Shawna Anderson Curry
Education:
B.S in Psychology from James Madison University
M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University
Research interests:
Attachment in parenting, perinatal and pediatric mental health, intersection of trauma and social justice, bridging the gaps between clinicians' theoretical knowledge and effective application with clients, improvement in support for clinical supervisors.
Post-doctoral "goal for the future":
I hope to earn a faculty or director position that has an active advocacy role and addresses systemic barriers for both students and clients. I plan to continue to provide counseling services to survivors of trauma and supervise new clinicians in the field.
Favorite self-care activity:
I enjoy hiking (exploring all national and state parks), strength training, reading for pleasure, and spending time with my family.
Natica Blake
Education:
B.A. in Psychology, Southern Connecticut State University, 2017
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Bridgeport, 2019
Research Interests:
Workplace and academic burnout; intersectionality in supervision; mental health disparities in underserved communities; multicultural, immigrant and other marginalized populations.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
My long-term goal is to lead and teach in higher education by developing an inclusive and efficient college counseling department and training future mental health professionals. I’m especially passionate about empowering clinicians of color and increasing representation within the field.
Favorite self-care activity:
Scrolling on Pinterest, watching basketball, reading thriller novels, painting, going on walks and thrifting
Albrina Burger
Education:
Temple University (B.A in English and Philosophy, Cum Laude, 2007
M.Ed in Secondary Education-English, 2008)
Albany State University (M. Ed in School Counseling, 2022)
Research interests:
Inclusive and equitable learning for underrepresented students in P-12 settings, advocacy skills for black females in school and work settings.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
To train aspiring school counselors at the Master's and Doctoral level, while continuing to work as a school counselor
Favorite self-care activity:
Walking, cooking and vacationing
John Clarke
Education:
BS Psychology, JMU
MA/EdS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, JMU
Research Interests:
Trauma, crisis intervention, common factors, counseling and entrepreneurship.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
At the end of the program, I hope to transition into a full-time faculty position at a CACREP program!
Favorite Self-Care Activity:
Turfing, acting, spending time with my daughter, and playing music.
Alexis Cogley
Education:
B.S. Psychology, George Mason University, 2019
M.S. Counseling and Human Development, Radford University, 2022
Research Interests:
Development of suicide risk assessment tools that account for both static and dynamic risk factors among criminalized populations; attachment-based counselor supervision models designed to address the unique professional and clinical needs of helping professionals serving in forensic settings.
Post-doctoral Goal for the Future:
I hope to become a core faculty member in a CACREP-accredited counseling program while engaging in action-oriented research aimed at improving outcomes for justice-involved individuals and the professionals who serve them. I would also like to maintain a connection to clinical practice with forensic populations throughout the peri-carceral and post-release process.
Favorite Self-Care Activity:
I enjoy a variety of "brain off" hobbies that allow me to recharge, including playing video games, building Legos, coloring, and reading.
Rebecca DeMello Egan
Education:
B.A. in Communications, Suffolk University, 2014
M.A. in Criminal Justice with Graduate Certificates in Victim Studies and Forensic Criminology, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 2015
M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling, Dual Licensure (LMHC & SAC/SSW), Bridgewater State University, 2018
Research Interests:
Counselor development, supervision, and professional identity; the imposter phenomenon among counselors and counselors-in-training; countertransference and the therapeutic relationship in perinatal mental health counseling; counseling first responders and their families; and counselor wellness and sustainability, particularly among school adjustment counselors.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
I hope to continue growing as a counseling practitioner while expanding my private practice, supervising counselors-in-training, transitioning into a counselor educator faculty role, contributing meaningfully to research, and pursuing advocacy in perinatal mental health.
Favorite self-care activity:
Self-care for me looks like exercising every day, getting outside, and the feeling of checking off a To Do list. I love spending time with my husband and our two toddlers. Someday I hope to get back into my hobby of crocheting while binging a good tv show.
Akira Goden
Education:
B.S. as a double major in Psychology and African American Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2022
M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Georgia State University, 2024
Research interests:
Black mental health; historical consciousness as a culturally responsive therapeutic intervention; racial identity development; self-efficacy, resilience, and healing in Black communities.
Post-doctoral "goal for the future":
My long-term goal is to become a counselor educator who fosters an inclusive learning environment where students feel seen, valued, and empowered through a commitment to social justice advocacy. I also aspire to serve as a source of representation and mentorship by embracing the identities I hold as a young Black woman, demonstrating the importance of authenticity, equity, and culturally responsive leadership in counselor education.
Favorite self-care activity:
Traveling and eating…or more specifically eating while traveling
Kylie Hathaway
Education:
MA Social Work, University of Alabama, 2020
MA Marriage and Family Therapy, University of San Diego, 2016
BA Psychology; Minors in Criminal Justice & Conflict Analysis Communication, James Madison University, 2010
Research Interests:
I am interested in evaluating the treatment of PTSD in first responders, preventing vicarious trauma in counselors, and how to better prepare counselors to testify in court.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
I currently own a group private practice located in Alabama, that specializes in trauma and working with first responders and veterans. I hope to continue my work as the clinical director at my private practice providing therapy, advocacy, and supervision to future counselors. I also hope to serve as a counselor educator faculty member at an accredited university.
