Assistant Professor Miriam Valdovinos' educational training in social welfare, psychology, public health, and gender studies informs the research addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) experiences in Latinx families and the exclusion of Latinx undocumented immigrants (those without legal authorization to reside in the U.S) from social service provisions.

My practice experience in various domestic violence agencies and the juvenile probation system inspires my dedication to investigate interpersonal violence issues affecting Latinx immigrant women, children, and families. A primary goal of my research is to develop multi-pronged (individual, family, and community-based) culturally responsive intervention programs that address the effects of IPV on Latinx immigrants, while considering systemic constraints such as institutional racism and poverty. As a Xicana (P’urhépecha ancestry) feminist social welfare scholar, my teaching commitments are rooted in providing critical theoretical perspectives to my students as future social work practitioners. I ask my students to engage with critical lenses of analysis that incorporate skills and frameworks relevant to their social work careers. My pedagogy combines various perspectives interrogating biases within systems of domination (racism, sexism, colonialism). I also aspire towards a social work education that focuses on social change that builds awareness and engagement in local and current issues. 

• Ph.D., Social Welfare, University of Washington, 2016 
• MA, Psychology, CSU, Fullerton, 2007 
• BA, Psychology, CSU, Fullerton, 2002
• AA, Liberal Arts, Cypress College, 2000

Recent Publications

Healthcare access brokerage by school employees for Immigrant Mexican and Indigenous Guatemalan farmworking families in a Connecticut elementary school

Intimate Partner Violence Help-Seeking for Latina Undocumented Immigrant Survivors: Feminist Intersectional Experiences Narrated Through Testimonio

Healing through Ancestral Knowledge and Letters to our Children: Mothering Infants during a Global Pandemic