Name: Melissa Lozito-Haskins 

Degree: ‘08 B.S. Human Services 

Current Employer: Empowering Minds PLLC

What led you to pursue a degree in human services? 

I knew I wanted to work in a helping field, but didn't yet know what shape that would take. Being nominated as a peer counselor in high school had given me an early taste of informal counseling, and the human services program aligned with my values and offered concrete tools for making a meaningful difference in people's lives. 

What advice do you have for current UNLV students? 

Tell your professors what you actually want - not just the polished version. When I met with Dr. Larry Ashley about my first internship and my interest in deeper community involvement, he told me about an internship working directly with him where I got to experience a bit of everything our field had to offer. It was such a valuable experience. 

What's something people should know about you? 

My husband and I are committed animal people and gamers. We share our home with three dogs - Jackson, Toby, and Sif - and three chickens named Beakachu (Beak for short), Stardew, and Leia.

Are you a COE alum? Let us know what you’ve got going on by submitting a Class Note or getting involved!