Aliento Staff

Miguel Gallardo, PsyD

Program Director and Professor, Aliento Program

Dr. Gallardo is a licensed clinical psychologist and a Professor of Psychology and Director of Aliento, The Center for Latinx Communities.  Prior to his tenure at Pepperdine, Dr. Gallardo was on staff at the University of California, Irvine Counseling Center where he taught courses in the Department of Social Ecology and provided direct clinical services.  

Dr. Gallardo has published in the areas of multicultural psychology, Latinx psychology, ethics and evidence-based practices, cultural humility, and racial color-limited perspectives.  He is currently a Series Editor for Cognella Academic Press’ Advances in Culture, Race, and Ethnicity book series.  Dr. Gallardo also regularly discusses issues relevant to understanding how we can develop more compassionate relationships with one another on his Cultural Humility podcast.  

Dr. Gallardo is past-president of the California Psychological Association and past chair of the Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Gallardo was appointed by Governor’s Schwarzenegger and Brown to serve two consecutive terms on the California Board of Psychology, which oversees the ethical and legal mandates and requirements for all licensed psychologists in the state of California, and where he served as Vice-President of the Board during his second term.  

Dr. Gallardo is currently serving a 5-year appointment on the Clergy Misconduct Oversight Board for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles (ADLA) and also on the Anti-Racism Taskforce Education Committee for the ADLA and the Diocese of Orange anti-racism committee.  Dr. Gallardo is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association.  Dr. Gallardo also has a master’s degree in theology with an emphasis in spirituality and ethics.

Claudia Melendez

Program Administrator and Academic Advisor, Aliento Program

Claudia Melendez is the Program Administrator and Academic Advisor for the Aliento Program at Pepperdine University. Claudia is a first-generation Latine who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Linguistics from UC Santa Cruz. After spending some time working in SoCal and within the Bay alongside different non-profit organizations supporting K-12 students, Claudia is excited to advocate and support students throughout their graduate journey so that they can thrive throughout their time at Pepperdine, and beyond. Outside of the office, Claudia enjoys watching movies, picking up new hobbies, and going to different cafes in search of a good chai.

Claudia Isela Serrano Gutierrez

Aliento Graduate Assistant 

Claudia Isela Serrano Gutierrez is a first-year graduate student in the Aliento Program at Pepperdine University, where she is committed to acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to enhance access to mental health care and support while also working to destigmatize mental health issues within Latinx communities. She is pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, specializing in marriage and family therapy. 

Drawing on her experiences as a DACA recipient and a first-generation Latina from a low-income background, Claudia strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment for her peers and faculty within the Aliento program. 

Her academic credentials include an Associate degree in Sociology from the College of Marin and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, with a minor in Latin American and Latino Studies, from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Claudia aspires to one day establish her private practice, providing therapy to underrepresented and migrant young adults and families empowering them to become leaders within their communities.

Ezra Perez-Lopez

Aliento Graduate Assistant

Ezra Perez-Lopez is a first-generation college student currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy with Latinx Communities at Pepperdine University. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento. She is passionate about fostering growth, healing, and empowerment through culturally responsive mental health care and community advocacy. For over a decade, she has worked to support youth and underserved communities, with a particular commitment to Latinx populations. She believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive. Originally from South Sacramento, California, she is proud to be involved with Aliento and other initiatives that promote equity, belonging, and opportunity. She looks forward to connecting, learning, and contributing to our community's success.

Edgar Rodriguez Espino

Aliento Graduate Assistant

Originally from Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, Edgar grew up in El Paso, Texas. He serves as a graduate assistant and is a student in the Aliento program. He is a therapist trainee for a non-profit organization that provides mental health services to the Orange County community. He plans to complete his Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy focused on Latine/x community in December 2026.

Edgar served for over 20 years in the United States Marine Corps, fulfilling military duties at Quantico, Virginia; San Diego, California; Okinawa, Japan; Beaufort, South Carolina; and Afghanistan.

He received a bachelor’s degree in applied sciences of psychology and a minor in counseling and social change from San Diego State University. His experiences and accomplishments have created a beacon of compassion and advocacy for mental health. Como un hijo del pueblo, he continues to respect, learn, and humbly serve a greater purpose than his own. 

In his free time, Edgar kicks the classic football “soccer” around, cuts grass & donates golf balls at the golf course, continues to lace up the go-fasters to hit the lefty righto leyo, and on special occasions, lights the lamp and sheds a tear for lord admiral nelson.

Sabrina Delgado Castellon
Aliento Enrollment Officer

Sabrina Delgado is a Mexican-American and first-generation college graduate from Los Angeles, CA. She serves as an Enrollment Services Officer at Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

MA in Clinical Psychology program (with Latinx Specialization)/ Aliento Program

Sabrina.Delgadocastellon@pepperdine.edu

310.568.2357