Faculty & Staff

Anette Aponte is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Social Work program. Originally she is from Venezuela. She has a passion for serving the Latinx/e community, particularly with community-building and integration methods. Anette has experience tutoring Spanish-speaking students and mentoring primary school students. She also volunteers with the Center for Violence Prevention as a student leader and trainer. In all her pursuits, Ms. Aponte aspires to provide and advocate for equitable growth opportunities.

Dawn Baker lived in Florida most of life and consider it home but has also lived in North Carolina, Kentucky, and Missouri. She relocated with her family to Tampa in 2017 and are loving every minute of being here, minus the hurricanes. Her Bachelor’s degree is in Varying Exceptionalities K-12 from Florida Atlantic University. Most recently she has been teaching in an Early Childhood VPK and Special Education classroom. Her interests in data collection and building support tools for educators led her to find Rightpath at USF. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, traveling, camping, reading, and hiking with her family.

Melany Ysbal Sampi Bravo was born and raised in Peru. She has lived two years in Tampa and attended Hillsborough Community College where she earned her Associate Degree in Political Science. Currently she is working on her bachelor’s degree on Political Science with a minor on Legal Studies at USF.

Larry Grullon-Polanco was born in New York, NY and received his undergraduate degree in music education from Florida State University. He is currently a graduate student in the Applied Linguistics program. Larry has spent the last three years working as a teacher in underserved communities. He decided to pursue teaching English as a second language after experiencing the high percentage of second language English learners in the Tampa school system. He hopes to learn about the different opportunities and avenues for serving students. In his free time he likes to take care of his plants, mostly succulents, and practice Muay Thai.

Johan John Joji is an undergraduate student originally from Kerala, India, pursuing his Bachelor's in Computer Science. He is passionate about the theoretical side involved in Computer Science and loves to troubleshoot problems. His interests involve automation and web development. In his free time, he likes to spend time gaming, working out, and with loved ones.

Kenia is originally from Ecuador and has been living in the Tampa Bay Area for over 20 years. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Information System Management from USF while working at the Hillsborough School System. Later, she moved to Pinellas County where she worked in various positions in the Pinellas School System for almost 9 years. She has a passion for education, and her best experience has been working with English Language Learners and seeing their growth. She takes pride in her ability to help students learn and succeed, particularly those who face challenges with language barriers. Throughout her career, Kenia has developed strong skills in information systems management and has experience in various areas within the education system. She is committed to providing students with the tools they need to succeed and helping them reach their full potential.

Angelica Zapata was born in Colombia and raised in Florida. She is a third year student pursuing a B.A. in World Languages and Cultures with a dual concentration in Applied Linguistics and East Asian Studies. She is currently learning Japanese at USF. On her free time she likes to paint, go on walks, and play with her roommate's cats.

Daniela De Santiago-Zuniga is a Social Work student at the University of South Florida. Her upbringing in Clewiston, Florida, also known as “America’s Sweetest Town,” instilled in her a strong desire to help people in need of social services. Growing up underprivileged has strongly shaped her career aspirations and interests. Fluent in Spanish, Daniela has a goal to advocate for disadvantaged individuals within the Hispanic community. At USF, she is a mentor facilitator and ambassador for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), and at Rightpath she conducts research for the Bilingual Vocabulary project. Daniela is a mentor for the Tampa Bay Tech Initiative at USF, and she is also part of the Hispanic Professional Women Association mentorship program in Tampa. Additionally, Daniela was the recipient of the 2022-20233 Association of Latino and Latina Social Work Educators Scholarship. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she dedicates her free time to volunteering, exploring restaurants and parks, reading books, and organizing her planner.

Arielis Perez Arias is a graduate student in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health at the University of South Florida. Her thesis explores cultural identity, acculturation, and risky behaviors in adolescents. Additionally, she is pursuing a graduate certificate in translational research. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Carlos Albizu University in Puerto Rico. Arielis is deeply committed to practical research and community engagement, notably working with Latino farmer communities in Tampa. At Rightpath, she is working on the Bilingual Vocabulary project. Originally from Venezuela, her multicultural background includes Puerto Rican and Spanish ancestry. Beyond her academic and research commitments, Arielis enjoys reading manga, learning Japanese, listening to music, and practicing pilates.

Jazlynn Marie is a Healthcare Administration student at the University of South Florida. She is passionate about improving patient outcomes from a business standpoint. Her research background includes a fitness study during her international baccalaureate program which inspired her to pursue psychology as a minor. At Rightpath, she utilizes her bilingual skills to work with children on the Bilingual Vocabulary project. As a volunteer, she has provided dispatch services at Sarasota Memorial Hospital and has served as a USF Ambassador. Jazlynn's prior experience mentoring and tutoring high school students has reinforced her commitment to education and research. Outside of work and study, her interests include swimming, traveling, photography, volunteering, and art. She enjoys spending her free time relaxing on the beach.

