Board of Directors

Meet our prestigious Board of Directors who are dedicated to our mission of educating and emotionally supporting student borrowers.

Carol Deas-Lopez, Psy.D.

President

Dr. Carol Deas-Lopez, Psy.D., (she/her) is the Founder, CEO & President of the National Alliance of Student Loan Debt. With doctoral and Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology, a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and certifications in Addiction Studies, Addiction Counseling, and Life Coaching, Dr. Carol is a highly regarded professional known for her experience, trustworthiness, and drive. She is a lifelong advocate for students, women, and veterans.

Her dedication to student advocacy stems from personal experiences at a for-profit university, witnessing financial aid theft and an abrupt school closure that left students in severe distress. Dr. Carol collaborates with organizations like the Debt Collective and Student Loan Justice, advocating for change and holding elected officials accountable for their role in the student debt crisis. In addition to her advocacy work, Dr. Carol has a private therapy practice and coaching practice as the Founder and CEO of Empowering Breakthroughs, LLC. She also serves as an adjunct professor teaching psychology courses on the graduate level. Personally, she is a busy mother and grandmother who finds joy in gardening, painting, traveling, and connecting with loved ones. Believing in the power of education and peer support, Dr. Carol fosters a collaborative atmosphere within our organization and strives to align with the mission of NASLD to gather accurate information and provide emotional support and guidance to its members.

Kristen Qunell

Treasurer

Kristen Qunell (she/her), a dedicated advocate for easing the student loan debt burden, serves as a board member for the National Association for Student Loan Debt (NASLD). Having personally faced the challenges of student loan repayment, Kristen brings a unique perspective to the cause. With over a decade of experience in global marketing and design agencies, she excels in financial management, strategic planning, and project leadership. Kristen's collaborative approach and strategic insight have consistently delivered impactful results throughout her career.

With a Master of Science in Public Service Management (Nonprofit Management focus) and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Kristen is deeply committed to the nonprofit sector. Her volunteer work with organizations like Junior Achievement, Literacy Chicago, Foster Care to Success, and Pets for Patriots reflects her dedication.

Beyond her professional life, Kristen finds solace and inspiration in nature, especially near the ocean. Whether walking along the beach or listening to the waves, she feels a deep connection to the natural world. Kristen resides in the PNW with her husband and three children, embodying her belief in the healing power of nature.

Dana Herrera-Jennings, M.A.

Secretary

Dana Herrera-Jennings (she/her) is a mom, writer, and teacher of students with visual impairments

As a writer, she was the youngest Editor-in-Chief of abqARTS Magazine and the author of Buying Homes in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho among many magazine articles.

Dana is a Phi Theta Kappa alumnus. She holds a B.A. in English, an M.A. in American Studies and a certificate in Teaching Students with Visual Impairments.

In addition, she is the recipient of multiple awards, including the University of New Mexico (UNM) Amigo Transfer Scholarship, the Research Opportunity Scholarship, the Ronald E. McNair Fellowship, and the UNM Office of Graduate Studies Fellowship.

In 2006, she was awarded a Lena M. Todd Creative Non-Fiction Award for her piece entitled "Super Genius."

Dana is dedicated to economic equity, advocacy, education and peer-supports for all things student loan debt related.

David Boyer

Board Consultant for Veteran Affairs

David Boyer (he/him) is a veteran advocating for the interests of all veterans. Currently residing in Missouri, David is a husband and father to two children, representing them and others who face challenges within our higher education system.

During his time in the military, David witnessed for-profit schools deploying recruiters within active-duty ranks. These recruiters, driven by financial incentives, targeted exiting military members, misleading them about job placement, school accreditation, and the relevance of their skills in the job market. The 85/15 or 90/10 rule made veterans vulnerable to these tactics. David, along with many other veterans, were pushed into predatory loans. As an NASLD board member, David represents our veteran student borrowers.

Caitlyn "Rochelle" Lopez

Board Consultant for Programming and Operations

Caitlyn "Rochelle" Lopez (they/them) has been a professional in the non-profit sector, empowering individuals with developmental disabilities for the last six years. After completing their Bachelor's degree in Sociology, made possible by student loans, they were propelled to use their skills for advocacy, education development, independent event organizing, and fundraising for community-based organizations and groups that serve oppressed and vulnerable populations, and primarily BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities based in the SF Bay Area. While they have a desire to pursue a Master's degree in Social Work to further serve their community, the student loan debt crisis deters them and many others from applying to higher-level education programs. By contributing and learning alongside NASLD, they hope to provide support and empower others in the struggle to free all people from the weight of student loan debt, and to form a community that uplifts each other and finds healing from a harmful and oppressive financial system.