Romi Penheiro

• Asian
• International/immigrant students or workers
• Bilingual/multilingual
• LGBTQ+
• Individuals from a socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g., individuals who were or are currently homeless or in the foster care system; were eligible for federal food and nutrition programs [for 2 or more years]; were eligible for Pell grants; received WIC; have/had no parents or legal guardians who completed a bachelor's degree; grew up in a rural or low-income area)

• Student/Trainee Assistant
• Student/Trainee Scholarship
• SPS Conference Mentor

• Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (Afternoon)
• Thursday, June 12, 2025 (Morning)
• Thursday, June 12, 2025 (Afternoon)
• Saturday, June 14, 2025 (Morning)

During the 2024–2025 academic year, I served as the Houston Neuropsychological Society (HNS) graduate student liaison. In this role, I participated in board meetings to represent student interests and contributed to decision-making processes that supported student development. I facilitated a partnership between the HNS board and the Psi Chi Honor Society at the University of Houston by recognizing the need to promote neuropsychology among underrepresented undergraduate students. This collaboration resulted in a workshop aimed at demystifying pathways into the field, covering patient care, training, research, and administrative roles. This initiative aligns with the Relevance 2050 Initiative of the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, which seeks to promote diversity and inclusivity in the field.

In addition, I organized social events that fostered connections between neuropsychology experts and students. This includes the Fall and Spring session's speed-mentoring event. This event offered students opportunities to network with faculty and professionals while gaining insights into career development. My outreach efforts have contributed to a significant increase in HNS membership, with more undergraduate members from diverse backgrounds joining the society this year than ever before.

Beyond my work with HNS, I volunteer as a graduate student mentor through the Psyching’ Out program, where I guide underrepresented students in pursuing careers in clinical neuropsychology. For example, one of the students I mentored successfully gained admission to Pepperdine University’s graduate program. These experiences reflect my commitment to advancing pluralistic viewpoints and increasing diversity within neuropsychology.

During my first clinical practicum, I faced significant challenges working with clients who experienced systemic inequities and traumas. Hearing clients narrate experiences of injustice, including systemic inequality and intimate partner violence, evoked intense emotional responses in me. At times, I found it difficult to remain fully present during therapy sessions, as I grappled with feelings of anger and helplessness. I quickly recognized that allowing my emotions to take over was counterproductive to providing effective care and supporting my clients.

To address this barrier, I actively sought to develop skills that would help me balance empathy with professionalism. I studied motivational interviewing techniques, drawing on foundational texts such as Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick. These resources guided me in practicing unconditional positive regard and maintaining a client-centered approach. I also sought supervision and engaged in self-reflection to explore my emotional reactions and biases. These strategies enabled me to shift my focus back to the clients' needs, ensuring that sessions were productive and therapeutic.

One particularly impactful case involved a client who had experienced multiple instances of intimate partner violence. The details of their trauma were deeply distressing, and I initially struggled to manage my overwhelming empathy. By applying the skills I had developed, I was able to stay present, validate their experiences, and guide them through therapeutic interventions tailored to their needs. This experience underscored the importance of managing my own emotional responses to serve clients effectively. Through perseverance, I overcame my initial difficulties and grew into a more effective and compassionate trainee clinician. This process not only strengthened my ability to work with marginalized clients but also reinforced my commitment to providing equitable and empathetic care. I became better equipped to help clients navigate their barriers and achieve meaningful progress by addressing my own emotional and professional challenges.

Attending this conference will provide me with valuable opportunities for professional development and knowledge sharing, benefiting both my growth and the broader neuropsychology community. For example, participating in the Student and Training Directors’ Hour will allow me to engage directly with training directors, gaining insights into advanced training pathways and requirements. Additionally, networking at the AACN Reception and Scientific Poster Session will expose me to the latest research findings, helping me stay informed about cutting-edge advancements in neuropsychology.

I am particularly excited to attend the sessions on Neuropsychology of Addiction: Implications and Recommendations for Practice and Innovating Neuropsychology: Practical Strategies for Integrating Digital Technologies in Research and Practice. These topics address areas that are not extensively covered in my current graduate training at the University of Houston and will broaden my understanding of contemporary challenges and innovations in the field.

Beyond my personal growth, the knowledge I gain from this conference will benefit my academic and professional communities. I plan to bring these learnings back to my lab at the University of Houston, where I can integrate new concepts into ongoing research projects. Also, I will share insights with my peers in the clinical neuropsychology program, fostering collaborative discussions about how to apply emerging practices to clinical settings. As a board member of the Houston Neuropsychology Society, I will also have the opportunity to disseminate this information to a wider audience of students and professionals, encouraging the adoption of innovative strategies within the local neuropsychology community.

Ultimately, attending this conference will enhance my clinical and research competencies while enabling me to contribute meaningfully to advancing neuropsychology as a diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking field.

As a queer, Bangladeshi immigrant and international student fluent in four languages, I bring lived experience of navigating professional spaces with multiple intersecting marginalized identities. These experiences have taught me how intimidating conferences can be for those from underrepresented backgrounds. As a mentor at the AACN Annual Meeting, I aim to provide a supportive and empowering environment by meeting mentees at their comfort levels, offering guidance that is empathetic, inclusive, and tailored to their unique challenges. My goal is to demystify the neuropsychology field and create meaningful connections that encourage mentees to thrive.

My prior mentorship experiences reflect my commitment to equity and advocacy. Through the Psyching’ Out program, I guided underrepresented students in applying to clinical neuropsychology graduate programs, with one mentee successfully gaining admission to Pepperdine University. Also, as a graduate liaison for the Houston Neuropsychological Society (HNS), I spearheaded initiatives to educate underrepresented undergraduate students about neuropsychology, partnering with the Psi Chi Honor Society to lead workshops on patient care, research, training, and professional development. These efforts not only helped demystify the field but also inspired diverse students to pursue neuropsychology careers.

Attending the AACN Annual Meeting would enable me to further develop my mentorship skills in a unique, short-term capacity. By mentoring neuropsychology trainees during the conference, I will gain practical experience in supporting future professionals. This is a skill essential for my long-term goal of becoming an academic professor at an R1 institution. The experience of mentoring at the conference will prepare me to foster the growth of neuropsychology trainees and equip me to create inclusive learning environments that empower the next generation of scholars.

Beyond mentorship, the AACN Annual Meeting represents an unparalleled opportunity to deepen my knowledge and expand my professional network. Sessions like Innovating Neuropsychology: Practical Strategies for Integrating Digital Technologies in Research and Practice and Neuropsychology of Addiction: Implications and Recommendations for Practice address gaps in my current training, allowing me to supplement my education and bring valuable insights back to my peers and the Houston Neuropsychology Society.

However, attending the conference poses a significant financial challenge. As an international student, balancing tuition, living expenses, and travel costs is a constant struggle. Thus, receiving this award would alleviate a portion of the financial burden, enabling me to fully engage in the conference’s mentorship and educational opportunities.

By mentoring students, sharing my lived experiences, and immersing myself in the AACN Annual Meeting’s academic offerings, I will not only contribute to advancing diversity and inclusion in neuropsychology but also grow as a professional committed to fostering equity and mentorship throughout my career.