2024-2025 Board Members

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[Front: From Left to Right] Penelope Galvez-Obando, Joaquin Alvarez-Bautista,
​Karisa Odrunia, and Ariadna Gutierrez
[Back] Carter Causse
Vice President | Carter Causse
​Hey y'all! My name is Carter Causse and I am a second-year doctoral student. For this year I am serving as your 2024-2025 Vice President!

I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Before coming to UNLV, I graduated from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. I graduated in the Fall of 2022 with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Neuroscience and Family Studies. After graduating, I worked as a Registered Behavioral Technician before moving to Las Vegas. I was introduced to School Psychology during undergrad through one of my mentors and I fell in love with the unique position that we have in helping and advocating for kids and their families. I also serve as a graduate assistant to the Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services Department.
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Outside of school, I love pretty much playing and watching any kind of sport, mainly football (Raiders fan), hockey (Penguins fan), and motorsport (basically anything with four wheels). I love being active and getting out and making new memories! I’m excited to meet everyone and help any way I can!
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​Secretary | Joaquin Alvarez-Bautista
My name is Joaquin Alvarez-Bautista and I am third-year doctoral student in the school psychology program. I grew up on the central coast in California among a family of educators in a primarily latinx population. After high school, I spent several years on the east coast getting my undergraduate degree in Cognitive Neuroscience and volunteering with students with disabilities before returning to the golden coast to get my master's degree in School Psychology at CSU Monterey Bay. I worked as a paraprofessional and a long-term SPED substitute throughout my masters and became even more passionate about making sure that minoritized students and their families receive equitable support and treatment within the school system. I decided to pursue a doctorate because I pretty much only know how to be a student. My research area is related to gender and sexual minority youths and school policy, but I am equally as passionate about school practices and policies that impact BIPOC and multilingual students. I also serve as the GA for UNLV PRACTICE's Psychological Assessment and Testing Clinic (PATC) where I manage the day-to-day administration and work behind the scenes to help the School Psychology program collaborate with both the Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Psychology programs. Outside of student life, I enjoy spending my time playing video games, doing puzzles, watching drag, and camping. ​​
2023-2024 Past President | Jessenia Reyes
Hi everyone!  My name is Jessenia Reyes, and I was the 2023-2024 SASP President. I am originally from Colorado, born and raised, and moved to Las Vegas about two years ago, I have to say the transition to the heat has been rough! I received my bachelor’s in Psychology from Colorado Mesa University. After graduation, I worked in an elementary school as a behavior specialist and director of our behavior program. I was later introduced to our school psychologist, who became my mentor and introduced me to the world of school psychology! Being a first-generation Mexican American, I felt the need to be an advocate at a very age. I found myself searching for a career that would allow me to help cultivate change. As future school psychologists, I feel we are in the best position to advocate for students and their families.
Welcome to SASP!! 😊
Ed.S Student Representative | Coming Soon
Coming soon!

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President | Karisa Odrunia
Hello hello, and welcome to SASP! My name is Karisa Odrunia, and I am a fourth-year doctoral student in the school psychology program. For this year, I am your 2024-2025 President!
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​I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines before coming to the United States. During my undergraduate years, I was a research assistant in four different labs and was involved in several studies ranging from psychopathy in adults, facial processing in infants and children, schizophrenia, childhood trauma, and many more! I graduated from UNLV in the fall of 2019 with a bachelors in Psychology and minors in Neuroscience and Criminal Justice. Following my college years, I decided to take  a year off where I worked as a registered behavioral technician providing 1:1 behavioral therapy for children with autism. My involvement assisting and contributing to research along with my cultivated experiences working with children have led me to seek higher education and be a part of the school psychology field! I have also served as a graduate assistant support specialist for the UNLV Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach (CAEO) providing academic advising and encouragement to students from diverse backgrounds. Currently, I provide therapy and psychodiagnostic services working with children and adults as a part of my advanced practicum experience.

Outside of school, you can catch me collecting Funko! Pops, watching Marvel shows and movies, or engaging in Krav Maga! I'm very excited to know each and every one of you, and help out in any way I can. :)
Treasurer | Ariadna Gutierrez
Hi! My name is Ariadna Gutierrez and I am this year’s Treasurer. In 2022, I graduated from Brigham Young University - Idaho where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Business Management. When reflecting on my undergraduate years, I came to the realization that my favorite part was listening to and understanding others. In search of a career that had room for my passion for learning and compassion, I stumbled upon school psychology and knew that it was where I wanted to make a positive lasting impact on others. Growing up in Las Vegas to immigrant parents, I witnessed them overcome their adversities with resilience and courage. As they stressed the importance of education, I became an advocate for education and the empowerment that it offers. As a future school psychologist, I look forward to creating a positive and effective learning environment where students can succeed. 

​Outside of school, you can find me exercising, spending time with my husband, and cooking new recipes.
Communications and Social Media Director |
​Penelope Galvez-Obando
Hi everyone, my name is Penelope and I am this year‘s Communications and Social Media Director! I was born and raised here in Las Vegas and graduated from UNLV with my bachelor's degree in Psychology. I was originally majoring in Radiology, but realized what I loved most was learning about the mind and working with children, so I switched over to Psychology with the goal of going to graduate school for School Psychology. As the child of two immigrant parents and the first college graduate in my family, I felt a strong connection to School Psychology and working to make sure that students' voices are heard.  I am honored to call Las Vegas my home and I am motivated to be working with people in the community that made me the person I am. 

During my free time, I like to explore new spots in the city and the outdoors. My newest obsessions are tennis and pickleball.

I am excited to get to know you all! Welcome to SASP!
Ph.D Student Representative |  Coming Soon
Coming soon!
Faculty Advisor | Dr. Katherine Lee