Leury Pe帽a, PhD, LMFT, assistant professor of instruction in the Marriage and Family Therapy program and member of the team, has been named the 2025 Dissertation Award recipient by the Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS).
The national award honors recent graduates whose scholarly work contributes significantly to the understanding of couples, families, and human systems.
Pe帽a earned her doctorate in couple and family therapy from Antioch University New England in 2024. Her dissertation, "Parentification and the Protective Factor of Familismo in the Latine Community," explores how familismo 鈥� a deeply rooted cultural value emphasizing family connection and mutual support 鈥� can serve as a protective factor in households where children take on adult-like responsibilities.
Her research highlights both the challenges and strengths within Latine families. Understanding how familismo functions as a source of resilience, Pe帽a says, can help therapists and community workers better support family systems in culturally responsive ways.
"Receiving this award is an incredible honor," Pe帽a said. "This recognition reinforces the importance of integrating culturally grounded perspectives within marriage and family therapy and further inspires my commitment to advancing mental health awareness and accessibility in the Latine community."
Pe帽a added, "I鈥檓 deeply grateful for this acknowledgment and the opportunity to continue contributing to systemic and culturally informed research and practice."
With professional experience spanning healthcare settings and private practice, Pe帽a鈥檚 work emphasizes a collaborative, client-centered, and systemic approach to therapy.
supports research and education that strengthen individuals, couples, families, and communities. Its mission includes promoting systemic and relational practices, supporting clinicians and educators, and expanding awareness of the marriage and family therapy profession. Through programs like the FAHS Dissertation Award, the foundation continues to invest in the next generation of marriage and family therapy scholars, clinicians, and educators committed to fostering strong and healthy human systems.
Pe帽a will be recognized at the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) taking place Oct. 28鈥�30.