Center for Survivors of Torture

CST Staff

Executive and Clinical Director

Manuel Balbona, PhD

Dr. Balbona has been working with victims of torture since 1997. He is adjunct associate professor in Psychology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas and University of Texas, Austin, Graduate School of Psychology. He has been in private practice since 1980 and before that he held several executive and administrative positions at Terrell State School, Dallas County MHMR, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He is the proud recipient of the Montezuma Award. Manuel is responsible for the treatment program and the day-to-day operations of the center and setting a vision for the future. In 2004, he was presented the Dallas Area Psychological Association's Distinguished Psychologist Award.

Associate Executive Director

Sharmin DeMoss, BS Ed, MDiv

Rev. DeMoss, an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), interned at CST while completing her Master of Theology in Interfaith/ Intercultural Dialogue and World Liberation Theologies. In addition to her church duties, she works with local, state, and international interfaith organizations. She is responsible for fundraising, grant writing, internships, relations with faith-based, community, and educational organizations, and works with clients on faith, grief recovery, and women's issues. With former CST intern Rebecca Napier, Sharmin is co-author of A Caregiver's Guide to Secondary Traumatic Stress.

Associate Medical and Legal Director

Alejandro Moreno, MD, MPH, JD

Dr. Moreno consults regularly with Center for Survivors of Torture concerning injuries sustained during torture, writing reports and giving testimony. Alejandro is a longtime specialist, having worked with Boston Medical Center's Boston Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights at the Boston University School of Public Health, and published internationally.

Psychiatrist

Sue Sherrod, MD

Dr. Sherrod is available one day a week for clients in the North Texas office and by videoconferencing to the Central Texas area. Sue's passion and compassion shine through, whether she is singing with the Dallas Women's Chorus or working closely with survivors to determine the best course of treatment for their symptoms.

Forensic Coordinator

Tim Branaman, PhD

Dr. Branaman has been involved with the organization and development of CST since its inception in 1997. Tim has provided pro bono forensic services for the Center as well as serving as an advisor and Forensic Services Coordinator. He is part of a clinical and forensic psychology practice which he established and has maintained since 1984.

North Texas Client Care Coordinator

Rena Taylor, BS

Ms. Taylor volunteered at CST providing transportation and client mentoring while completing her undergraduate studies in Political Science at Texas A&M University - Commerce. Rena organizes events and coordinates the mentoring program. She also works with clients on work permits and group activities, and provides referrals to professional services. She brings both heart and organization to the tasks of client services, volunteer coordination and scheduling.

Central Texas Client Care Coordinator

Celia VanDeGraaf, BA, MAC

Ms. VanDeGraaf coordinates the psychological and rehabilitative services in the Austin and San Antonio area. Celia's long career in the wellness field, specializing in health and fitness for underserved populations, has contributed to her desire to counsel others on a more profound level. She has been privileged to both work extensively as a volunteer as well as to manage volunteers and fundraising efforts. Celia's desire is to establish programs and counseling services the meet the confidential needs of our clients in mind, body and spirit.

Office Coordinator

Kevin DeLange, MA

Mr. DeLange is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the office, coordinating volunteer activities, purchasing, and data collection and analysis. Kevin has been adjunct professor of history at Texas A&M University Commerce, and has worked in the university's foundation office, where he developed grants and scholarships. Kevin brings a keen analytical mind and a strong commitment to rehabilitation of torture survivors, as proven by more than four years of volunteer mentoring.

Office Assistant, Central Texas Office

Elizabeth Aranda, BS

Ms. Aranda is responsible for office organization and data collection for the Central Texas office. Elizabeth has a strong undergraduate background in psychology as well as experience in data collection in both psychological and rehabilitative organizations.

About Us:
CST Staff - Board of Directors - Board of Advisors - Volunteers and Interns - Accreditations - Funding