Blanca Elizabeth Vega, H. Kenny Nienhusser & Mariella Saavedra Carquin-Hamichand (2022) “When I Would Hurt”: Undocumented Students’ Responses to Obstacles Faced during the College Choice Process, The Educational Forum, DOI: 10.1080/00131725.2021.2020944
Blanca Elizabeth Vega, H. Kenny Nienhusser & Mariella Saavedra Carquin-Hamichand (2022) “When I Would Hurt”: Undocumented Students’ Responses to Obstacles Faced during the College Choice Process, The Educational Forum, 86:3, 237-252, DOI: 10.1080/00131725.2021.2020944
Nienhusser, H. K., Vega, B. E., & Saavedra Carquin, M. (2016). Undocumented immigrants’ experiences with microaggressions during their college choice process. Teachers College Record, 118 (2).
Nienhusser, H. Kenny & Vega, Blanca Elizabeth & Saavedra, Mariella. (2015). Briding the Gap: Guiding the College Search of Undocumented Students. Journal of College Admission. Fall 2015. 30-34.
Professional Memberships
American Counseling Association, Professional Member
National Latinx Psychological Association, Professional Member
Care Philosophy
My approach is eclectic and I adjust it according to the individual client. I have a humanistic and interpersonal approach that can sometimes include writing and other artistic outlets for creativity. I often utilize CBT techniques to help clients gain an understanding of how thoughts are connected to emotions and subsequent behavior.
I believe that healing can come from different avenues, and can incorporate the spiritual, the artistic, nature, and nutrition/wellness. I am an avid museum-goer and also enjoy writing poetry, especially as an outlet for grief. I believe in an intersectional and systems approach to therapy, especially given racial trauma and discriminatory actions taken towards BIPOC populations.
I currently serve as the integrated behavioral health clinician for the Healthy Habits Clinic at Child Health Clinic.
Personal Interests
I am passionate about creative writing and published my debut poetry collection, "Maps You Can't Make," in September 2023. Available here: https://www.juneroadpress.com/maps-you-cant-make.
I enjoy going to concerts, reading, and being outdoors.
Volunteer Activities
I am interested in intuitive eating, the connection between nutrition and well-being, food access/food justice, and urban farming.
Public Speaking Yes
Microaggressions experienced by undocumented youth during college-going process; Emotional impact of undocumented immigrant status on immigrant youth