging Core
My research goal is to understand the neural changes that accompany psychotherapy for children with symptoms of anxiety and mood dysregulation. My recently completed K01 award used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate changes in brain function following Trauma Focused Cognitive Therapy for adolescents with symptoms of post traumatic stress. I also collaborate with researchers at Stanford University and UCLA to study the neural changes following Family Focused Therapy for children with mood dysregulation who are at familial risk for bipolar disorder.
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Brian E. Armenta, Ph.D
TF-CBT Research Scientist
Brian earned his B.A. in Psychology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and his Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He has a background in multicultural social and developmental psychology. Before joining UT Health San Antonio, he held academic roles at the University of Missouri and UT San Antonio.
At UT Health, Brian works as a research scientist supporting ongoing studies focused on adolescent mental health, particularly posttraumatic stress. His role includes data collection, management, and analysis.
Outside of work, Brian enjoys traveling, live music, and relaxing at home with his cat, Joaquin.
Alexa Ayala, BS
CTRN Research Assistant
Alexa Ayala graduated from UT Rio Grande Valley with a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice in 2021.Alexa is currently attending UT San Antonio under the College of Education and Human Development, pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Previously, Alexa has worked with youth and adolescents from her experience as a case manager for Tropical Texas Behavioral Health Services in the Rio Grande Valley. She began at UT Health San Antonio in 2023 and has worked in the research program focusing on PTSD treatment in youth and adolescents.
She plans to work with youth and adolescents in a counseling setting once fully licensed as an LPC.
Anissa Belford, BS
CTRN Research Coordinator
Anissa Belford graduated with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University (Gig ’em!). During her undergraduate studies, she completed a biomedical research program while working full-time and actively giving back to the community through a service-based organization.
She began at UT Health San Antonio in 2022 and has worked in multiple research programs, all focusing on PTSD treatment in adolescents.
Anissa’s future career goal is to apply to and be accepted into an accredited PA program, specializing in pediatric psychiatry.
Francine Gamez, MS, LPC, CCLS, NCC
TF-CBT Therapist
Francine Gamez is a Licensed Professional Counselor and trained therapist in Trauma- Focus -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( TF-CBT) She earned her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas San Antonio in 2021. Francine has worked with UT Health since 2023. Francine is dedicated to helping children and adolescents heal from the effects of trauma.
Francine is committed to expanding her clinical expertise , she attends ongoing training and supervision to build and enhance diverse therapeutic approaches.
Mariel C. Garcia, BS, LMSW
TF-CBT Research Area Specialist
Mariel Garcia graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a B.S. in Social Work and a minor in Sociology. She went on to earn her Master of Social Work from Aurora University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the state of Texas with experience supporting youth and families in both clinical and community-based settings.
Outside of work, Mariel enjoys painting, traveling, and caring for her cats, Colby and Blue.
Juliana Juarez, BA
CTRN Research Assistant
Juliana Juarez graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and Minor in Sociology from Texas State University. She is passionate about working with children and adolescents in the mental health field, and worked at Children’s Hospital Colorado for three years as a Behavioral Health Specialist before this role.
Juliana will be attending The University of Texas at Austin in the fall to pursue her Master’s of Science in Social Work. Her future career goal is to work as a Social Worker and Therapist within the child and adolescent mental health field.
Mercedes Ramirez, MD, MPS
CTRN Co-Investigator
Mercedes Ramirez graduated from Long Island University for her undergraduate degree. She then went on to obtain her M.D. at Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez.
Mercedes is a Research Teacher and mentor to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellows and students rotating through the Research Consortium program.
Gabriela A. Rodriguez, MS
TF-CBT Program Coordinator
Gabriela Rodriguez earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas in San Antonio. In 2020, she completed her M.S. in the Science of Psychology from the Texas A&M International University in Laredo.
Before stepping into her current role, Gaby gained valuable experience in psychometrics, assisting with psychological testing, scoring, interpretation, and report writing.
Outside of work, Gaby enjoys spending quality time with her dog, Pavlov, diving into new books, and watching scary movies.
Megan E. Schaefer, MS, LPC, NCC
TF-CBT Therapist
Megan Schaefer is a Texas State Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). She received her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Graduate Certificate in Integrated Behavioral Healthcare from the University of Texas at San Antonio in August 2022.
Previously, Megan worked with the WE CARE Clinic and is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy).
Prior to becoming an LPC, Megan was a Texas Board Certified Mental Health Peer Specialist and has experience working in community mental health and in non-profit organizations.
Linden Williamson, BS
TF-CBT Research Assistant
Linden is a UTHSCSA PREP Scholar and works as a research assistant in the lab. She graduated from Texas Lutheran University in 2024 with dual degrees in neuroscience and biochemistry.
In her free time, she enjoys competing in paratriathlon and taking care of her three-legged dog Avery.
Linden hopes to begin a clinical psychology PhD program this fall.