Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services

Get an “in” with Melvin

July 15, 2026

Originally posted: Feb. 6, 2026

By: Sakinah Musa

Earlier this month, College of Education students gathered for a long-awaited student mixer – a casual, no-pressure event designed to help students connect, get involved, and find their place beyond the classroom. 

If you missed it, have no fear. You’ve got an “in” with Melvin Taylor, a human services major, veteran, and CSUN senator who believes one thing above all else: students thrive when they feel connected.

Why Connection Matters

Taking a page from Melvin’s lived experiences, students who are connected feel supported, and are more likely to persist and succeed.

“When I was successful at the community college, it was because I was involved,” Melvin said. “I had staff, faculty, and club members around me who supported me.”

If you want to get involved, the college community is home to many organizations, including:

  • The college’s ambassadors
  • PALS mentors
  • Tau Upsilon Alpha (the national organization for human services majors)
  • The Student Organization of Addiction Professionals
  • Chi Sigma Iota (Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society)
  • And more

Planning on a teaching career? Sign up for Rebel Educators and build your community within the College of Education and across UNLV. It’s a great way to build your leadership and organizational management skills. 

The Man Behind the Push

A non-traditional student and long-time Vegas resident, Melvin brings years of leadership experience to his role as COE’s CSUN Senator.

After completing his service as a yeoman in the U.S. Navy, Melvin returned to school, supported by the Veterans Affairs Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear goal: to develop professional skills that would enable him to serve others, particularly veterans navigating life after service. 

A goal that ultimately led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in human services. 

As if tackling the academic challenges of college life wasn’t enough, Melvin built on his experience as the San Diego City College student government president. Not long after his conversion to Rebel status, he began attending CSUN meetings and realized something was missing.

“For about two semesters, I watched the meetings and saw that our college didn’t have a seat at the table,” he said. “When elections came around, and that seat was still empty, I decided to run.”

Today, his priorities include ensuring consistent representation for the college’s students. He’s also advocating for grants and scholarships, particularly for freshmen and sophomores, and encouraging his fellow Rebels to get involved with organizations, clubs, and events within the college and throughout the university. 

More Than a Role

Outside of academics and student advocacy, Melvin is a grandfather of nine. He loves dancing, enjoys live music, and has even met two U.S. presidents, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. He also serves as the Special Projects Officer for the Rebel Vets Organization.

Get Connected

Above all, Melvin wants students of the College of Education to know they’re not alone.

“We’re here to support you and help make life more manageable while you’re here,” he said. “There’s always something happening on campus—sometimes you just need someone to help you find it.

Alumni Spotlight: Victor Macias ‘14

July 15, 2026

Originally posted: Feb. 27, 2026

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Victor Macias

Degree: ‘14 M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Current Employer: Cortica

What are your favorite memories from UNLV?

I really enjoyed being a GA because I feel like not only was I a full-time student in the clinical program, but also being a GA submerged me into the college experience. When I went full-time, I had four classes a semester and I was also a GA helping with research or with whatever assignment they gave me with other GAs. That cohort of ours really connected. It really made it like the university experience that we imagine.

Did you have a mentor while you were at UNLV or do you have one now? Why is this important?

Dr. Smith, he would definitely fit the mold as my mentor because I saw him. I saw his passion. In some respect, when you truly engage in the topics at hand, you’re discovering yourself. It’s good to have some sort of a beacon or a lighthouse. And you know, it does provide some sort of direction, a sort of a compass.

What advice do you have for current UNLV students?

In this time that you’re developing as a human being and you’re learning all of these things, learn about your center and what grounds you. What brings you back to you. And know how to get there. Know the path. The particular path to get there.


Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!

Alumni Spotlight: Claire Lustumbo ‘18

July 15, 2026

Originally posted: Nov. 7, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Claire Lustumbo

Degree: ‘18 M.Ed. School Counseling

Current Employer: Clark County School District

How did UNLV prepare you for your career?

Networking through UNLV has been extremely helpful. Not only did they prepare me for my job, but I’m also still friends with many of the cohort members I graduated with, and we bounce ideas off each other. To be able to have those connections that I made through UNLV has been awesome.

Why is having a mentor important?

I think having a mentor, one that is still in the field and still has their feet on the ground, is important because they can be real with you about the struggles you may face, know good problem solving skills, and how to fix things.

What advice do you have for current UNLV students?