Favorite self-care activity:
I am an avid reader; I love to take road-trips and travel when I can and enjoy watching college football. I am also a mom to twin toddlers and find so much joy in the time I spend with my kids, watching them learn and grow.
Stephanie Hutchison
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University, 2017
Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University, 2020
Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia, 2022
Favorite self-care activity:
My self-care activities include running, spending time with family, being outdoors, reading, cooking, baking, and being at the beach as much as I can.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
My goals for the future include teaching future counselors and providing support and supervision throughout their education. I would like to be a part in transforming the way graduate counseling students are supported in their development. I enjoy the client facing role and would like to continue to practice in some capacity.
Research interests:
My research interests include burnout prevention in graduate students, trauma informed care, and the impact of nutrition on mental health.
Akyla Joseph
Education:
B.S. Psychology, James Madison University, 2016
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, William James College, 2018
Favorite self-care activity:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and watching sunrises/sunsets.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
My post-doctoral goal is to become a faculty member where I can support students navigating clinical settings, offer them effective and supportive supervision, and help them with the transition into the work field after graduating. I also hope to conduct research for underserved populations that could help influence more effective resources for clinical settings.
Research interests:
Immigrant and military communities, approaches to clinical supervision, qualitative methodology
Lydia Larimore
Education:
M.Ed. in School Counseling, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
MBA, University of Phoenix, AZ (satellite campus on Aviano Air Base, Italy)
BA in Psychology from Simpson University, Redding, CA
Research interests:
I would love to continue exploring my research interests, which are grounded in innovation and advocacy, to help bring counseling, educational equity, and whole-child development together in meaningful ways. I want to provide educators and counselors with real, impactful, and practical tools to support students, especially those who have faced trauma, come from diverse cultural backgrounds, or have unique learning needs, to build resilience and thrive in and beyond the classroom.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
I plan to keep growing in my role as a school counselor, advocate, and mentor, while also considering a future role as a professor in counselor education.
Favorite self-care activity:
Going on vacation with my family, walking, crocheting, and watching tv shows or movies inspired by true stories.
Baylee L'Eazer
Education:
Sweet Briar College, BA in History and Psychology, 2018
University of Lynchburg, M. Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2021
Research interests:
My research interests primarily center on the retention of counseling professionals, including Residents in Counseling, as well as enhancing client engagement through innovative and accessible therapeutic approaches that make the counseling experience more meaningful and dynamic.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
Following the completion of my doctorate, I plan to continue enhancing my private counseling practice, applying the skills and knowledge I’ve acquired to better support my clients. I am also passionate about providing supervision and mentorship to new counselors and residents as they develop their professional identities. In addition, I am committed to advancing the counseling field through impactful research and by teaching at a CACREP-accredited university. Ultimately, my goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those touched by the counseling profession and to empower the next generation of counselors as they enter and grow within the field.
Favorite self-care activity:
Some of my favorite self-care activities include knitting, crocheting, and reading. I also cherish spending time with my husband, our cats, and our families. Together, we enjoy traveling and have been fortunate to visit some incredible places—among our favorites are France, Italy, Scotland, and New York City.
Janice Lewis
Education:
B.A. Psychology, James Madison University
M.A. & Ed.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, James Madison University
Favorite self-care activity:
Running around with my dogs or getting lost in a great book.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
I look forward to continuing my roles as a clinical supervisor, clinician, advocate, and educator.
Research Interests:
Best practices for supporting the self-efficacy of counseling residents and early career clinicians. Use of structured risk assessment tools in enhancing the risk assessment skills of early career clinicians. Intentional design of counseling spaces to support the develop the therapeutic relationship. And, creative interventions to enhance counseling education, supervision, and clinical practice.
Cassidi Long
Education:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of NC at Wilmington (2010) and Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from NC A&T State University (2013)
Favorite self-care activities:
Some of my favorite self-care activities include reading, camping, taking naps and baking.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
I hope to work as a director for a college/university counseling center. I would also love to teach and work in counselor education and supervision.
Research interests:
My research interests include body image and disordered eating; the educational experiences of BIPOC students; the treatment of depression, anxiety and trauma in Black women.
