Aliento Staff

Miguel Gallardo, PsyD

Program Director and Professor, Aliento Program

Dr. Gallardo is a Professor of Psychology and Program Director of Aliento, The Center for Latinx Communities at Pepperdine University. He is a licensed psychologist and maintains an independent/consultation practice where he conducts therapy, forensic/legal psychological assessments, and consults with organizations and universities on developing culturally responsive systems. He teaches courses on multicultural and social justice, intimate partner violence and professional practice issues.

Dr. Gallardo's areas of scholarship and research interests include understanding the psychotherapy process when working with ethnocultural communities, particularly the Latina/o community and in understanding the processes by which individuals develop cultural awareness and humility. Dr. Gallardo has published refereed journal articles, books, and book chapters in the areas of multicultural psychology, Latina/o psychology, ethics and evidence-based practices, cultural humility, and racial colorblindness. He is currently a Series Editor for Cognella Academic Press' Advances in Culture, Race, and Ethnicity book series.

Dr. Gallardo is currently Director of Research and Evaluation for the Multiethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies (MECCA), a non-profit organization dedicated to serving monolingual Arab, Farsi, Korean, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Spanish speaking communities. Dr. Gallardo served a 6-year Governor appointed licensed member of the California Board of Psychology. Dr. Gallardo is currently serving a 5-year appointment on the Clergy Misconduct Oversight Board for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Dr. Gallardo is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association.

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.

Ana Isela Arévalo

Aliento Graduate Assistant

 

Isela is a graduate student in the Aliento Program at Pepperdine University, where she is pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy within Latinx communities. She holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Chicana/o Studies from the University of California, Davis. Isela has gained professional experience working with diverse populations, particularly youths and young adults, in educational and mental wellness nonprofits. Her passion lies in expanding access to mental health services for the Latinx community and fostering positive therapeutic experiences.

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