Her primary research interest is management of chronic illnesses. She is currently examining the effect of a psychoeducation intervention on caregiver burden, depression, mental well-being, and immune function in family members of individuals with bipolar disorder. Dr. Casarez completed her doctorate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She obtained her MS in psychiatric mental/health nursing at Texas Woman’s University in Houston and her BSN at the University of St. Thomas, also in Houston. Her clinical background has focused on inpatient and outpatient psychiatric nursing and home health.