Speaker Information

Dr. Kristcha DeGuerre, Ph.D., LCSW, is a distinguished scholar and mental health professional, currently serving as an assistant professor at Galen University and the program coordinator of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program. In addition to her academic leadership, she is the mental health counselor at Galen University, where she provides essential support to individuals facing trauma and mental health challenges. Dr. DeGuerre also serves as the faculty chair for the first LGBTQ+ support group for students in Belize.

Dr. DeGuerre earned her doctoral degree from the prestigious University at Albany’s School of Social Welfare, with research focusing on gang-involved women and girls, mental health, and trauma. Her work employs qualitative methodologies and a feminist lens to highlight the experiences of marginalized populations in Belize including gang-involved girls. Her dissertation work was honored with the prestigious Distinguished Doctoral Dissertation Award. Where the innovative art-based life narrative methodology that she created is now being applied in both in clinical and research settings, earning recognition for its effectiveness in trauma processing and healing.

She has a forthcoming published chapter in Visual Methodologies and Methods for Caribbean Research and has conducted extensive policy analyses and published articles in the United States on the child welfare system, specifically examining childhood neglect and advocating for the integration of culturally relevant practices, as well as addressing the over-policing of marginalized populations.

As a clinician, Dr. DeGuerre specializes in gendered issues surrounding violence and discrimination, reinforcing her commitment to advancing mental health advocacy and social justice. Her interdisciplinary career reflects her dedication to effecting positive change, both in academia and in the lives of those navigating mental health challenges and societal inequities.

Speaker Information

Dr. Erica McIntosh is a licensed clinical social work supervisor, US Air Force veteran, private practice owner and assistant professor from California Baptist University with a focus on research, practice, and the promotion of mental and physical health equity. Dr. McIntosh has extensive experience speaking at conferences and with organizations (hospital, community-based care, county social services events, and VA healthcare system settings) about substance use disorders, dual diagnosis, veteran health, and maternal health. Dr. McIntosh’s practice, Unapologetic Therapy and Consulting, specializes in individual therapy focusing on mood and trauma related disorders with an intersectional lens, substance use disorders, and consultation. Dr. McIntosh recently published two chapters in textbook, Infusing Social Justice into Social Science Practice, focusing on Intersectionality and Intersecting Identities. Dr. McIntosh’s current research areas include the NAEBOR Clinic with Mommy and Me that focuses on Black Maternal Health in Rialto, CA , and veteran mental health.

Speaker Information

Education: Fermin obtained a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Northeastern State University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a focus in clinical social work (Counseling) from the University of Oklahoma.

Work: Fermin has worked in the social sector both in Belize and in the U.S.A. for over thirty-five years as a social worker—in Belize his work focused on residential/custodial care for children in conflict with the law and was the Director of the Community Rehabilitation Department in the Ministry of Human Development for many years until his departure in 2009. While at the University of Belize (UB) since August of 2010 he collaborated and published work in the areas of HIV (Prevalence and Patterns of HIV/AIDS Risk Factors in Recovering Addicts: Empirical evidence for intervention strategies) and in drug use (Prevalence and pattern of drug use among 3rd Form students at secondary schools in Belize City). As a lecturer, he teaches a broad range of courses within the social work program with a preference for practice courses, policy and social work and the law. His community service is primarily done with agencies that focus on child welfare, undertaking a variety of roles from supporting program evaluation, providing training for institutional capacity building to providing direct counseling services to underprivileged families and especially children.

At UB Fermin has held several administrative roles, Coordinator and Chair at the department level on several occasions and served on several committees, team leader for the 1st and only program review conducted to date and is currently a member of the current program review team and member of the review team for the Criminal Justice and Criminology Program being developed by the Faculty of Business.

Speaker Information

Dr. Carol Babb is a veteran educator, administrator, and advocate with over four decades of experience dedicated to advancing education and equity in Belize. A former Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Dr. Babb has played a pivotal role in shaping national policies to improve access, quality, and the overall delivery of education across the country. Her leadership has extended from classroom teaching to managing over 350 teachers as General Manager of Anglican Primary Schools, and later influencing national reforms from the Ministry’s highest ranks.

