Current Students
First Year
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Kendall Abell
Adviser: Dr. Elena Savina
Education:
M.P.S., Clinical Psychological Science, University of Maryland, 2022
B.A., Psychology, University of Maryland, 2021Prior Experience
Intake Coordinator
Children’s Group Therapy Assistant
Research Assistant & ADHD Coach- UMD ADHD Program
Selective Mutism Camp Counselor
Crisis Text Line VolunteerResearch 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 MichiganPrior 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, ILResearch 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: 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 PittsburghResearch 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, 2003-2007Prior 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, GeorgiaResearch 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, 2021Prior 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 ReadinessResearch 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
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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, 2019Prior 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, NCResearch Interests:
Play therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Inclusive post-secondary education programs
Interprofessional education -
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.
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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 laudePrior 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-12Research 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, 2019Prior 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, VAResearch 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, 2016Prior 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, 2019Prior 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
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Luke Badley
Office: Johnston 225
Adviser: Dr. Trevor StokesEducation:
Advanced degree: MSW, Clinical Social Work, West Virginia University
Bachelor’s degree: BS, Biblical Studies, Clarks Summit University, 2011Prior 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 -
Katie Callahan
Office: Johnston 107
Adviser: Dr. Gregg HenriquesEducation:
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, 2014Prior 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 AssociateResearch Interests:
Personality Disorders
Bipolar Disorders
Suicidality
Non-suicidal self-injury Trauma -
Dorian Hayden
Office: Johnston 111
Adviser: Dr. Robert HarmisonEducation:
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 BrockportResearch Interests:
Sport psychology
Mental toughness
Peak performance
Well-being
Self-regulation -
Julia Linger
Office: Johnston 111
Adviser: Dr. Anne StewartEducation:
M.A. Mental Health Counseling, Boston College, 2021
B.A. Psychology, University of Virginia, 2017Prior 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
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Emery Q. Brautigan
Internship Site: Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Maryland
Adviser: Dr. Trevor StokesEducation:
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 AssistantResearch Interests:
Early intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Applied Behavioral Analysis
Child-Centered Play Therapy -
Rhea E. Nesbitt
Internship Site: West Virginia University Medicine: University Healthcare, Martinsburg, WV
Adviser: Dr. Gregg HenriquesEducation:
M.S., Counseling Psychology, (specialization in Infant Mental Health); Chatham University, 2011
B.A. Psychology, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, 2008Prior 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, PAResearch Interests:
Equity of opportunity and systemic inequality
Metamodern integrated pluralist approach to anti-racism
Post-traumatic edge and intersections of racial language -
Shelly-Ann Peart James
Internship Site: WellSpan Philhaven Hospital, Mt. Gretna, PA
Adviser: Dr. Anne StewartEducation:
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 IndiesResearch 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) -
Tiffany Pempek Rahl
Internship Site: Family Service & Guidance Center in Topeka, KS
Adviser: Dr. Elena SavinaEducation:
Ph.D., Psychology (developmental focus), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, 2007
M.A., Clinical Psychology, University of Dayton, 2003
B.S., Psychology, University of Dayton, 2000Prior 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
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Tara Rajagopal
Internship Site: William & Mary Counseling Center in Williamsburg, Virginia
Adviser: Dr. Elena SavinaEducation:
M.A. in Education, Stanford University, 2020
B.A. in Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, 2017Prior 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, PAResearch Interests:
Social-emotional learning
Mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches
Attachment
Trauma and resilience
Multicultural competence -
Shir Wasserman
Internship Site: Miami University of Ohio Student Counseling Center in Oxford, Ohio
Adviser: Dr. Robert HarmisonEducation:
M.A Sport and Exercise Psychology, Minnesota State University, 2020
BA Psychology, Marshall University, 2018Prior 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, IsraelResearch 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
Department of Graduate Psychology
- Johnston Hall
- MSC 7401
- 70 Alumnae Drive
- Harrisonburg, VA 22807
- Phone: (540) 568-6439
- Fax: (540) 568-4747
- Last Updated: September 4, 2023
