Amy Gaona

Amy Gaona was born and raised in Blythe, California. She is a proud first-generation college graduate, earning dual BAs in Education and Sociology; with a minor in Chicane/Latine Studies from UC Irvine, and a Master of Social Work from CSU Long Beach. Rooted in collectivism, social justice and honoring lived experience, Amy approaches her work with children, families, individuals, and systems through a holistic lens. Amy has worked in both micro and macro settings, including early literacy research with bilingual families, case management, and medical social work. Recently, Amy worked as a research assistant at the Center for Equitable Higher Education (CEHE) focusing on basic needs in higher education. At GSSW, she is excited to deepen her understanding of community-based research and how marginalized communities access health care. In her free time, Amy enjoys concerts, museums, boxing, and discovering new food places.