Rebecca Gomez, Ph.D., is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work (SHS). In this role, Dr. Gomez collaborates with leadership, faculty, staff, and students to advance the school’s mission, overseeing programs and offices related to academic affairs and driving innovation within the school.
Dr. Gomez is a leading researcher in the field of complex trauma, recognized for her work on child and family well-being. Her research particularly emphasizes the impact of complex trauma on development and adult outcomes. Dr. Gomez’s work addresses the family as a system, exploring how the interplay of complex trauma and substance use affects not only individuals but also the broader family unit. Her research tackles the often-overlooked overlap between substance use and child welfare, bridging a critical gap in these typically siloed fields. Her integrated approach connects substance use research and child welfare research, developing evidence-based interventions that not only address the immediate impacts of trauma and substance use but also promote healing and recovery across generations.
Dr. Gomez’s research also extends to child welfare workforce development, where she investigates strategies to better equip professionals who work with children and families affected by these intertwined challenges. Dr. Gomez seeks to uncover how individuals can break free from the impact of trauma, fostering resilience and post-traumatic growth.
Recognized for her expertise, Dr. Gomez has consulted on judicial cases, using her research to inform the judicial response to trauma-related issues. She has also been asked to prepare legislative reports, further extending her influence on policy and practice. Her insights into complex trauma and post-traumatic growth make her a respected voice in academic, clinical, and policy circles.
With over 20 years of experience in clinical social work, Dr. Gomez’s practice deeply informs her research. Prior to her current role, Dr. Gomez was Interim Dean and Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work (2020-2023) and held academic leadership roles at Our Lady of the Lake University (2013-2020).
Her projects have been funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the State of Texas.
Dr. Gomez serves on the editorial board of the journal Child and Adolescent Social Work and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) National Nominating Committee. She co-chaired the CSWE Specialized Practice Curricular Guide for Substance Use (2020) and was awarded the Council on Social Work Education’s Distinguished Recent Contributions to Social Work Education Award in 2020 for her leadership in increasing access and equity.
Professional Interests
Adolescent and Youth Development, Child Welfare, Community-Based Participatory Research, Complex Trauma, Substance Use Intervention and Long-Term Recovery, Post-Traumatic Growth