Michelle Sanchez

Michelle Sanchez serves as Visiting Associate Professor of Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University, with her office located in Worden School Building, Room 11. Her role encompasses clinical instruction and mentorship within the Social Work department.

Educational background:

• Master of Social Work - Our Lady of the Lake University
• Bachelor of Fine Arts - University of Texas at San Antonio

Her research spans critical clinical domains including trauma-informed care for migrants and displaced populations, attachment theory applications, Hispanic/Latinx mental health advocacy, and interdisciplinary interventions for dual diagnosis cases. Specialized expertise covers religious trauma resolution, therapeutic art modalities, and policy development for international NGO/FBO settings serving Indigenous communities across South America, Romani, African, and Asian diasporas. Her work integrates spiritual care frameworks with evidence-based practices like DBT/CBT for high-functioning autism and school-based mental health systems.

Professional recognitions include:

• Three undergrad merit scholarship offers
• Southern Methodist University Music Scholarship
• AMAS scholarship

As an educator, Dr. Sanchez cultivates student professional identity through holistic pedagogy emphasizing ethical practice and service to marginalized communities. Her "sand tray environment" approach develops empathy while supporting non-traditional students through flexible frameworks that prioritize sustainable "good enough" academic/work/life integration over perfectionism. No specific research grants or named advisees were documented in available materials.