I am an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. I conduct research focused on trauma, healing, and resilience in violence-exposed populations. I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology (child/adolescent concentration) from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022. I completed my pre-doctoral clinical residency at the Medical University of South Carolina (child track).
My research interests are broadly focused on preventing violence and promoting healing, resilience, and positive development among adolescents and young adults exposed to violence. Much of my work focuses on youth from racially and ethnically minoritized communities and those living in urban, economically disadvantaged settings. My current research examines risk and protective factors associated with firearm violence and injury, including the ways that social, interpersonal, and online experiences may contribute to violence risk or support resilience. I am particularly interested in developing, adapting, and evaluating interventions that promote recovery following violent injury and prevent future involvement in violence.
Although my primary focus is research, I have gained unique insight and developed new research questions as a result of my experiences treating children, adolescents, and their families. I have worked in a variety of settings, including community- and hospital-based child outpatient clinics, specialty clinics (e.g., ADHD Clinic at VCU; National Crime Victims Center at MUSC), integrated pediatric primary care, and a maximum security juvenile correctional facility. I enjoy working with teens with externalizing behavior problems, particularly those with comorbidities such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and ADHD. Although many clinicians find this patient population challenging to treat, I strongly believe that these youth are often misunderstood or mislabeled as “bad” when their behaviors are a normal response to abnormal circumstances (for example, a child may develop beliefs supporting aggression after being the victim of bullying). I always take a strengths-based approach because I believe that an individual’s strengths and positive attributes are just important as the concerns that led them to treatment.
Outside of psychology, I have several hobbies I enjoy. I am an active person and enjoy hiking, running, and strength training. My creative outlets include photography and crafting. I have always had a passion for music. I am a classically trained vocalist. I am also teaching myself to play guitar slowly but surely. I live with my wonderful husband, my daughter, and my cats, Stuart and Fred.
