Tommy K. Begay PhD MPH

Research Assistant Professor, Psychiatry

tommyb@email.arizona.edu

Dr. Begay is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arizona. He is a Cultural Psychologist by academic training, focusing on the interrelationship of biology, environment, and culture, to understand human behavior as applicable to health and wellness. Dr. Begay’s research interests include Native American health, especially in relation to the impact of American Indian historical trauma, and the subsequent evolution of intergenerational, maladaptive coping behaviors that contribute to the disproportionately high rates of stress-related chronic diseases, cancer, interpersonal violence, accidents, substance abuse, and addiction – all major contributing factors to the contemporary health and wellness of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Of particular interest, is the use of psychoneuroimmunology to assess the health impact of chronic stress, and associated pathophysiological processes. As an Instructor, Dr. Begay has taught the following courses: American Indian Medicine and Wellness, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Exceptional Learners, Drugs and Society, Human Sexuality, Health Education Intervention Methods, and Contemporary Community Health.

Cristina Garcia PhD

Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry

Cristina.Garcia@bannerhealth.com

Dr. Garcia is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in serious mental illness (SMI). She is currently pursuing her certification as a Diplomate of Behavioral Sleep Medicine and is interested in the application of sleep disorder interventions in the SMI population. In her position at Banner-University Medical Center, she serves community members at the Whole Health Clinic and the Early Psychosis Intervention Center emphasizing treatment of sleep disorders. Dr. Garcia earned her BA at the University of Miami. She completed her PhD at the University of Maryland, College Park and her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the Albuquerque VA. She enjoys being outside, cooking and eating, traveling, and walking her sweet Pitbull mix, Fancy.

Denise Rodriguez Esquivel PhD

Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry

Denise.RodriguezEsquivel@bannerhealth.com

Dr. Rodriguez Esquivel is a clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine for the treatment of insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and cPAP adherence. She is a clinical supervisor in the doctoral clinical psychology internship at the University of Arizona, supervising psychology interns in the Behavioral Sleep Medicine and Outpatient Psychotherapy clinics. She completed her PhD in clinical psychology with a health focus at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and her internship and postdoctoral residency were completed at the Albuquerque VA Medical Center in New Mexico. Dr. Rodriguez Esquivel has also worked as primary care psychologist, specializing in work on adjustment disorders, bereavement, and depressive and anxiety disorders.

Manuel Acuña

Human Subjects Research Coordinator

macuna@psychiatry.arizona.edu

Manuel “Manny” Acuña is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s of Arts degree with a double major in Spanish and Linguistics with a minor in French. Manny is interested in bilingualism, sociolinguistics, and Spanish phonetics and phonology. Manny has been with the Department of Psychiatry for 6 years in administrative roles and has recently joined the Sleep & Health Research Program team. He is currently overseeing regulatory compliance with human subjects research, including interface with departmental review processes, the Institutional Review Board, and others.

Rachel Briggs

Research Coordinator

raineybriggs@yahoo.com

Rachel has worked for nonprofits for the last several years, most recently supporting people living with HIV. She is currently pursuing a masters in Human Rights Practice and is excited to continue to support the local community while working at the University.

Marcos Delgadillo

NOCHES Study Coordinator

marcosde@email.arizona.edu

Marcos graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a B.A. in Spanish and a B.S. in Family Sciences & Human Development and is currently pursuing a B.S. in Nursing. After coming back to Arizona, he joined the staff as a Research Coordinator for the NoCHeS project in Santa Cruz County. He hopes to get more involved in the Nogales community with this research and bring to light the lack of medical resources. Marcos enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, hiking, and trying new restaurants during his free time.

Krishna Taneja MD MBA

Research Assistant

taneja.krishna@gmail.com

Dr. Taneja is an aspiring integrative psychiatrist and a Research Assistant in the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arizona who has assisted in the development of the integrative psychiatry curriculum for residents and fellows. Dr. Taneja has spent several years working at the ground level to champion mental health awareness and bring more trauma-integrated approaches to the villages and urban communities in India. She conducted leadership training for the Ukrainian government and led the medical education transformation as part of the Ukrainian government’s initiative to join the European Union. Dr. Taneja’s research interests include the integrative management of chronic stress and trauma related disorders. In specific this includes the effects of adverse community events, historical and intergenerational trauma in the development of chronic stress, maladaptive coping mechanisms and the resultant physiological and psychological diseases.

Chloe Wills

Program Coordinator

chloecawills@email.arizona.edu

Chloe Wills is the Program Coordinator for the Sleep and Health Research Program. She trains and manages all students in the lab, along with helping to coordinate and perform research studies, organize events, and facilitate lab communications. Chloe graduated from the University of Arizona in May 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, and worked as a Research Assistant for the SHRP (while juggling a position as an Assistant Manager at a movie theater) during her undergraduate career. Chloe’s main research interests are in the relationship between sleep, cognition and emotion, memory, and behavioral health. She hopes to attend graduate school in the near future.