Catalina Herrerias, MSW, Ph.D.

Dr. Herrerias received her Ph.D. in Social Work in 1984 from the University of Texas, and is considered an expert on the topics of child sexual abuse prevention and noncustodial mothers. She is currently Associate Professor of Human Relations at the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Herrerias has won many awards for her professionalism, leadership, and contributions to not only the well-being of children and families, but also for the Latino community in particular. She has written numerous articles and books based on her field work with these groups.

“Children and teens must feel they are loved, accepted, and protected by those they love and trust,” Dr. Herrerias stated. “They must also know that if they are ever victimized physically or sexually that they will be believed, protected, and not rejected, judged, nor blamed for their trauma.”

Dr. Herrerias also belongs to several professional organizations including the National Association of Social Workers, the National Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Services Organizations, the Organization of Latino Social Workers, and Amnesty International’s Women’s Action Council.

Dr. Herrerias is currently working on a national study about mothers who currently live or have lived apart from their children. She will publish her findings in the near future. Dr. Herrerias is also working on a children’s book based on the same topic titled “When Mommy Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.”

Dr. Herrerias has two daughters who are happily married, is the caregiver of her elderly mother, and enjoys singing, gardening, and, of course, writing.

To contact Dr. Herrerias, please write to Human Relations Department, University of Oklahoma, 601 Elm Avenue, 7th Floor, Norman, OK, 73019-0315 or e-mail her at cherrerias@ou.edu. To phone Dr. Herrerias, please call (405) 325-1756.

Books by Catalina Herrerias, MSW, Ph.D.