Dr. Babb is also a passionate proponent of financial literacy. As Country Director for Peacework Belize, she has led programs such as Financial Literacy Training for schools, the Annual Youth Innovation Challenge, and the Youth Leadership Council. In collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers, she helped integrate financial literacy into Belize’s primary school curriculum, developing key educational resources along the way.

Her advocacy for education extends beyond administration. As a published author, she has written a series of children’s storybooks that teach financial literacy through the relatable character “Jacito.” A former President of the Belize National Teachers Union and a long-serving Justice of the Peace, Dr. Babb has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service, education reform, and youth empowerment.

Dr. Babb holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from Oklahoma State University, a Master’s in Secondary Education from the University of North Florida, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Her legacy is one of unwavering dedication to creating equal opportunities through learning.

Speaker Information

Rev. Dr. Charles Lee-Johnson’s story is rooted in his upbringing in Los Angeles, CA, where he developed a deep commitment to social justice and community empowerment. His educational journey took him through Dorsey High School, Morehouse College, UCLA, and United Theological Seminary, where he honed his skills and knowledge in sociology, social welfare, and ministry.

As an accomplished author, speaker, and trainer, Dr. Lee-Johnson specializes in anti-racism, DEI, resilience, and team building. His career is marked by significant achievements, including serving as the founding Associate Dean for the Division of Social Work at California Baptist University and developing the nationally recognized Ten Step Rites of Passage Program for at-risk youth and families.

Currently, he serves as the CEO of The Children’s Collective Inc. in Los Angeles, and Pastor of The Life Church in Riverside, CA, a thriving, justice-oriented ministry that he founded in 2020. Dr Lee-Johnson’s work has been recognized with numerous commendations from prestigious entities, highlighting his impact on social work, education, and community development.

Speaker Information

Azalia Gongora Larrieu is a dedicated mental health therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Belize with the Ministry of Health, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist. She is a second year doctoral student pursuing a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) in Trauma-Informed Leadership and Practice at Barry University, where she currently serves as a Graduate Assistant. Her clinical and academic focus emphasizes trauma-informed care and the integration of mind and body in therapeutic practices.

With a specialization in trauma, Azalia utilizes a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Integrative art based therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to name a few. Her interventions highlight the critical connection between mental and physical health, empowering clients to heal and thrive.

Azalia has extensive expertise in planning academic conferences, and collaborating with international organizations. She is proud to also serve as Vice President of the Mental Health Association, where she advocates for mental health awareness and supports initiatives aimed at improving access to mental health care in Belize.

With over ten years of experience as an educator at the University of Belize, Azalia lectures in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Social Work Department. She has provided clinical and administrative supervision to social work students, interns, and professionals, fostering their growth and development. Currently, Azalia is the Chair of the Social Work Department, Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Belize.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Murray State University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Western Kentucky University, USA. As a clinician, she works with individuals and groups throughout the lifespan. She is passionate about helping others reach their full potential through compassionate trauma-informed care.

Speaker Information

Employed at CBU for the past 7years teaching the following courses: Social Welfare Policy, Program Planning and Evaluation, Human Behavior, Foundational and Advanced Social Work practicum, and Comprehensive Program Proposals for DSW students.
Advisor, Phi Alpha Honor Society, DELTA KAPPA NU chapter.
Faculty senate, working with faculty council to enhance excellence in teaching, service and scholarship; address faculty academic concerns.
Judicial Review Board member, addressing issues related to academic dishonesty, sexual harassment.
Currently Serve as co-chair for the Counsel of Social Work Education (CSWE) and program planning meeting for the Violence Against Women and their Children track.
Social work professor over 20 years of experience teaching at Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California teaching social policy, law and ethics and Field Practicum courses. Served as representative between California State University and Loma Linda university in partnership with San Bernardino County Department of Children and Family Services and Riverside county Department of Socia Services promoting MSW programs to better serve children and families experiencing child abuse and neglect.
Worked for Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, Children Services Division over 20 years in various capacities: Supervising Emergency Response social workers, Family Reunification social worker, social workers supervising children in placement with biological parents, and social workers whose main role was to arrange for permanent placement for children who could not be reunified with families; worked with Juvenile Court and law enforcement to protect and unify families whenever possible.
Senior Program specialist developing and analyzing policies child welfare and adult Services programs.