Executive Board: 2020 - 2021
Name: Wilmer Rivas
Position: President
Department: Adult Mental Health and Wellness, Military Social Work
“Hi, I wanted to serve on the board to connect with fellow students who are passionate about serving the military-connected community. My aim is to work with my fellow E-Board members to better prepare students to serve the needs of veterans and their families. One of my goals is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and provide mental health services to my fellow veterans.”
Name: Shanden Brutsch
Position: Vice-President
Department: Adult Mental Health and Wellness, Military Social Work Track
“Hi Everyone!
Being the daughter, niece, and granddaughter of veterans, I've seen first-hand how impactful service can be on the member and family unit. This is why my passion lies in working with this population and their families. I am so excited to be part of the e-board and connect with like-minded students who have the drive and brilliance to positively support our troops!
Last year while interning at the Torrance School District I worked with the Student Services Department to create a program to assist military-affiliated students and their families in the district. Thank you TUSD!!!
When my head isn't in front of a computer screen or a school book, you can find me surfing, volunteering for a non-profit that takes children with special needs surfing, photographing architecture, or spending time with family and friends. I hope to connect with you all at some point soon! Fight on!”
Name: Chantal Herrera
Position: Treasurer
Department: Adult Mental Health and Wellness, Military Social Work
“Hi everyone! I'm Chantal and I'm currently a second year AMHW student in the military social work track. As soon I learned about the caucus last year, I knew I had to join so that I could get to know my fellow social workers interested in working with our veterans and service members. Coming into the 2020/2021 year, I pursued a seat on the board intent on helping the caucus succeed in the new chapter of its book.
After graduation, I intend to take the necessary steps towards becoming an LCSW so that I can provide clinical social work services for our veterans, service members, and their families. I look forward to getting to know all of you!”
Name: Allen Shamon
Position: Secretary
Department: Adult Mental Health and Wellness, Military Social Work
"Hello everyone! I'm Allen and I'm currently a first year AMHW student in the military social work track. During my service, I deployed to Afghanistan as a medic where I witnessed first-hand the high human cost of war. Upon returning stateside, I saw a need for better therapeutic and rehabilitation services for myself and my fellow wingmen which became the initial step for me to pursue my MSW. I wanted to join the military social work caucus so that I can better get to know and connect with my fellow military social work students! My hope is that I and my fellow executive board members can create events that will benefit the military social work track students and that we can host opportunities to get to network and know each other better! After graduation, I intend to take the necessary steps to work in clinical therapy with the Department of Veteran Affairs or Department of Defense. I hope to see the caucus grow and get to know many more of you this year, fight on!"
Name: Gabi Lee
Position: Student Org. Representative
Department: Adult Mental Health and Wellness
"Hey Everyone! I'm Gabi (she/her/hers) and I am a first-year AMHW student with the hope of taking the military social work track next year.
I plan on working with our veterans, active personnel, & their families. I joined to get involved & find a community that shares the same passion. I think it is important to spread awareness of what military social workers do. Hopefully, I get to know many of you, even during this time online."
Name: Jennifer Avalos
Position: VAC Representative
Department: Adult Mental Health and Wellness, Military Social Work
“Hello Trojans!
I am an Army veteran who is currently married to an Active Duty Marine. I have experienced personally and professionally how service impacts my life and the life of my fellow veterans. My passion lies in helping veterans transition out of service and to assist veterans survivors with MST (known as military sexual trauma). I am so honored to be a part of this amazing e-board and to collaborate to further serve our military and veteran community.
I have been interning for an amazing organization called Year Up, where I am helping develop a department that specializes in working with adults with disabilities. I have developed a support group for MSW interns, along both an Expressive Arts Group and a parenting group to support my students.
When I am away, you can typically find me with my family, reading, and helping further social justice for military service members and veterans. I look forward to connecting with the Trojan family! “
Name: Jorge Marcia
Position: First-Year Representative
Department: Adult Mental Health & Wellness
“Hello Trojans!
My name is Jorge or George, whichever is easier to pronounce. I joined the Military Social Work Caucus because I want to connect with individuals that are as passionate about enhancing our Veterans and service members lives as I am. Furthermore, I want to be able to connect student Veterans with linkages that will help them during their time at USC or other schools. FIGHT ON!”✌️
“The highest human act is to inspire”
-Nipsey Hussle
Name: Stephanie Ballesteros
Position: Events & Fundraising Chair
Department: Children, Youth & Families
"Hi everyone! My name is Stephanie and I am a first-year MSW student in the CYF department, with the intent of pursuing the military social work track. In this current climate where everything is virtual, I really wanted to find a community of Trojans who also want to serve the military population – what better place to start than the MSWC? After earning my MSW, I plan on becoming an LCSW so that I can work with our veterans, service members, as well as their children and families.
In my spare time, I love hanging out with my two year old golden retriever, Lanikai, and expanding my already massive plant collection. I'm excited to meet all of you! Stay safe, and Fight On!"
