First Year
Jillian Allen
Adviser: Dr. David Szwedo
Education: M.Ed., Educational Psychology – Applied Developmental Science, University of Virginia; B.A. in Psychology with Distinction, University of Virginia
Prior Experience: Research Intern, Youth Action Lab, University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development; Instructor, Kinesiology Lifetime Physical Activity Program, University of Virginia; Facilitator and Teaching Assistant, Hoos Connected @ UVA, University of Virginia; Ambassador, TimelyCare, University of Virginia; Certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and safeTALK: Suicide Prevention
Research Interests: Adolescent relationships with peers and adults, Risk and protective factors associated with the development of emotional regulation, problem behaviors/delinquency, aggression, and conflict resolution styles, Spirituality and mindfulness-based interventions
Briana Bunner
Adviser: Dr. Bob Harmison
Education: M.S. in Counseling Psychology, Robert Morris University, 2022; B.S. in Psychology (Clinical-Sport Psychology Concentration), Robert Morris University, 2020
Prior Experience: Provisionally Licensed Counselor in WV, Inner Strength Counseling, LLC; Campus Mental Health Care Coordinator, Student Counseling Center, Washington & Jefferson College; Counseling Psychology Intern, Counseling Services, Duquesne University; Drug and Alcohol Counseling Psychology Intern, JADE Wellness Center Southside; Graduate Assistant, Psychology Department, Robert Morris University; Student-Athlete Experience and Leadership Development Intern, Department of Athletics, Robert Morris University; Graduate Teaching Assistant, Psychology Department, Robert Morris University
Research Interests: Sport and performance psychology, Mental toughness, Athletic identity, Student-athlete mental health and well-being, Resiliency, Perfectionism, Help-seeking behaviors and attitudes of student-athletes toward mental health through a cultural and systemic lens, as well as Sport injuries and its impact on mental health and wellness
Yesenia Rijo-Morales
Advisor: Dr. Elena Savina
Education: M.A. Clinical Psychology, Concentration in Child and Family Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University (2024); B.A. Psychology and B.A. Law/Justice, Rowan University (2022)
Prior Experience: Behavior Management Specialist for a private family contract in New Jersey; Clinical Counselor at the Child Mind Institute in Manhattan, NY; Social Emotional Learning Teacher through the Arthur Zankel Urban Fellowship in Harlem, NY; Undergraduate Counselor at Camp Baker, Harvard Medical School Affiliate; Accommodation Assistant at the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities, Teachers College, Columbia University; Teaching Assistant for advanced statistics and undergraduate statistics courses; Research Assistant at the Center for Advanced Human Brain Imaging, Rutgers University
Research Interests: Behavioral disorders in children and adolescents; Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and its impact on family functioning; Parenting styles and their relationship to child behaviors; The integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) into therapeutic interventions to foster resilience, self-regulation, and emotional intelligence; The role of cultural, systemic, and economic barriers in mental health access and symptoms
Stephanie Vilenkin
Adviser: Dr. Elena Savina
Education: MA. Sport and Performance Psychology, University of Denver, 2024, BKin, Bachelor of Kinesiology, University of Toronto, 2021
Prior Experience: Milieu Therapist, EDCare Denver (Eating Disorder Treatment Center), ED Care Clinical Research Team, Graduate Student Representatives to Section II: Performance Psychology, within APA's Division 47, Assessment Intern, Athlete Intelligence Measures LLC, Mental Performance Consultant, Center for Performance Excellence at the University of Denver, Sports Psychology Consultant, Graduate Research Assistant, Association of Applied Sport Psychology Regional Conference Chair, Strong Girls United Program Liaison, Heads-Up High-Performance Research Intern, Clinical Psychology Intern, Mental Health and Physical Activity Lab University of Toronto, Sunnybrook Hospital Research Interests: Therapeutic movement-based interventions, adolescent and collegiate wellbeing, resilience, performance enhancement, athlete/performer mental health and wellbeing, performing arts, aesthetic sports, eating disorders and body image
Second Year
Natasha Chait
Adviser: Dr. Caitlyn Owens
Education: S.Ed. School Psychology, Multicultural Specialization, Queens College, CUNY, B.A. in Psychology, Macaulay Honors College at Queens College, CUNY
