René Gaitan (MSSW ’10) prefers simply to be called René.
The clinical assistant professor considers the name given to him by his mother to be integral to his identity, so when he works as a social worker with children or young people, he finds that this approach breaks down the idea of a power differential. In the event that a young person calls him “Mr. René,” René addresses his client with equal respect.
He takes that same approach with students at The University of Texas, where René serves several roles. In addition to his clinical teaching appointment at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work, he also oversees social work interns in clinics at the School of Law, leads the Communities and Relatives Empowered for Support with Substance Misuse (CARES) Program and facilitates training and workshops.
It’s part of his work that is “a privilege and honor,” and a calling that is inspired by René’s own life experiences.
From California to Texas
At the age of two, René and his mother came to the U.S. from El Salvador, escaping the violence and destabilization from the country’s civil war by moving to California. His father, who arrive in the U.S. prior to René’s birth, bussed tables and his mother worked as a dry cleaner. René notes that by today’s standards, he and his family would be considered political refugees.
Because of his legal status, the first time René was able to leave California was to come to the UT School of Social Work for a master’s degree and ability to work in mental health services.
“I was told that I was a good counselor, and that social work is a space where you can do that and so much more,” said René.
A change in federal policy would later provide him a transition from undocumented status to legal residency to eventual citizenship. Now several years later, he’s teaching students how to be effective social workers.
Supporting positive healing in communities and his own family
René is an inaugural member and faculty fellow of the Communities and Relatives Empowered for Support with Substance Misuse (CARES) Program, which is expected to launch in Spring 2025. CARES aims to give power to the community by building a self-sufficient, supportive network of clients, families, and community members.
René will work alongside a first-year master’s practicum student and graduate assistant to perform needs assessments, client interviews, and research on addiction for families and those struggling with substance misuse.
René also noted this area is special because supporting a family member going through recovery is difficult, as many family members struggle with the emotional pain of caring long-term for others.
“There is no stop when this is your daughter or son,” said René. “You may quit a job, but you cannot quit your child.”
By sharing his life experiences and stories that he’s seen in social work settings, René believes that his students will be encouraged to learn and practice empathy and understanding.
“I think that by building a stronger and healthier support network, you’re going to improve the chance of the individual coming back to a supportive space,” said René. “That will help support them in their path of recovery.”