Current Students

First Year


  • Profile photo: Kendall Abell

    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

  • Profile photo: Nerissa Germain-Cronister

    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

  • Profile photo: Chioma Isiadinso

    Chioma Isiadinso

    Adviser: Drs. Gregg Henriques and 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

  • Profile photo: Nino Mikaia

    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

  • Profile photo: Lauren Shoss

    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.)

Second Year


  • Profile photo: Alyssa Decker

    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

  • Profile photo: William Moncure

    William Moncure

    Adviser: Dr. Gregg Henriques

    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.

  • Profile photo: Jennifer Nelson-Faulconer

    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

  • Profile photo: Valencia Pankey

    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

  • Profile photo: Tess Pieragostini

    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

  • Profile photo: Tahlia Wilson-Nealy

    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

Third Year


  • Profile photo: Luke Badley

    Luke Badley

    Office: Johnston 225
    Adviser: Dr. Trevor Stokes

    Education:

    Advanced degree: MSW, Clinical Social Work, West Virginia University
    Bachelor’s degree: BS, Biblical Studies, Clarks Summit University, 2011

    Prior Experience

    Parent Child Interaction Therapy therapist and trainer.
    Therapist and outreach worker for people who use substances.
    Outpatient child and adolescent therapist.
    Community trainer and organizer for Parent Child Interaction Therapy trainings.

    Research Interests:

    Child behavior problems
    Autism
    Substance Use
    Child and Family Continuum of Care

  • Profile photo: Katie Callahan

    Katie Callahan

    Office: Johnston 107
    Adviser: Dr. Gregg Henriques

    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

  • Profile photo: Dorian Hayden

    Dorian Hayden

    Office: Johnston 111
    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

  • Profile photo: Julia Linger

    Julia Linger

    Office: Johnston 111
    Adviser: Dr. Anne Stewart

    Education:

    M.A. Mental Health Counseling, Boston College, 2021
    B.A. Psychology, University of Virginia, 2017

    Prior Experience

    Clinical Intern, The Gifford School (Woburn, MA)
    Research Assistant, Youth Meaning and Purpose Laboratory (Boston College)
    Educational and therapeutic services for nonspeaking autistic children (Arlington, VA)
    Research Assistant, Early Development Laboratory (University of Virginia)

    Research Interests:

    Play therapy
    Children with disabilities
    Parenting interventions
    Feminist therapy

Interns


  • Profile photo: Emery Q. Brautigan

    Emery Q. Brautigan

    Internship Site: Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland
    Adviser: Dr. Trevor Stokes

    Education:

    M.S.Ed., Counseling and Mental Health Services, University of Pennsylvania, 2019
    B.A., Psychology, Kenyon College,

    Prior Experience

    In-home Behavioral Therapist for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, San Bernardino, CA
    Counseling Intern at Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School, Philadelphia, PA
    Research Assistant

    Research Interests:

    Early intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
    Applied Behavioral Analysis
    Child-Centered Play Therapy

  • Profile photo: Rhea E. Nesbitt

    Rhea E. Nesbitt

    Internship Site: West Virginia University Medicine: University Healthcare, Martinsburg, WV
    Adviser: Dr. Gregg Henriques

    Education:

    M.S., Counseling Psychology, (specialization in Infant Mental Health); Chatham University, 2011
    B.A. Psychology, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, 2008

    Prior Experience

    Intern – UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital – Matilda Theiss Child Development Center, Pittsburgh, PA
    Intern – Tadiso, Inc. - Methadone Maintenance Counselor, Pittsburgh, PA
    Research Assistant, Temple University Infant Lab at Ambler, Philadelphia, PA

    Research Interests:

    Equity of opportunity and systemic inequality
    Metamodern integrated pluralist approach to anti-racism
    Post-traumatic edge and intersections of racial language

  • Profile photo: Shelly-Ann Peart James

    Shelly-Ann Peart James

    Internship Site: WellSpan Philhaven Hospital, Mt. Gretna, PA
    Adviser: Dr. Anne Stewart

    Education:

    M.Sc., Clinical Psychology, University of the West Indies, Mona, 2008
    M.Div., Oral Roberts University, 2003
    B.Sc., Psychology, University of the West Indies, Mona, 1999

    Prior Experience

    Substance rehabilitation counseling for adults, Teen Challenge Jamaica
    Group Counseling with persons recovering from substance addiction, John 3:16 Mission Practicum, Tulsa, OK
    Pscyho-educational assessment of school aged children, identification of learning needs, collaborative development of IEPs, consultation on Multi-Disciplinary Team Saint Lucia West Indies
    Psychological evaluation of adults
    Research Assistant to Consultant Psychiatrist and Head, Section of Psychiatry, University of the West Indies

    Research Interests:

    Trauma-informed interventions for children and families
    Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), emotional awareness and treatment outcomes in children and adolescents
    Play (filial) therapy interventions with children with significant trauma history
    Play based assessments of child parent relationships (Marschak Interaction Method)

  • Profile photo: Tiffany Pempek Rahl

    Tiffany Pempek Rahl

    Internship Site: Family Service & Guidance Center in Topeka, KS
    Adviser: Dr. Elena Savina

    Education:

    Ph.D., Psychology (developmental focus), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, 2007
    M.A., Clinical Psychology, University of Dayton, 2003
    B.S., Psychology, University of Dayton, 2000

    Prior Experience

    Psychology professor (Hollins University, with tenure; Otterbein University)
    Post-doctoral researcher (Children’s Digital Media Center, Georgetown University)

    Research Interests:

    Attachment, executive functioning and emotion regulation in children, parent-child interaction, parent support and training

  • Profile photo: Tara Rajagopal

    Tara Rajagopal

    Internship Site: William & Mary Counseling Center in Williamsburg, Virginia
    Adviser: Dr. Elena Savina

    Education:

    M.A. in Education, Stanford University, 2020
    B.A. in Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, 2017

    Prior Experience

    Researcher, Cohen Lab, Stanford University, CA
    Student Coordinator, Penn Resilience Program, Positive Psychology Center, University of Pennsylvania, PA
    Co-leader of campus meditation and wellness club, University of Pennsylvania, PA
    Research Assistant, Duckworth Lab and Hunt Lab, University of Pennsylvania, PA

    Research Interests:

    Social-emotional learning
    Mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches
    Attachment
    Trauma and resilience
    Multicultural competence

  • Profile photo: Shir Wasserman

    Shir Wasserman

    Internship Site: Miami University of Ohio Student Counseling Center in Oxford, Ohio
    Adviser: Dr. Robert Harmison

    Education:

    M.A Sport and Exercise Psychology, Minnesota State University, 2020
    BA Psychology, Marshall University, 2018

    Prior Experience

    Graduate Level Mental Performance Consultant - Center for Sport and Performance Psychology, Mankato, MN
    Clinical Practicum Intern - Oasis Behavioral Health, Barboursville, WV
    Mental Performance Consultant Graduate Intern, MCSL Summer League, Bethesda, MD
    Mental Health Non-Commissioned Officer – Israeli Defense Forces, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Research Interests:

    Coaches Behaviors and Athletes motivation and well-being
    Female athletes body image and eating disorders
    Performance enhancement
    College students’ mental health and well-being