Prior Experience: School psychologist for three elementary schools in Queens, New York, Academic advisor to undergraduate students at Queens College, CUNY, Adjunct lecturer in School Psychology program at Queens College, CUNY, Research assistant in lab that studies retention and recruitment of Black school psychology students and school psychologists, Black students and police violence
Research Interests: Childhood trauma, empowerment, and protective factors, Improving social justice practices in school psychology, Increasing equitable outcomes for marginalized populations through education, Advocacy work and implementing systemic change through research and policy
Kathryn Grisdale
Adviser: Dr. Elena Savina
Education: Ed.S., School Psychology, The College of William & Mary, 2010, B.S., Psychology, Bridgewater College, 2005
Prior Experience: Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), Practicum Field Supervisor for school psychology graduate students, Internship in School Psychology, Loudoun County Public Schools, Mentoring services with adolescents
Research Interests: Learning Disorders, Neuropsychology, Prevention and positive psychology, Models for administration of psychological services, Rural populations, Veterans, Children and Families
Nisa Khaldun
Adviser: Dr. David Szwedo
Education: M.A. Psychology (Developmental Psychology Concentration), Los Angeles Pacific University, 2023, M.A. Psychology, Appalachian State University, 2019
Prior Experience: Mental Health Practitioner, Saint Paul, MN, Intensive Outpatient Group Therapy Practitioner, Minneapolis, MN, Eating Disorder Technician, Saint Paul, MN, Care Coordinator Charlotte, NC, Mental Health Advocate, Minneapolis, MN, Mental Health Intern, Minneapolis, MN, Research Assistant, University of Minnesota Medical School, Clinical Research Fellowship Minneapolis, MN
Research Interests: Impact of identity on body image and eating disorders, Anxiety disorders, Mindfulness-based interventions, Cultural and ethnic differences in diagnosis, presentation, and management of mental health disorders, Culturally sensitive interventions
Maria De Los Angeles Martinez
Adviser: Dr. Elena Savina
Education: M.S. Psychology, Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy, Our Lady of the Lake University 2023, B.A. Psychology, St. Mary’s University 2021
Prior Experience: Founder of Encino Therapy Services, PLLC. As an LMFT-Associate, I provided services at various clinics across Texas, including community clinics and local LGBTQ+ pride centers. Completed a master's level internship at Palms Behavioral Health Acute Psychiatric Hospital of Texas, OLLU Community Counseling Center in La Feria Texas, and The Art of Healing Counseling Center in Pharr Texas. Skilled in working with adolescents, adults, families, couples, and in facilitating group therapy.
Research Interests: Contemporary Family Therapy, Intersectionality and Mental Health, LGBTQ+ Mental Health, and Strengths-Based Approaches in Psychotherapy
Cameron Piper
Adviser: Dr. David Szwedo
Education: M.A., Clinical Psychology, Towson University, 2024, B.S., Psychology, James Madison University, 2021
Prior Experience: Graduate Therapist, Catholic Charities Villa Maria Behavioral Health Services, Baltimore, MD, Intern, Evaluation and Assessment Services, LLC, Winchester, VA, Research Assistant, Laboratory for Interpersonal Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Towson University, Towson, MD, Research Assistant, Sexual Violence Project – Nigeria, Towson University, Towson, MD, Crisis Text Line Volunteer
Research Interests: Adolescent and young adult relationships, Domestic violence/intimate partner violence, Relationship characteristics and risk/protective factors, Cyber behaviors and relationships, Intervention
Bryan Ramirez
Adviser: Dr. Bob Harmison
Education: M.A. Sport and Performance Psychology, University of Denver, 2023, B.S. Communications and Media, Old Dominion University, 2015
Prior Experience: Student-Athlete Mental Performance Consultant and Counselor, Old Dominion University, Mental Performance Consultant, Center for Performance Excellence at the University of Denver, Founder, Bendwise Behavior, Digital Communications Manager, Healthier Colorado, Analytics Engineer, Revive Health
Research Interests: Sport and performance psychology, acceptance and process-based approaches, social anxiety and impact on performance and relationship building, assessment in sport psychology
Third Year
Kendall Abell
Adviser: Dr. Elena Savina
Education: M.P.S., Clinical Psychological Science, University of Maryland, 2022, B.A., Psychology, University of Maryland, 2021
