2022-2023 Board Members

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[From Left to Right] Taylor Milner, Karisa Odrunia, Julia Maranville, Nicole Torres, Jessenia Reyes
Vice President | Jessenia Reyes
Hi everyone!  My name is Jessenia Reyes, and I am your 2022-2023 Vice President. I am originally from Colorado, born and raised, and moved to Las Vegas about a year 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!! 😊
Secretary | Nicole Torres
Hello School Psychers and future SASP members! My name is Nicole Torres and I will be your SASP secretary this year! I am originally from New York, but moved to Las Vegas when I was twelve-years-old. My college journey has definitely been a long one. I initially majored in biology in hopes of eventually becoming a cardiologist. However, at some point I decided to switch to kinesiology because so I could pursue physical therapy. While on this path, I took Developmental Psychology: Adolescence and Adulthood and Abnormal Psychology. These courses eventually helped me find my love for the field of psychology. After graduating with a degree in kinesiology and a two year hiatus, I came back to pursue psychology. During this time, I was able to reflect upon my own experiences growing up and in school. I soon realized that I wanted to do something where I could work towards making school a better place for all children. More specifically, I wanted a career that would allow me to support children, families, and help guide other educational personnel toward creating a safe, positive, and inclusive school environment. After much searching, I came across our school psychology program and knew it would help me in achieving this goal. Now, I am a second-year Ed.S student and am beyond happy to have found my way to the field. When I am not at school or studying, you can find me drawing, blasting music, running after my puppy, or attempting to figure out my Rubik’s cube. I am very excited to meet and work with all of you and continue making your experience in SASP a great one both as a mentor and a friend! ​
2022-2023  Past President | Nicole Martinez 
Hello everyone, my name is Nicole Martinez, and I was the 2021-2022 SASP President! I am originally from a very small town in California where my graduating class was under 300, so being in Las Vegas has been quite an experience! During my time in CA, I completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a concentration in Child Development. In almost all of my jobs, I have worked with children in some capacity. From cheer coach, to dance instructor, to paraprofessional, and behavior specialist….I have always had a passion for working with youth. This passion led me to pursue higher education and is how I ended up as a third-year student in the Ph.D. School Psychology program and Past President of SASP!

As you get to know me, you’ll see I have an affinity for all things crystals, cosmos, and cats! I practice yoga, meditation, rock-climbing, music, dance, and plant care. I hold a deep belief that growth is not linear and looks wildly different for everyone. Whether it’s academics, research, self-care, or something else, I hope to take my passion for mentoring and help each one of our SASP members grow to exceed the expectations they had for themselves while building a community of empowered and compassionate leaders in school psychology. Namaste😊​
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President | Julia Maranville
My name is Julia Maranville, and I cannot wait to serve as your 2022-2023 SASP President! 

A little about me: I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and moved to Las Vegas in 2016 to start my bachelors degree in Psychology and Human Services here at UNLV. Before completing my undergraduate degree in 2020, I spent my last semester of college studying abroad in Valencia, Spain (always happy to exchange travel stories!). Currently,  I am in my third year of the School Psychology PhD program. My life-long love and desire to work with children and help create equitable opportunities while addressing mental health needs lead me to the field of school psychology. 

Aside from my love for working with children, I am an avid gym-goer, enjoy getting out and meeting new people, and love to get outdoors in any way possible! I am greatly looking forward to our journey through the school psychology program together, and am excited to get to know each of you.
Treasurer | Taylor Milner 
Hello friends! My name is Taylor Milner and I am so excited to be your SASP Treasurer for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year! I was born and raised here in Las Vegas, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UNLV in 2018. After graduating, I was still unsure about what I wanted to do, so I decided to explore my lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. I began my teaching career as a 6th grade science teacher and eventually moved on to become a special education teacher. During my time teaching, I realized just how passionate I was about the career; this inspired me to want to put myself in a position where I could do more and advocate on behalf of all the teachers out there. That drive led me to my current journey in the field of school psychology where I am now in my third year of the PhD program. Some things I love include: cats, plants, yoga, reading, pole fitness, cooking and spending time outside. I am looking forward to getting to know you all and figuring out how to navigate through the exciting world of school psychology together!
Communications and Social Media Director | Karisa Odrunia
Hello hello, and welcome to SASP! My name is Karisa Odrunia, and I am a second-year doctoral student in the school psychology program. For this year, I am your 2022-2023 Communications and Social Media Director!

​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! Currently, I also serve 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.

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. :)

Ph.D Student Representative |  Jessica Carr
Hello! My name is Jessica Carr and I'm a first-year doctoral student in the school psychology program at UNLV. I am so excited to be here and to get to know everyone in our community over the course of this academic year! A little about me: I was born and raised in Philadelphia, and lived there for the first 28 years of my life. I earned a BA in geography from West Chester University in 2007, with the intention of going into city planning. I started graduate school at Temple University, but quickly realized it wasn't for me. I switched into the education department after my first semester and graduated with a Masters in Education in 2010. I then spent 10 years teaching (mostly Kindergarten) in a variety of school settings across three states. In June 2020, I left teaching to move back to Philadelphia for my family. During that time I earned a graduate certificate in education policy from Drexel University, which really got me thinking about graduate school. Through my years of teaching I developed a deep passion for SEL, as well as creating and implementing interventions for my students. I deeply enjoyed the collaborative nature of supporting students with IEPs and additional needs. Also, some of my strongest student-teacher relationships have been with students who needed extra emotional and behavioral support. With all of that in mind, I decided school psychology was my next professional chapter in life. I am very grateful and beyond thrilled to be here at UNLV with all you school psychers! 

In my free time you'll most likely find me watching tv, particularly Philly sports, comedies, and anything in the sci-fi/horror/fantasy genre. I also still have my original PS3 from 2006 and I love playing video games when I can find the time. I also enjoy listening to all kinds of music, being out in nature/hiking, lifting at the gym, cooking and baking, trying new restaurants and foods, playing board and party games, and traveling as much as possible. 
Ed.S Student Representative | Kevin DeSoto
Hello everyone! My name is Kevin DeSoto and I am happy to serve as this year’s Ed.S Student Representative! I am a first-year Ed.S student and am very excited for the journey ahead. A little about me: I was born on the small island of Guam, but raised in Las Vegas since the age of 5. I received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UNLV in 2020. I discovered my passion for working with children when I volunteered as a youth baseball coach. Seeing the resiliency of the kids and their excitement when they would finally conquer a difficult task was the thing I enjoyed the most. I currently work as a Psychological Services Assistant for CCSD, and it was here where I was introduced to the field of school psychology. I was immediately intrigued by the versatility of the profession. Not only do school psychologists play a vital role in our student’s lives, but I truly believe that school psychologists have the potential to impact the education system as a whole. On a personal level, I really enjoy the outdoors, sports, coffee, conversations and quality time with loved ones. I am really looking forward to getting to know all of you!
Faculty Advisor | Dr. Samuel Song