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.