Daniel Miles
Education:
BA Psychology, University of TN
MDiv, Wake Forest University
MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Research interests:
Clinical supervision education; the intersection of spirituality and sexuality in counseling
Post-doctoral "goal for the future":
Teach at the Master's level; develop a supervision practice
Favorite self-care activity:
Playing board games, playing guitar, listening to my ridiculously massive music collection
Carl Mojta
Education:
MS: Virginia Tech / Human Development: Marriage & Family Therapy Program
MS: Syracuse University: S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications / Public Relations
MA: New York University/French Studies
BA: The Pennsylvania State University/French Language & Culture
Research Interests:
Multiculturalism, international counseling, veteran’s mental health care, masculinity/men’s mental health, sexual health and Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
After almost 10 years with the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Vet Center and now working full-time in private practice in the Washington, DC area, I am eager to embrace this doctoral opportunity to engage in research and advocacy work. I’m also excited to see where this journey leads me professionally as I combine my background as a licensed marriage and family therapist with my new professional identity as a counselor educator and supervisor.
Favorite Self-Care Activity:
Travelling, exercise (whenever and however I can) and walking in DC with my wife.
Madison Moore
Education:
B.S. in Psychology from James Madison University (2021)
M.Ed./Ed.S. in School Counseling from James Madison University (2023)
Resident in Counseling
Research interests:
My research interests include educational experiences with individuals facing mental health challenges, the impact of video games on children’s behavior, and exploring different counseling approaches to improve self-esteem.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
I am currently a school counselor as well as LPC resident in counseling. My goal for the post-doctoral future is to find my true counselor educator identity to best support counselors in the school as well as the clinical field as a supervisor. This will help me accomplish my aspiration to close the gap for adolescents facing mental health challenges and earning a high school education.
Favorite self-care activity:
My favorite self-care activity is taking care of my plants, building Lego flowers as well as going for walks outside
Karem Negron Vega
Education:
B.A. in Psychology, Inter American University of Puerto Rico
M.A. in Mental Health Counseling, Regent University
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia.
Research interests:
I am interested in topics related to immigrant families—particularly intergenerational trauma and the unique challenges immigrants face during acculturation and cultural adaptation.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
I hope to continue my clinical practice and transition into a role as an educator in the field. I am especially passionate about trauma and minority studies and aspire to contribute to both through teaching and mentorship.
Favorite self-care activities:
I enjoy jogging and often sign up for races throughout the year—it’s a great way for me to stay balanced and motivated.
Taylor Nolan
Education:
BS Psychology from Drexel University
MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University
Favorite self-care activity:
Reading! I love fantasy, romance, historical fiction and thriller novels. Extra self-care points if I can do this outside on a nice sunny day.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
I want to support and train future counselors as well as increase my engagement in advocacy and leadership. Teaching is my ultimate goal after completing my PhD.
Research interests:
Stigma reduction in specialized populations, developing training and education for risk-management/harm-reduction for counselors-in-training.
Ashley Sahai
Education:
Bachelor of Arts -Psychology- Auburn University
Master of Science- Clinical Psychology- Alabama A&M
Master of Education- School Counseling- University of Montevallo
Research interests:
I am interested in the intersection of trauma and neurobiology, particularly how traumatic experiences influence neurodevelopment, emotional regulation, relationships, and resilience across the lifespan.
Post-doctoral "goal for the future":
My goal for post-doc is to pursue advanced training in trauma, neurobiology, and clinical practice, integrating research, clinical work, and counselor education to advance trauma-informed care.
Favorite self-care activity:
I enjoy creating through photography, art, and music. I also love spending time with the people I love, being in nature, traveling, and finding quiet moments of solitude to recharge.
Lacey Sawyers
Education:
B.A. Psychology, West Virginia University, 2017
M.A. Counseling, West Virginia University, 2020
Research Interests:
Generational trauma in Appalachia, effective trauma treatment for folks with substance use disorder, counselor confidence in treating complex trauma and substance use disorder.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
I hope to become core faculty in a CACREP-accredited counseling program. I would like to engage in action-oriented research aimed at ensuring quality treatment for folks diagnosed with substance use disorder.
Favorite self-care activity:
I love exercise of all kinds: running, hot yoga, rock climbing, weightlifting, you name it! I also enjoy taking myself on solo dates for breakfast and coffee!
Kendra Speicher Eisenstark
Education:
Kendra received her BA in Psychology from Reed College and her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Hood College. She also holds a Certificate in Thanatology from Hood College.
Research interests:
Kendra's current research interests include grief, social justice, and the connection between mental health and hormones, known as psychoneuroendocrinology.
Post-doctoral "goal for the future":
Contributing to the death positive movement and exploring the interstitial spaces between the fields that engage with mental health work.
Favorite self-care activity:
Drawing portraits
Jennifer 'Jay' Zegan-Lister
Education:
Prescott College, BA in Psychology and Human Development with a concentration in Counseling, 2018
Prescott College, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in addictions counseling, 2020
Research interests:
My research interests are the intersection of the LGBTQIA community, complex trauma, and substance use disorders. I want to utilize this research to create best practices in treatment options for queer folks.
Post-doctoral goal for the future:
My post-doctoral goals are to continue engaging in research, continuing my clinical practice as a trauma specialist, and teaching graduate level courses.
Favorite self-care activity:
My favorite self-care activities are spending time with friends and family, being at the beach, spending time with my dogs, reading, and baking
