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MS. United America 2008 Dr. Gina De Simone

Gina De Simone was crowned Ms. United America in Austin, Texas in October 2008. She represented Arizona at this year’s 4th annual national United America Pageant. She was thrilled to also be named Miss Photogenic and People’s Choice.

Gina graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. in psychology and earned her Master’s at Argosy University/Phoenix. But her biggest accomplishment to date is receiving her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Gina is a high achiever who has always kept her heart set on the next goal. She completed high school in just three years, began college courses at the age of 16 and was accepted into the doctoral program at Argosy University at the age of 21, immediately following the completion of her undergraduate program. A truly self-motivated individual, Gina lives by the best advice she ever received, “The more we know, the more we realize we don’t know.” She feels this is a genuinely humbling statement that allows her to keep striving for more.Gina has worked as a volunteer helping with social skills groups for children in the Autism Spectrum and is now currently employed as a child psychologist. Gina’s previous work experience includes assessment and therapy in schools, as well as working with trauma victims and political refugees. On a day-to-day basis, Gina provides individual therapy, group therapy, and psychological and psychoeducational assessment for children ages three and up. She is also embarking on a career in education, teaching undergraduate level psychology courses to college students. In addition to Gina’s work as a psychologist, she plans to continue her journey of helping and advocating for children and families coping with autism during her year as Ms. United America. She feels this is a population often ignored, which she has seen firsthand with the loved ones in her life. She has spent time volunteering and raising funds for the Children’s Center for Neurodevelopmental studies, and she has also helped raise money for autism research by securing over $1,600 in funds for the Walk Now for Autism, which she continues to add to every year!

Gina has also worked as a model, actor, and dancer since a very young age. Some of her credits include Pepsi, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Champion, Guess, Gap, and even a coveted spot dancing in the Superbowl XXX Halftime Show! In her free time, Gina enjoys taking dance and yoga classes. Her passion for fitness and commitment to a healthy lifestyle as lead her to her latest goal; training to run a half marathon! In fact, Gina’s personal goal is to attempt the “Rockstar” medal, running 5 of the “Rock n’ Roll” marathons across the US in 2009! Be on the lookout for what she does next as we know Gina is going to have an amazing year as

Ms. United America 2008!

Ms. United America Appearances

10/19/08: Crowned Ms. United America!

10/25/08: Photo shoot with BENIZO.com

11/2/08: Walk Now for Autism

11/9/08: The Mollen Clinic Phoenix 10K

11/16/08: The 1st Annual Scottsdale Healthcare 310 Calorie Burn (5K) benefiting the American Heart Association

11/22/08: Guest at Code Pink Boot Camp Winter Party

11/23/08: Guest at the Arizona USA Pageant

11/27/08: 21st Annual Thanksgiving Day Classic benefiting the West Valley Crisis Nursery

12/08: Participating in Christmas Cards for our troops with UA Queens

12/4/08: Guest Performer at the Bacchanal