Acknowledgements

First and foremost, I want to thank God Almighty for the love, strength, and guidance He has provided me throughout my life and especially this research process. Then, I’d like to thank my mother, Luani Mir Pellot, and father, Carmelo Ortiz, for their constant love, support, sacrifice, and patience. I would not be where I am without them. I’d also like to thank my supervisor, Kelly Reddy-Best, for her instruction, advice, and insightfulness throughout the entire course of this research. I learned and grew tremendously under her mentorship and direction.

Additionally, I would like to extend my gratitude to the members of my POS committee, Dr. Doreen Chung and Dr. Brian Behnken who gave of their time and expertise for me to complete this research successfully. As well as my most sincere thanks to the participants of this study, and other members of the Bomba community who assisted in one way or another. And lastly, to all my wonderful friends and family whose prayers and encouragement motivated me even in the difficult moments, thank you deeply. I treasure each and every one of you.