Prior Experience: Intake Coordinator, Children’s Group Therapy Assistant, Research Assistant & ADHD, Coach- UMD ADHD Program, Selective Mutism Camp Counselor, Crisis Text Line Volunteer
Research Interests: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Anxiety disorders, Dissemination & Implementation, Treatment accessibility, Social-emotional learning
Nerissa Germain-Cronister
Adviser: Dr. Anne Stewart
Education: M.A. Clinical Psychology, University of Detroit Mercy, B.S., Biopsychology and Cognitive Science, University of Michigan
Prior Experience: Practice Manager, J.F. Zagotta and Associates, LLC, Illinois & Kentucky, Academic Advisor/Adjunct Instructor, Purdue University Northwest, Hammond, IN, Neuropsychometrist, Northwestern Medicine, Winfield, IL Neuropsychometrist, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL
Research Interests: Increasing access to specialized mental health services in rural areas (e.g., clinical neuropsychology), Child abuse prevention, Roles of parenting styles on the success of foster care placements, Trauma-informed parenting for children in child welfare system
Chioma Isiadinso
Adviser: Dr. Anne Stewart
Education: M.Ed. (Cross Cultural Counseling Specialization), University of Pittsburgh, B.A. Psychology (Honors), Hobart and William Smith Colleges (Cum Laude)
Prior Experience: Personal Development Coach and Entrepreneur, Admissions Board Member, Harvard Business School, Admissions Director, Carnegie Mellon University School of Public Policy and Management, Program Associate, Carnegie Mellon University Student Advising focused on helping underrepresented students successfully navigate their education and increase their retention,
Research Assistant, University of Pittsburgh
Research Interests: Attachment and child/parent relationships, Domestic Violence/intimate partner dynamics, Trauma resiliency and recovery, Multicultural Competency in Therapy, Personal Development
Nino Mikaia
Adviser: Dr. Trevor Stokes
Education: Master’s Degree, Child and Adolescent Psychological Assessment and Counseling, Tbilisi State University, Georgia, 2019-2021, Master’s Degree, Education Administration, Ilia State University, Georgia, 2010-2012, Bachelor’s Degree, Psychology, Uznadze Educational Institute of Clinical, General, and Applied Psychology, Georgia, 2003-2007
Prior Experience: Psychologist, Psycho-educational evaluation of children with disabilities and special educational needs, McLain Association for Children (MAC Georgia), Tbilisi, Georgia, Trainer, Design and implement training programs related to the behavioral management, inclusive education practices, and team-based approaches to disability support, McLain Association for Children (MAC Georgia), Tbilisi, Georgia, Coordinator, The adaptation and norming of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, McLain Association for Children (MAC Georgia), Tbilisi, Georgia, Psychologist, Consultations for parents regarding child behavior management, Applied Psychology and Research Center, Tbilisi, Georgia
Research Interests: Applied Behavior, Analysis Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Teacher-Child Interaction Therapy, Children with special needs, Parent Support
Lauren Shoss
Adviser: Dr. Robert Harmison
Education: M.Ed Counseling and Sports Psychology, Boston University, 2023, BHSc, Honors Health Sciences, McMaster University, 2021
Prior Experience: Sports Psychology Consultant, Boston University Athletics, Co-Founder of Zhilkin’s Vision, est. 2022, Sports Psychology Consultant, Emmanuel College Athletics, Sports Psychology Consultant, Boston Hockey Academy, Partial Hospitalization Program Clinical Mental Health Intern, Arbour Counseling Services, Sports Psychology Consultant, Davidson College Athletics, Research Assistant, Boston University Center for Future Readiness
Research Interests: Athlete mental health and wellbeing, Athletic identity and career transitions, Accessibility of mental health resources in sport & performance organizations, Intersection of athletic identity with other identities (e.g., race, gender, etc.)
Fourth Year
William Moncure
Adviser: Dr. Anne Stewart
Education: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Prior Experience: I have experience in clinical practice working with child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. My experience includes in-patient psychiatric acute care, residential and outpatient addiction counseling, and working with clients with severe mental illnesses. I have also given presentations on the ethics of restraint use in psychiatric hospitals and group counseling for addictions.
