Elmer Flores is a Master of Social Welfare and Master of Public Health student at UCLA, specializing in Health and Mental Health Across the Lifespan and Community Health Sciences. He currently serves as a clinical social work intern at the UCLA School of Dentistry’s Special Patient Care Clinic, where he supports patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex medical needs through psychosocial assessments, care coordination, and systems-level advocacy. Elmer brings a strong background in both direct practice and research, with previous experience at LA CountyDepartment of Mental Health’s San Antonio Family Center, American Indian Health & Services, and New Beginnings Safe Parking Program. His policy and research interests include community-based interventions, health equity, and systems navigation for underserved populations. He has contributed to participatory research on homelessness through Cottage Health’s Center for Population Health and supported grassroots advocacy with CAUSE, focusing on immigrant and housing justice. Elmer is committed to advancing disability justice and inclusive public health systems through trauma-informed care, culturally-responsive services, and interdisciplinary collaboration.”