PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Henry Aguayo is a Doctoral Candidate in Counseling Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin, where his research explores cultural identity and the impostor phenomenon. As Program Director for Equity Kids, he leverages extensive experience in mental health settings and equity-centered initiatives across the P-20 pipeline. He currently facilitates mindfulness and social-emotional learning groups for high school boys in Central Texas, using restorative techniques to support diverse youth. 

Henry’s clinical background includes residential treatment, university counseling, and community-based settings, with a focus on trauma-informed care. A dedicated advocate for culturally responsive care, he has led numerous trainings and workshops on supporting first-generation students and males of color. His leadership is grounded in prestigious fellowships with the American Psychological Association and Dell Medical School. When not advancing his dissertation or managing program strategy, Henry enjoys connecting with his musical roots by playing the accordion. He is eager to apply his clinical expertise and organizational leadership to foster holistic growth and equity for the youth served by Equity Kids.

FACILITATOR

Faith Bicknell is a born-and-raised Austinite, educator, and community advocate with a passion for supporting children, families, and inclusive learning environments. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Youth and Community Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from The University of Texas at Austin, along with a minor in Educational Psychology. Through her experience in early childhood education, youth development, and leadership, Faith is passionate about empowering children and families, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating inclusive spaces where every young person has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Drawing on her deep roots in Austin, she is committed to strengthening her community through compassionate service, education, and advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys upcycling clothing, going for long walks, and researching which country to visit next.

FACILITATOR

Cassidy Childress is an aspiring child psychologist and a University of Texas at Austin student pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Youth and Community Studies, with a minor in Educational Psychology. She is also completing a certificate in the Bridging Disciplines program in the Principles of Intervention with Vulnerable Children.

Cassidy is passionate about creating supportive, inclusive environments where children feel safe, heard, and empowered. She continuously challenges herself to create spaces that allow children to engage in challenging conversations while providing an emotionally safe atmosphere. Her previous experience with the Center for Child Protection and the Texas Department of Family Protective Services has strengthened her ability to work with children and families navigating difficult circumstances.

Through her academic, professional, and community involvement, Cassidy is committed to understanding the experiences of children and advocating for their mental health, well-being, and equitable access to support. She hopes to continue developing her skills in child psychology while contributing to spaces that encourage children to feel valued, understood, and confident in their identities.

FACILITATOR

Shaniya “Salem” Cumdumi is a third year Studio Arts major at the University of Texas at Austin. They began in childcare volunteering at their hometown church's vocational bible school, later completing a unique internship teaching preschool kids at Naval Air Station Lemoore. Today, alongside their studies, they work part time at their university’s child development center, bringing a deeply personal perspective everywhere they go. Their passion for issues like food insecurity, housing insecurity, abuse, and neglect comes from real world, lived experience. They care deeply about how these struggles affect a child’s identity and want to make sure every kid feels seen. Post grad, they plan to teach art and use creativity as a tool for connection and exploration of identity with children of all ages and cultural backgrounds. In their free time, they love to play The Sims 4, study astrology and read books by Black diasporic authors.

FACILITATOR

Keira Diaz is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work at Texas State University. She has spent the last few years facilitating workshops for children and families and working directly with youth who have experienced trauma, which has deepened her belief that kids need safe, intentional spaces to explore race and identity early. As an Asian woman who has navigated questions of belonging and visibility her whole life, Equity Kids’ mission isn’t just something Keira is qualified to support. It’s something she genuinely cares about.

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

Clint joined Equity Kids in Fall 2024 as Administrative Coordinator, bringing a diverse background of skills in nonprofit administration including communications and social media, fundraising, membership development, and project management. He was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and made his way over to sunny Santa Fe, New Mexico to attend St. John’s College, earning a B.A. in Liberal Arts and an M.A. in Eastern Classics. While in Santa Fe, he began his career in the nonprofit sector at the New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (NMCDLA), supporting statewide positive criminal justice advocacy.

Following his work at NMCDLA, Clint pursued teaching abroad, and was an Assistant Language Teacher of English for public elementary school children in Sapporo, Japan. He continues to work with Equity Kids while also working full-time as a Development Fellow with the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi, where he supports funding of initiatives to protect the civil liberties of all people in Hawaiʻi and represents the affiliate on the HEʻE Coalition for improving public education in the state.

In his free time, Clint enjoys experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, taking long walks while playing Pokemon Go, and helping feed a local trap-neuter-return cat colony.

FACILITATOR

Lupe, a proud Southern California native and daughter of Mexican immigrants, was raised with a strong sense of community and the value of hard work. Encouraged by her parents’ example, she earned a Political Science degree from UC Irvine. While in college, she interned with the American Federation of Teachers, where she was introduced to grassroots political advocacy. This role allowed her to champion causes close to home, including advocating for her mother, a full-time, minimum-wage worker in Los Angeles County.

Her passion for service led her to work with nonprofit organizations across Southern California and in Washington, D.C., where she contributed to policy-focused initiatives aimed at supporting underserved communities. She has served Title I schools and immigrant families along the San Ysidro/Tijuana border, promoting educational equity and family well-being. After relocating to Austin, she continued her work by supporting children and families through Early Childhood Intervention programs. She now serves as a Senior Professional Mentor at Friends of the Children-Austin, where she provides long-term, relationship-based support to youth facing systemic barriers.

Grounded in her lived experience and lifelong values, she remains committed to uplifting vulnerable communities and empowering young people to pursue their goals—just as hers were nurtured and supported. Outside of her work, she enjoys learning about the cosmos, spending time with family, and staying informed about health.

FACILITATOR

Alex is an undergraduate Psychology and Fine Arts student at The University of Texas at Austin. She began working with kids in high school as a Gym and Music Instructor for infants and toddlers. She continued to work in Early Childhood Education Settings as a daycare teacher. She is interested in the intersection of social justice and education, and how to leverage collaboration and curiosity to help nurture children's growth and participation in their community. In her free time, she enjoys going to live concerts, spending time with her pets, and having craft nights with her roommates.

FACILITATOR

Esly Terán is a Texas State University graduate that focused on Psychology and Human Development. She is from Tamaulipas, Mexico and was raised there most of her life. To her, it’s important that kids recognize and become proud of their backgrounds as well as for them to have an open mind about others’ differences. That’s why she chose the path of working with kids of all ages and backgrounds to be a support role in their lives, it all starts with them!