Leadership

Maria Aguilar-Amaya, Director
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 602-496-0467

Dr. Aguilar-Amaya is Director of the Office of Evaluation and Partner Contracts. She is Lead Faculty Associate in the School of Social Work for the Criminal Sentencing and Sentencing Advocacy Certificate Program. Her work is grounded in advancing equitable outcomes for historically marginalized and underserved populations, including individuals and families disproportionately impacted by substance use, involvement in the criminal legal system, and behavioral health disparities. She collaborates with community partners, tribal organizations, and public agencies to ensure research and evaluation efforts are culturally responsive, community-informed, and centered on the needs of vulnerable populations. She is a bilingual and bicultural researcher. Dr. Aguilar-Amaya served nearly 25 years working in the Arizona Judiciary in various capacities, having worked with crime victims, juvenile and adult probationers, management, and leadership. She has conducted dozens of research studies and numerous ad hoc reports in the areas of population projections, cost savings analysis, reentry, recidivism, Drug Courts, substance abuse, evidence-based practices, and probation supervision. Dr. Aguilar-Amaya possesses an associate in General Studies, a BS in Administration of Justice with a minor in Communications, an MA in Organizational Management, an MS in Addiction Psychology, and a Doctorate in Management and Organizational Leadership. Dr. Aguilar-Amaya is passionate about advancing education and awareness within underserved and marginalized communities on substance use prevention, nutrition, and the protective role of familismo in promoting health, resilience, and recovery. She is committed to developing culturally responsive approaches that strengthen individuals, families, and communities across the prevention and recovery continuum.

Research Team

Dr. Natalia A. Rodriguez-González, Sr. Research Analyst
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 602-543-5080

Dr. Natalia A. Rodríguez-González is a PhD-trained research and evaluation analyst with a foundation in mathematics and over a decade of experience in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research. Her work spans substance use prevention, health disparities, and community needs assessment, with a particular focus on amplifying the voices of Spanish-speaking and marginalized populations through bilingual research practices. She is passionate about advancing health equity and community well-being and committed to translating complex findings into clear, actionable insights for underserved communities across the Southwestern United States.

Diane Moreland, MS, Sr. Research Analyst
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 602-543-5164

Diane Moreland holds a BA in Psychology and MS in General Experimental Psychology. She has over 20 years of experience in program evaluation, survey design, data management, statistical analysis, and report writing. Diane has expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Her experience also includes focus group facilitation both in person and virtually. Diane is passionate about improving the lives of children, adolescents, families, and providers through evidence-based prevention and intervention research. She is committed to advancing rigorous, collaborative research that evaluates effective programs, supports the training and well-being of behavioral health providers, and translates findings into practices and policies that strengthen families, improve outcomes, and build healthier communities.

Anaid Gonzalvez, MSW, Program Manager of Research
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 602-496-1469

Anaid holds a BS in psychology and an MSW. She is a bilingual and bicultural researcher. Her background includes substance use prevention, behavioral health, and health equity among youth, families, and Spanish-speaking communities. She has expertise in qualitative and quantitative methodologies, program evaluation, community-based research, and data management. She collaborates on multidisciplinary research and evaluation projects and contributes to scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and dissemination of research findings. Anaid is passionate about social justice and is committed to committed to helping communities thrive, especially those that have been underserved or marginalized..

Chantel Welker, MS, Research Specialist
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 602-496-0054

Chantel holds a MS in Health Promotion as well as a BS in Exercise Science. She is a trained Motivational Interviewing Facilitator and brings extensive experience in health education, program implementation, and instruction. She previously served as an Extension Agent and Field Faculty member with North Carolina State University. Chantel is passionate about translating research into meaningful, community-centered practice. She is committed to culturally responsive and evidence-based research practices.