Research Interests: My research interests include mood disorder treatment, differential diagnosis, ethics, addiction treatment, and interventions for individuals with SMI.
Interns
Katie Callahan
Adviser: Dr. Anne Stewart
Education: Post-Master’s Certificate, Professional Counseling Studies, University of Baltimore, 2020, M.S., Applied Psychology, Concentration in Counseling Psychology, University of Baltimore, 2019,
B.A., Psychology, George Mason University, 2014
Prior Experience: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for adolescents and adults, Intensive Outpatient Therapy (IOP) for dual diagnosis adolescents and adults, Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy
Research Associate
Research Interests: Personality Disorders, Bipolar Disorders, Suicidality, Non-suicidal self-injury Trauma
Alyssa Decker
Adviser: Dr. Anne Stewart
Education: M.S., Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, Dual Specialty in Psychiatric and Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2022, B.S., Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 2019
Prior Experience: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in North Carolina, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Group and individual counseling with teens in an intensive outpatient program,
Sandtray therapy for adolescents, Intern – Krippa Family Psychological and Wellness Services, Cary, NC,
Intern – Central Regional Hospital, Butner, NC
Research Interests: Play therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Inclusive post-secondary education programs, Interprofessional education
Dorian Hayden
Adviser: Dr. Robert Harmison
Education: M.A., General Psychology, SUNY Brockport, 2018, B.A., Psychology and International Business, SUNY Brockport, 2015)
Prior Experience: Teaching Assistant, Michigan State University, Volunteer Assistant Track and Field Coach/Mental Performance Coach, Michigan State University, Research Assistant, Michigan State University, Assistant Track and Field Coach, SUNY Brockport
Research Interests: Sport psychology, Mental toughness, Peak performance, Well-being, Self-regulation
Jennifer Nelson-Faulconer
Adviser: Dr. Anne Stewart
Education: Ed.S., School Psychology, University of Northern Colorado, B.A., Psychology and Sociology (double major), University of Colorado, Boulder, magna cum laude
Prior Experience: Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), Bilingual Assessment Team, Boulder Valley Schools, Lead Psychologist, Boulder Valley Schools, MTSS and Psychological/Cognitive Assessment, Colorado, Virginia, Rhode Island, Group and Individual Counseling, K-12
Research Interests: Play therapy, Caretaker-child attachment, The intersection of play and self-regulation, Equitable access to trauma-informed care practices, Family, school, and community collaboration
Valencia Pankey
Adviser: Dr. Trevor Stokes
Education: M.A. Psychological Sciences, Applied Behavior Analysis, James Madison University, 2021,
B.A. Psychology, James Madison University, 2019
Prior Experience: Research Assistant- Doctoral Dissertation, Harrisonburg, VA, BCBA Intern, Augusta County Public Schools, Verona, VA, Clinic Coordinator- Inter-Professional Autism Clinic (IPAC), Harrisonburg, VA. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) - Virginia Institute of Autism, Charlottesville, VA
Research Interests: Applied Behavior Analysis, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Family Interventions
Early Intervention, Children with disabilities
Tess Pieragostini
Adviser: Dr. Elena Savina
Education: Sixth Year Certificate, School Psychology, Fairfield University, 2020, M.A., School Psychology, Fairfield University, 2017, B.S., Psychology, Sacred Heart University, 2016
Prior Experience: School Psychologist – Bridgeport Public Schools (CT), School Psychology Intern – Fairfield Public Schools (CT), Research Assistant – Fairfield University (CT)
Research Interests: Social-emotional learning, Teacher training and support, Psychological assessment and intervention, Culturally and linguistically diverse students, Parent-child interactions
Tahlia Wilson-Nealy
Adviser: Dr. Robert Harmison
Education: M.S. Sport and Performance Psychology, California Baptist University, 2020, B.A. General Studies-Emphasis: Kinesiology, Texas Christian University, 2019
Prior Experience: Student Athlete Success Coordinator - Southern Wesleyan University, Central, SC, Graduate Mental Performance Intern- California Baptist University, Riverside
Research Interests: Sport Psychology, Mental Toughness, Student-athlete mental health and well-being, Athlete identity and transition
