Neph is a Social Worker (MSW/MASJ) who specializes in leadership, program development, antiracism, and group work. Neph holds a BA in Psychology and Religious Studies from Florida International University and two master’s degrees in Social Work and Social Justice from Loyola University Chicago. Her hobbies include writing, singing, playing guitar, and watching cheesy Hallmark movies.
Neph is committed to fighting for the life and dignity of every human person. As a daughter of Haitian immigrants who was born in Costa Rica, she is passionate about finding new and creative ways to address the issues of racism, sexism, and xenophobia. This passion fuels her desire to find creative ways to serve and empower marginalized groups through education, individual therapy, and group work. Neph believes in her Christian faith and hopes to use her experiences to inspire others to join in the work of liberation and justice.
PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS
Student Member, International Association for Social Work with Groups, Feb 2019 - Present
Student Member, National Association of Social Workers, Feb 2020 - Present
PRESENTATIONS
Lesperance, N. & Ortiz, S.P. (2019, June). Group work sub-specialization (minor): Motivations for MSW student participation. Poster presented at the International Association for Social Work with Groups 40th Annual Symposium, New York City, NY.
Boustani, M. M., Frazier, S. L., & Lesperance, N. (2015, November). SiHLE-YFC: Comprehensive reproductive health programming for youth at-risk for foster care in an emergency shelter. Paper presented at the annual convention of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. Symposium entitled: "Community-Research Partnerships to Advance the Dissemination and Implementation of Evidence Based Practices for Youth Mental Health". (Chair: Lauren Brookman-Frazee). Chicago, IL
Boustani, M. M., Frazier, S. L., Lesperance, N. (2015, April). Sexual Health Programming for youth at-risk for foster care in emergency shelter. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Urban Affairs Association. Symposium entitled: Intersections of Housing and Health. (Moderator: Christine George). Miami, FL
PUBLICATIONS
Boustani, M. M., Frazier, S. L., Chu, W., Lesperance, N., Becker, K., Helseth, S., Hedemann, E. R., Ogle, R. R., Chorpita, B. F. (2020). Common elements of universal childhood prevention programming. Admin Policy Ment Health. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-020-01023-4
Boustani, M. M., Frazier, S. L., & Lesperance, N. (2017). Sexual health prevention programming for vulnerable youth: Improving knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Child and Youth Services Review. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.01.013
Ogle, R. R., Frazier, S. L., Helseth, S. A., Cromer, K., & Lesperance, N. (2017). Does Poverty Moderate Psychosocial Treatment Efficacy for ADHD? A Systematic Review. Journal of Attention Disorders. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054717707044