Wednesday’s installment of the Moritz Center Lunch & Learn series featured Dr. Jaime Fuentes-Balderrama discussing his research, “Out of This World: Alien Parents and Parents of Aliens,”which explored the clinical efficacy of evidence-based parent training interventions, pre-existing family strengths, as well as the development and well-being of Hispanic-origin children and adolescents on either side of the border.
He discussed the evolution of his research program that intersects with Hispanic youth mental health, parenting, cultural adaptation, and the initial impact and efficacy of parenting programs in underserved communities in both countries, including families relocated to Mexico with U.S. Citizen Children.
While his research has refined the positive impact of the Parent Management Training Oregon Model (PMTO) on Hispanic parenting, Fuentes-Balderrama’s latest findings show that only three of the five PTMO components—skills encouragement, problem-solving and positive involvement —truly impact binational child and adolescent well-being. He is now exploring an AI component to help mothers to practice their parenting skills.
Fuentes-Balderrama joined the School of Social Work in August 2025 as an assistant professor, bringing eight years of teaching experience at both undergraduate and graduate levels, including as a postdoctoral fellow at the School. He also brings more than 10 years of clinical experience on an international scale.
Join us for the next Lunch & Learn session, featuring Dr. Fiona Conway presenting on, “Recovery Support Services and Substance Use Disorder Care Continuum,” at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22.