CoHeal Lab

Dr. Alvarez-Hernandez is currently an Assistant Professor at Boston University, School of Social Work, Department of Clinical Practice. He is also Core Faculty at Boston University's Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases (CEID). Dr. Alvarez-Hernandez leads the CoHeal Lab.

Dr. Alvarez-Hernandez is a community-engaged scholar, centering the transformational possibilities of  iteratively linking research, community, and practice. His research focuses on the structural and social determinants of health of Latine, LGBTQ+, and immigrant communities with a particular attention to the liberatory experiences of people living at the intersections of these identities. Dr. Alvarez-Hernandez is the author of the award-winning book, "See Me! Gay and Trans Latinos' Testimonios on Mental Health, Discrimination, and Joy in South Texas." His work is informed by over 10 years of experience as a bilingual (English and Spanish) clinical social worker in mental health and integrated healthcare settings, and by critical and feminist theories. He teaches graduate courses related to clinical practice, critical theories, and interventions with marginalized groups.

Lukas Chaves' (he/him/his) research interests focus on the use of qualitative methods to examine the ways in which systems of oppression, including racism and queerphobia, influence styles of attachment among individuals with intersecting marginalized identities. He holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and an MSW in clinical social work from Rhode Island College. Prior to beginning his doctoral studies, Lukas gained extensive experience across diverse social work settings, including psychiatric emergency services, higher education case management, university accessibility services, mental health education, and suicide-prevention clinical research. He currently resides in Providence, Rhode Island.

Mario Lopez is a recent graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he pursued a degree in Molecular Cell Biology-Neurobiology with a minor in Chicanx/Latinx Studies. Mario is passionate about advocating for vulnerable populations and fostering culturally competent care to communities at large. Mario’s previous work extends to projects supporting medical interpretation for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients, nurturing immigrant youth mental health, working with unhoused populations, and volunteering at HIV/STI prevention departments. In the future, he hopes to work in primary care medicine and grassroots public health organizations. Mario enjoys hiking, trying cultural cuisines, dancing cumbia, and spending time with his friends and family.

Gavin (they/he) was a Graduate Research Assistant, co-leading several projects at the CoHeal Lab. They continue to partner as a co-author on research manuscripts.

Gavin is currently a therapist working with young adults and adults, including those within the LGBTQIA+ community, with a wide range of difficulties, from anxiety and depression, to concerns around self-esteem and identity, to prenatal postpartum challenges. Gavin is particularly passionate about providing an affirming and culturally sensitive space for transgender and gender diverse people to navigate whatever challenges they may be facing.

Matteo (he/him) was a Graduate Research Assistant, co-leading several projects at the CoHeal Lab. He continues to partner as a co-author on research manuscripts and as a graphic designer of our fabulous research briefs for the community.

Matteo Montero-Murillo earned his MSW at Boston University, School of Social Work, where he trained at the MassArt Counseling Center. He also holds a BA in Spanish and a minor/honors in Women Gender and Sexuality Studies from Moravian University.  Matteo also completed an honors thesis on sexual education and experience within transmasculine communities in undergrad. Matteo works clinically with LGBTQ+/BIPOC/neurodiverse youth and young adults and strives to attend to these experiences in research as well. Matteo is also a recipient of the competitive 2024-2025 Minority Fellowship Program funded through the Council of Social Work Education and SAMHSA. Matteo combines his love of art with social work by creating research briefs for the CoHeal Lab, but also supports the lab with thematic data analysis and writing. Outside of social work, Matteo likes to read, draw comics of his characters, and watch a lot of cat videos.

Daly (she/her) was a Graduate Research Assistant, co-leading several projects at the CoHeal Lab. She continues to partner as a co-author on research manuscripts.

Daly is an Advanced-Year MSW clinical student specializing in children, youth, and families.  With a neuroscience degree, Daly worked 10+ years in clinical research and research compliance settings before transitioning to pursuing her calling for promoting mental health equity in marginalized communities. As a Dominican-born immigrant, Daly is passionate about supporting and empowering youth and their families, particularly those from non-US cultures, in addressing their mental health needs. Daly has worked with youth in various capacities over the past ten years, including mentoring youth diagnosed with sickle-cell disease at NYC hospital, tutoring Math and Spanish at an Exam School in Boston, and coaching 4th and 5th-grade basketball. Daly enjoys boxing, yoga, and getting lost in the woods in her spare time.