Most students in the Assessment and Measurement Doctoral program have assistantships through the Center for Assessment and Research Studies (CARS). Through these assistantships, students gain valuable real-world experience in various aspects of assessment design and measurement techniques.
Please take time to review student testimonials.
Kayla Bryant
Education:
B.S. Psychology and Child and Learning Development (double major), University of Texas at Dallas, 2016
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of North Texas at Dallas, 2019
Research interests:
Treatment of trauma bonds, effectiveness of experiential modalities in treating clients, attachment, and improving counselor education.
Post-doctoral "goal for the future":
I would like to become an educator, either as a professor or in continuing education. I am passionate about the treatment of trauma, so I envision always working directly with clients, but would also like to expand my contribution through research.
Favorite self-care activity:
Spending time with my family (including my dogs), birdwatching, and going for walks.
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
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
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 goals:
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.
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)
Goals and Hopes for the future (when you complete your PhD):
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.
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.
Tiffany Snow
Education:
B.A. in Psychology from Lee University in 2007
M.Ed. in Counselor Education, concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Augusta University in 2018
Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia since 2022
National Certified Counselor since 2018
Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner since 2017
Research Interests:
I am interested in counselor education and training related to preparing counselors for Integrated Care settings. I am also interested in enhancing quality of life and community integration for people with serious and persistent mental health conditions.
Post-doctoral "goal for the future":
I hope to be a professor in a CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. I am also interested in serving in leadership roles within mental health treatment organizations and agencies.
Favorite self-care activity
I enjoy spending time with my husband and dogs outdoors - enjoying nature, hiking, camping, a day at the beach, or simply a trip to the dog park.
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
