All About the MILES Study

Interested in participating? Let us know you’re interested!

¿Le interesa participar? ¡Háganos saber que está interesado!

MILES Team

Principal Investigators

Sandra Vanegas is an Assistant Professor in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. She is a Research Assistant Professor in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work, Clinical Training Director for the Autism Consortium of Texas LEND, and Director of Research for Texas Center for Disability Studies. 

Megan Flores is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Baylor University in Waco, TX. Dr. Flores received her Master of Physical Therapy degree from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 2004, and her PhD in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University in 2019.

Current Research Team

Project Coordinator

Stephany Brown is a Senior Research Program Coordinator at TCDS housed in Steve Hicks School of Social Work. Mrs. Brown received her Master of Social Work degree from Texas State University, and she is a licensed Social Worker in the state of Texas.

Research Assistants

Sara Garcia Pretelt is a graduate student in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about empowering families to provide their children the specialized attention they need to reach developmental milestones.

Alejandra Renee Gonzalez-Badia is a graduate student currently completing a Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. She is interested in working with children and youth in different capacities. Her future plans include finishing her degree and becoming a licensed therapist. 

Arushi Arora is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin studying Psychology. Her first and foremost passion has always been working with kids, from Reading Aces at UT Austin to volunteering as a Child Life Intern at CHRISTUS Hospital. She hopes to understand how to better care for children with Down Syndrome through MILES.

Maddie Schneider is a second-year neuroscience major aiming for graduate school. She knew she wanted to be a part of MILES through Lifelong Learning with Friends and taking a disabilities class. She looks forward to getting to know and help families learn more about their children.