Yassin Mostafa is from Cairo, Egypt, but has spent most of his life in Saudi Arabia. He is currently pursuing a major in Health Sciences at the University of South FLorida. Yassin's deep-rooted interest in the hospital working environment serves as the foundation of his aspiration to become a Physician Assistant. Yassin's prior experience as a research assistant, where he contributed to a project focusing on environmental justice, ignited his passion for enhancing people's living conditions. Driven by the pursuit of more hands-on experience in his field, Yassin made the strategic choice to join Rightpath to conduct research. Outside the academic realm, he is an avid sports enthusiast, actively participating in soccer and tennis, while also dedicating time to fitness. Yassin is fluent in Arabic and possesses basic communication skills in German. His commitment to community service shines through his extensive volunteer work, totaling over 350 hours as a clinical volunteer at Advent Health Hospital. Furthermore, Yassin's remarkable academic achievements have earned him a prestigious scholarship from USF.

Valeria Oviedo is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Marketing at the University of South Florida's MUMA College of Business. Originally from New Jersey, she commenced her academic journey at Georgia Southern University before making the transition to USF in search of the myriad opportunities the institution had to offer. During her time at Georgia Southern, Valeria was actively involved in a sorority, where she had the chance to participate in a range of leadership roles. These experiences further fueled her desire to join Rightpath, driven by her aspiration to channel her creative abilities in the realm of business while gaining practical, cross-disciplinary exposure beyond her major. In addition to her academic pursuits, Valeria is fluent in Spanish, which has granted her an invaluable appreciation for the significance of language and cultural diversity in forging deeper connections with others. Beyond the classroom, she finds joy in spending meaningful time with friends, exploring new locales, and embracing novel experiences.

Clarissa Olivares is pursuing a bachelor’s in Health Science with a concentration in Behavioral Sciences at the University of South Florida. Her academic path is guided by her strong desire to make a meaningful impact in the field of speech-language pathology. Clarissa is originally from Lake Placid and gained an appreciation for working with children from her grandmother who was a preschool teacher. Clarissa has volunteered in church nurseries and worked in various roles, including as an office assistant. Clarissa's decision to join Rightpath was motivated by her eagerness to gain hands-on experience working with children—a vital step towards her ultimate goal as a pediatric speech-language pathologist. Her academic pursuits and personal growth have been guided by her unwavering commitment to helping individuals regain the power of speech and communication. Outside of her academic endeavors, Clarissa enjoys outdoor adventures, sports like soccer, and fitness activities such as pilates.

Faith Pinamang is a Research Support Assistant at the Rightpath Center and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Business Analytics at USF. With a background in public health, mass communications, and business, Faith is passionate about community upliftment and stakeholder collaboration. Her dedication to research led her to join the Rightpath Center, where she aims to enhance her research experience and contributions. Outside of work, Faith enjoys sports and outdoor activities, reflecting her commitment to holistic well-being. Her volunteer work at the WellBuilt UACDC Community Food pantry and involvement with the USF Athletics Photography team underscore her dedication to community service and team collaboration.

Brandon Budzisch is a 2nd year graduate student in the School Psychology program at the University of South Florida. Brandon is from Fort Myers Beach, FL and completed his undergraduate degree at Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. During his undergrad, Brandon aided in research with early identification of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and discovered a love for working with children whilst working as an after-school counselor at an Elementary School. After graduating from FSU, Brandon worked as a 1st grade teaching assistant before attending USF. Brandon currently assists Dr. Trina Spencer and Dr. Matthew Foster with their work. Brandon loves going to the beach, heading to the gym and playing with his cat Stormy.

Rishita is a graduate student originally from India, currently pursuing her Master's degree in Computer Science at USF. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and has around two years of technical work experience. She is an inquisitive individual who consistently strives to explore new opportunities that can enhance her knowledge and skills. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, watching sunsets, and watching shows on Netflix.

Deeika is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Business Analytics and Information Systems from Muma College of Business at USF. She has done her Bachelors in Computer Science and has around 2 years of technical experience in India.

She is passionate about learning and likes to challenge herself. She has been at Rightpath for around one and half year. She is working on multiple STEM and Behavioral Research projects by applying her technical expertise and making an impact is what makes her excited to be at Rightpath. In her free time, she loves reading, travelling and binge watching Disney.

Mr. Roman is a first year doctoral student in the School Psychology program at USF. He is from Jacksonville, Florida where he received his undergraduate degree in Psychology and minor in Philosophy from the University of North Florida. De'Vohn has experience in scoring psychodiagnostic assessments and has shadowed psychologists during IQ, Autism, and ADHD assessments. Additionally, he has  experience engaging in and presenting research and working with young children diagnosed with autism in a clinical setting using ABA.