I think my biggest piece of advice is putting yourself first and realizing that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Before you get to the field, make sure you know how to set boundaries for yourself and know what makes you feel the happiest and the calmest because the best educators are aware of themselves and happy with themselves first before being able to help others.

Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!

Serving Those Who Served: Alumna Amy Lesher’s Journey in Veterans Support

July 13, 2026

Originally posted: Oct. 28, 2025

By: Sakinah Musa

“Each time I hear that they get their benefits, it’s rewarding,” says Amy Lesher. 

Her journey to working in Veterans Affairs (VA) was anything but straight. Amy, a proud UNLV alumna, ‘18 BS Human Services and ’23 MSW Social Work, began her professional journey with an unexpected pivot. 

Born into a family of educators and veterans, she tried to follow tradition by starting her undergraduate degree in secondary education. However, she soon realized that teaching in a classroom wasn’t her calling and transitioned to human services. 

The program would go on to equip her with skills she now employs in her role as a SOAR social worker who helps homeless veterans get their social security benefits. 

The Path to Veterans’ Support

“What I really liked about the human services program is that you could go into the field and explore the different career paths,” Amy said. 

With two practicums, one at a mental health agency and the other with UNLV Project FOCUS, she gained hands-on experience in assisting people with varying needs. Naturally, she would have gone for a master’s in mental health, but her desire for the flexibility to work anywhere guided her to social work.  

In her first experience working in a VA  medical-surgical unit, she found herself drawn to supporting those who served. With a family of veterans, including her father and grandfathers, she understood how they often struggled with getting service-connected benefits. 

She jumped on an opportunity to work on a housing program jointly run by the VA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. After shadowing field workers helping homeless veterans access rental assistance, her calling was clear.

Beyond the Paperwork

Amy’s work extends beyond pushing paper in an office. At least twice a week, she meets veterans at shelters, transitional housing, or at their Section Eight residences. She helps them navigate complex bureaucratic systems and educates them on their VA and Social Security benefits. 

Amy’s experience has shown her that the veteran community is vast and varied, including people of color, women, transgender individuals, and naturalized citizens from other countries. Her priority is helping every eligible vet successfully apply for their benefits. Occasionally, she steps in to address other immediate needs, such as utility payments and even getting original copies of naturalization papers. 

“I am the next line of defense after their case managers,” she stated. 

Amy’s approach reflects compassion and the understanding that supporting veterans requires meeting them where they are, literally and figuratively.

A Legacy of Service

Amy’s empathy extends beyond her clients. She channels the same commitment to community service through mentorship and volunteering as an alumni mentor. She believes in helping students navigate their professional paths.

“I have always enjoyed mentoring other people and validating the experiences they’re going through,” Amy shared. 

Her advice for students and alumni seeking to make a difference is simple. Volunteer in areas interesting to them, remain open to unexpected opportunities, and approach service with empathy and dedication.

Amy Lesher exemplifies UNLV’s commitment to community service through her work. Her journey demonstrates how education, empathy, and unwavering dedication can create meaningful social impact. 

Alumni Spotlight: Michael Esquejo ‘13

July 13, 2026

Originally posted: Jan. 17, 2025

By: COE Communications Staff

Name: Michael Esquejo

Degree: Class of 2013 M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling 

Current Role: Therapist at Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital

Why did you choose UNLV? What led you to pursue a degree in education/human services?

I wanted to pursue my master’s locally because it was the most convenient, both financially and in terms of opportunities. So, I enrolled in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. I really like that UNLV has a diverse and multicultural environment. I also like that research opportunities are endless since it’s an R1 university.

What are you most proud of from your UNLV experience?

I’m most proud to know that I had the potential to take on different opportunities in professional counseling because of the diverse training and clinical experiences I had. The one-on-one relationships I also had with the faculty made me feel supported and helped me learn new things.

What advice do you have for current UNLV students?

No matter what track you are in, “ENJOY IT” as much as you can; it goes by fast, so just make sure you enjoy it while you can.

Why should alumni stay engaged at UNLV?

Life and career building do not end when you graduate; it’s important to stay connected and continue to build a network. It’s also a good way to give back to the community that helps build you as a professional.


Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!

Human Services Degree Earns Prestigious Accreditation

July 13, 2026

Originally posted: Jun. 12, 2026

By: Sakinah Musa

The Council of Standards in Human Service Education, the national accrediting body for human services degree programs, recently approved the accreditation of UNLV’s bachelor’s degree in the field.  According to the council, the program, housed within the College of Education, features a well-aligned, practice-focused curriculum, highly qualified and supportive faculty, and effective assessment processes that yield strong student outcomes and workforce readiness.

