Monalisa Akwuruoha is a senior at Texas State University, majoring in Public Health with a minor in Health Informatics, and plans to graduate in Spring 2026. She has interned at Austin Public Health, where she supported the Medical Director in leading community-based initiatives focused on substance use disorders and overdose prevention. Monalisa leads as the President of Eta Sigma Gamma, spearheading health outreach efforts across campus to promote wellness and education. She brings a strong passion for health others, reducing healthcare disparities, and advancing equity through research and data-driven public health strategies. Her experience includes internships with Abbott Laboratories and Cone Bioproducts, along with contributing to prediabetes research. Monalisa plans to pursue a master’s degree in Health Informatics and build a career that bridges technology and public health to create more equitable, efficient, and impactful healthcare systems.
Phoenix Wright is a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Biology, with a minor in pre-medical studies and Psychology. Phoenix has been a research assistant with FESTA since Fall 2025. His research in developmental psychology has developed an interest in substance abuse prevention and mental health promotion. After graduating from Texas State University, Phoenix intends to pursue a Doctor of Medicine degree with a focus in Psycho-Oncology.
Faith Swanson is a senior pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Texas State University. Her academic and professional interests include how individual differences shape risk for mental health challenges, and how interventions can be tailored throughout the lifespan. Faith is passionate about understanding the complexities of psychological well-being and aims to pursue graduate training to become a licensed therapist, with the long-term goal of working directly with individuals navigating mental health challenges. In her free time, Faith loves to read classic literature and play with her two cats.
Victoria Lewis is an undergraduate student studying social work. She is halfway through her junior year at Texas State and is in Phase II of the social work program. After graduating with her BSW she plans to continue her education and pursue a master’s degree in social work. Victoria is passionate about mental health, and she hopes to one day be a licensed clinical social worker with her own private practice.
My name is Anna Dill, I am a 3rd year student at Texas State University. My major is All Level Special Education. Fun fact about me is that I grew up on a farm with cows, chickens, and pigs. I am looking forward to this program and reaching out to young minds with information that could or is impacting their lives.
Stephanie is a senior at Texas State University majoring in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Business. She plans on pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Her research interests include interpersonal relationships and substance misuse. In the fall, Stephanie plans on beginning her internship at the Austin Discovery School supporting students and their social emotional needs.
Bella Grasso is a junior at Texas State University majoring in Social Work. She plans to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) and become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Bella has a strong passion for working with children and adolescents and hopes to support their growth and well-being through clinical practice.
Baylor McDugle is an Undergraduate Assistant with the FESTA Program. Originally from The Woodlands, Texas, Baylor spent three years at Sam Houston State University before transferring to Texas State University to become a Bobcat. He is majoring in Exercise and Sports Science with plans to pursue a career in physical therapy, and he also has a background in kinesiology and public health. Passionate about connecting with the Hays County community, Baylor is especially dedicated to raising awareness and education around the fentanyl and drug crisis. He is excited to make a positive impact with both youth and adults through his role with FESTA.
Taylur Loera is a graduate student in the MAPR program at Texas State University. Taylur has been a research assistant with The FESTA Program since its launch in Fall 2025. Her work with FESTA has deepened her interest in substance use, community-based interventions, and expanding resources in underserved populations.
Madeline Wootan is an undergraduate studying Psychology and Criminal Justice. She works in a research lab that studies prevention and intervention in suicide. Her research interests include interpersonal needs, rumination, and interpersonal violence.
Scarlett Gransee is a second-year student in the MAPR Program at Texas State University. Scarlett graduated from Tulane University with a BS in Psychology and Neuroscience. Prior to her work as a graduate research assistant for the FESTA Program, she worked as a research assistant in substance use clinical trials at UT Health San Antonio and as a crisis counselor for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Her research interests include substance use, suicide, and help-seeking. After graduating from Texas State University, Scarlett plans to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology.
Diana Treviño holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Texas State University with a minor in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree. She leverages her invaluable lived experience in mental health and recovery, having earned both the Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS) and Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) certifications. Her professional focus is on advocating for marginalized populations, especially those navigating challenges related to her areas of personal experience. Diana maintains her well-being by practicing Buddhism, engaging in various outdoor activities, including hiking, bike riding, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and expanding her worldview through international travel.