VCU news

By Tom Gresham

Josselyn Valenzuela, a graduate student in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, serves as the bilingual research coordinator for the Mindful Moms Study, which studies the impact of mindfulness activities and social connectedness on people who are experiencing depression while pregnant.

In her position, Valenzuela focuses on the Spanish-speaking participants in the study, which is based in the School of Nursing. Valenzuela first started working for the study as a research assistant last year when she was still an undergraduate in the School of Social Work. Valenzuela eventually earned her bachelor’s degree in May and remained at VCU to pursue a master’s degree in clinical social work.

She spoke to VCU News about finding her way to becoming a researcher and the rewards of helping Spanish-speaking women contending with depression.

In two sentences, tell us the focus of your research ... and why it is important/impactful for all of us.

The Mindful Moms Study Team examines mental health and well-being during pregnancy, offering resources to both Spanish- and English-speaking participants. This research is vital because it tackles the gap in accessible mental health care for pregnant women, particularly in underserved communities.

What inspired you to pursue this line of research?

While completing my social work degree and working with various nonprofit organizations serving the Latino community in Richmond, I met many Spanish-speaking pregnant women struggling with depression and seeking resources. When I learned about the Mindful Moms Study's need for a bilingual team member, I was eager to join, knowing many moms could now participate and receive classes in Spanish.

Tell us about a surprise in your research journey.

I was surprised by how deeply social networks are connected to mental health during pregnancy. Many participants valued the bond we built, often asking about future research opportunities. Leslie Lantz, a member of our team, started six-month play visits, and it was rewarding to see the moms and their babies post-study. These visits further highlighted the lasting impact of our work and inspired me to explore how mindfulness activities and social connectedness can alleviate depression during pregnancy.

Tell us about an obstacle or challenge you had to overcome in your work.

At first, transportation was a challenge, as many participants could not attend in-person classes. We initially assisted with helping them identify transportation and later transitioned to virtual sessions to ensure better accessibility. Building trust within the community was key to overcoming these barriers and making participants feel supported and valued.

Is there a memorable partnership or lesson you've embraced along the way?

Being part of the Mindful Moms team with Dr. Patricia  Kinser, Dr. Susan Bodnar-Deren, Candice Gault, and Leslie Lantz has been instrumental in developing my research skills. The teamwork fostered my growth during my first research experience and demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. I’m also grateful for our partnership with Waymakers, which helped us connect with the Latino community and spread awareness about Mindful Moms through their resource fairs.

What do you find fulfilling about the research process?

Knowing that our work has the potential to make a tangible difference in the lives of pregnant women is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing how our research enhances care, mental health resources, and community support motivates me to continue this important work.

What advice would you offer undergrads to kick-start their own research journeys?

Stay curious and choose a research topic that genuinely interests you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek out mentors who can guide you. It’s never too late to get involved in research — I discovered my passion during my senior year of undergrad, and now I’m pursuing a career in clinical social work, continuing my research journey. This path has opened unexpected opportunities and been profoundly rewarding. As a bilingual social worker, I find it crucial to engage with the community and advocate for underserved populations, especially pregnant moms and their unique journeys. Embrace the journey, as research can be transformative and impactful!