Gena Castro Rodriguez

Dr. Gena Castro Rodriguez is an Assistant Professor at the University of San Francisco, specializing in trauma, juvenile justice, and victim advocacy. She holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California Institute for Integral Studies (2014), an MA in Counseling Psychology from USF (2004), and a BA in Psychology from California State University Sacramento (1992). Her career spans 25+ years in clinical practice, policy, and education, with particular focus on marginalized youth and trauma-informed approaches.

Education:

• Psy.D., Clinical Psychology, California Institute for Integral Studies (2014)
• MA, Counseling Psychology, University of San Francisco (2004)
• BA, Psychology, California State University Sacramento (1992)

Research Focus: Dr. Rodriguez examines intersections between trauma, delinquency, and systemic inequities, emphasizing culturally responsive practices. Her work addresses victimology, gender responsivity, and the impact of trauma on marginalized populations such as African American and Latina girls. She advocates for policy reforms in juvenile justice and victim services.

Key Contributions: Her publications highlight secondary trauma among advocates, burnout in healthcare, and trauma-delinquency linkages. She co-founded the Youth Justice Institute and currently serves on multiple advisory boards including the California Judicial Council and San Francisco’s Human Trafficking Task Force.

Awards:

• 2020 End Violence Against Women International Champion of Change Award
• 2018 Excellence in Victims Services Award (SF DA’s Office)
• 2016 San Francisco Women’s History Month Honoree

Professional Roles: She led the San Francisco District Attorney’s Victim Services Division and now chairs the Close Juvenile Hall Work Group. Her consulting work focuses on trauma-informed training for nonprofits and criminal justice agencies.

Labs/Initiatives: Active in the Youth Justice Institute’s policy advocacy and the Board of State and Community Corrections. Her training programs address human trafficking, domestic violence, and foster care challenges.