Ivelisse Lopez-Gonzalez

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University Northridge and my master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. I am a native of Puerto Rico, bilingual and bicultural, with nearly three decades of experience working in Arizona across both government and non-profit organizations. My professional expertise includes community-based care management, medical social work, and gerontology.

I began teaching at ASU in 2007, where I have had the privilege of teaching courses in both the bachelor’s and master’s social work degree programs. I teach courses on diversity, an introduction to social work, and field seminars.  As part of the Integrated Health Initiative, I also teach undergraduate stress management courses. These stress management courses explore the physiological and psychological responses to stress, helping students learn strategies to deregulate and incorporate mindfulness practices into their daily lives. 

I currently serve as the Director of the Pathways to Global Social Work program, which offers cultural immersion experiences for ASU students in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. While the program is rooted in social work, students from various disciplines are encouraged to participate and gain insights into the intersection of social work and global issues.

I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers - Arizona Chapter. Outside of my professional work, I prioritize self-care and enjoy hobbies such as hiking, yoga, and traveling. I have participated in service-learning trips to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic, which have allowed me to broaden my global perspective on social work.