Counselor Education, School Psychology, and Human Services faculty have worked diligently to ensure the program’s high standards in curriculum, faculty, and fieldwork are preparing professionals for careers in social and human services

“This designation is an investment in our students’ professional credibility, and it confirms that UNLV’s human services program meets rigorous national standards,” says Tam Villar, the program coordinator. 

Advocacy-Driven Care: This EXHALE Scholar is all in for School-Based Mental Health Counseling

June 17, 2026
Group of seven Project Exhale students

By: Sakinah Musa

Published: Oct. 26, 2025

“My biggest motivation is to advocate for my community.”

When fourteen-year-old Ivana Hernández first arrived from Honduras, she barely spoke English. Each school day felt harder than the last, but she was determined. By the end of high school, not only had she mastered the language, but she also graduated in the top 20 of her class. That triumph—born from persistence and community support—set her on a path to help students who also face invisible barriers in the classroom and the world.

A Citizen with an Immigrant Story

Born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from Honduras, Ivana was only two months old when her family decided to move back to their home country. She grew up there without knowing she was a citizen until she was 14, and they migrated back and settled in Las Vegas.

“I didn’t know anything about the country and its culture, and it was challenging,” Ivana shared. 

Ivana would eventually assimilate, but she still lacked a sense of belonging. This led her to co-found the student organization of Latinos at the Basic Academy of International Studies – her first step on the path of advocacy. 

“We needed the community, and we took the initiative to create one for ourselves,” she stated. 

Although she didn’t know it then, this would shape her decision to become a clinical mental health counselor, focusing on adolescents and Latinx English language learners. 

Choosing Compassionate Care

Ivana Hernandez sitting on a stool and smiling at the camera

Crediting her choice to pursue higher education to her participation in the Trio Upward Bound program, Ivana initially pursued pre-med at UNLV, but soon, she found herself craving more. 

“I wanted to have a deeper connection with people.”

Ivana switched her major to psychology, but she still had no clear idea of her ideal career in behavioral healthcare.

A new direction came during the three years she worked as an Engelstad Scholar Intern at Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada. There, her work focused on advocacy for the Latinx population. Thereafter, she had a full-circle moment working as an advisor with the TRIO Student Support Services program. In that role, she provided mentorship and academic guidance for first-generation students and high schoolers. 

“That’s when I realized I want to work in my community, and I wanted to do this in a clinically informed way,” she said. 

Seeking a holistic and multicultural approach to providing one-on-one care for adolescents and young adults, Ivana officially enrolled in the clinical mental health counseling master’s program while working as a coordinator at GEAR UP. 

EXHALE: A Platform for Change

Ivana’s career journey took another defining turn when she got accepted into the inaugural cohort of the Expanding School-Based Mental Health Services Scholars program, also known as Project EXHALE. Since most of her professional experience has been in school-based settings, Ivana was excited for the opportunity. 

“Ivana’s desire to learn more about school-based mental health, and her passion for serving clients and their families in Las Vegas, made her an excellent fit for the inaugural cohort,” said Heather Dahl-Jacinto, the Project EXHALE coordinator. 

The new program is a partnership between UNLV, the Clark County School District (CCSD), and the City of Las Vegas. It creates a vital opportunity to increase access to mental health care for local students, particularly at the elementary (K–5) level, where early intervention lays the foundation for lifelong mental well-being and academic success.

“EXHALE builds a bridge for us as clinical mental health counselors to be able to work in school settings,” Ivana said.  

By expanding and diversifying Nevada’s school-based mental health workforce, they are preparing future clinical mental health counselors to deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive care to students and families. EXHALE scholars receive professional development training and advanced education in school-based mental health services. They would also complete internships in Ward 1 Schools, where they would provide mental health support to K-12 students.

“We’re providing support and resources that students would otherwise have to leave school to receive, often facing multiple barriers in the process,” Heather shared.  

Vision for School Mental Health Counseling

For Ivana, providing advocacy-driven care transforms her resilience into purpose. Her long-term vision includes staying in Las Vegas and strengthening the mental health workforce in the Valley. 

“I think one of the best things I can do is stay here and provide my services to the community,” she remarked. 

Envisioning herself in the near future, Ivana hopes to provide her services in Spanish, help students find the resources and tools they need to succeed, and advocate for policies that make mental health care more accessible and culturally responsive. She also wants to inspire more students to enter the counseling profession.

“These kids need us.”