Koushik is a Graduate student currently pursuing his Masters degree in Computer Science at USF. Koushik is from India and recently moved to the US for higher studies. He has completed his Bachelors in Computer Science and has around 2 years of technical experience in India.

He is very passionate about coding and loves to learn new things constantly. He currently assists Dr. Trina Spencer with her work.  He is excited to use his technical expertise and making an impact at Rightpath. He loves reading, playing video games and watching Netflix.

Carla Zayas-Santiago is a 2nd-year student at the Technology in Education and Second Language Acquisition Ph.D. program at USF. She is originally from Puerto Rico and is fluent in English and Spanish. Ms. Zayas-Santiago holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities with a concentration in Latin American Studies and an M.A. in Spanish Literature from the University of South Florida. Her research interests include bilingual education, cross-linguistic transferability, and Latinx literature as a cultural artifact for student empowerment and language justice. Ms. Zayas-Santiago has previously worked in bilingual education, teaching Spanish to native and non-native Spanish speakers.

Alyssa Howitt is an EdS student in the School Psychology program at the University of South Florida. Her passion for working with at-risk children and her diverse educational background, including dual degrees in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Florida, led her to this program. Alyssa's prior experiences include serving as a research assistant at the University of Florida, contributing to literature reviews on topics like parental stress and adverse childhood experiences. Currently, Alyssa is involved in Project Safety, focusing on developing an effective coaching system for school staff in threat and suicide assessments. She joined Rightpath to gain hands-on experience in administering assessments. Outside her studies, Alyssa enjoys reading, painting, and watching reality television. She has a strong commitment to community engagement, volunteering at organizations like the Child Protection Team and mentoring programs. Her mentoring experiences reinforce her commitment to equitable education, aiming to remove barriers for students and provide support for their success.

Himaja Maddika is a Graduate Research Assistant at the Rightpath Center and is pursuing a master’s degree in Business Analytics at the Muma College of Business at USF. Her background is in political science and economics, with a specialization in marketing and business analytics. Himaja’s passion for analytics was ignited during her MBA, where she led projects in predictive analysis for distance learning. She is fluent in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Himaja's dedication to education and mentorship, demonstrated through volunteer work and teaching experiences, underscores her commitment to personal and professional development. She is currently conducting research using nationally representative data and expanding her skills in complex data analysis. 

Kiara Mercedes is a student in the Architecture program at the University of South Florida. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she has also lived in New York. Kiara has been involved in research related to teen mental health, particularly how social media can impact their lives and social habits. She is fluent in Spanish, which has allowed her to connect with people from various cultures. Kiara has volunteered in local schools, assisting teachers and mentoring students, which has deepened her appreciation for education. She envisions contributing to Rightpath by bringing awareness to its work, gaining deeper knowledge on the projects, and advocating for research. Kiara's passion for design and commitment to community engagement make her a valuable addition to the center. At Rightpath, she provides administrative services and manages the center’s social media campaigns. Outside of her academic pursuits, Kiara enjoys visiting architectural sites, exploring their history and design process, and spending time with friends and family.

Mateo Mendez is a student at the University of South Florida where he is pursuing a bachelor’s in Health Sciences with concentrations in Biological Health Sciences and Social & Behavioral Health Sciences. Born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Colombia for thirteen years, Mateo's unique background has shaped his personality and interests. He developed a passion for science and helping others from an early age. Mateo's tutoring experience in Colombia, where he helped peers with subjects like Chemistry and English, influenced his career path and reinforced his desire to work with people and provide them with tools for success. His fluency in Spanish and technical skills have been valuable assets. At Rightpath, he provides administrative services and manages the center’s social media campaigns. Outside of his academic pursuits, Mateo enjoys working out, cooking, binge-watching series, spending time in the library, attending concerts, and listening to music. Music plays a significant role in his relaxation and motivation.

Hanna Hirano is a student in the Psychology program at the University of South Florida. Originally born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Hanna spent a significant part of her upbringing in Peru and is also of Japanese descent. Early exposure to language diversity had a profound impact on her career path in bilingualism. Hanna is currently specializing in behavioral healthcare and is working towards becoming a Registered Behavioral Technician. During her time at Rightpath, Hanna has participated in the DUAL project, the Bilingual Vocabulary project, and the Story Champs and Puente de Cuentos projects where she has administered assessments and collected and analyzed data. Beyond research, Hanna has a strong affinity for art, including crocheting, painting, and drawing. She enjoys quality time with her three dogs and three cats while indulging in movie marathons.