Our Team
Co-Directors
Sharon Hoover (she/her)
PhD, Clinical Psychology
Co-Director & Professor of Psychiatry
shoover@som.umaryland.edu
Sharon Hoover is a licensed clinical psychologist and Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Co-Director of the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH). She currently leads NCSMH efforts to support states, districts and schools in the adoption of national quality performance standards of comprehensive school mental health systems (www.theSHAPEsystem.com). Dr. Hoover also serves as Director of the NCTSN Center for Safe Supportive Schools (CS3), focused on building trauma-responsive, comprehensive school mental health systems that attend to social determinants and injustices and engage and support marginalized populations, including youth of color and newcomer (refugee and immigrant) youth. Dr. Hoover has led and collaborated on multiple federal and state grants, with a commitment to the study and implementation of quality children’s mental health services. Creating safe, supportive and trauma-responsive schools has been a major emphasis of Dr. Hoover’s research, education and clinical work. She has trained school and community behavioral health staff and educators in districts across the United States, as well as internationally, including consultation on building safe and supportive school mental health systems in Canada, China, Northern Ireland, South Korea, Ukraine, and New Zealand. As an advisor to the World Health Organization, Dr. Hoover has provided consultation and technical assistance on comprehensive school mental health in several countries, including developing and implementing a student mental health curriculum for teachers throughout the Middle East and developing and evaluating a school-based intervention to support immigrant and refugee youth in Canada and the United States.
Nancy Lever (she/her)
PhD, Clinical Psychology
Co-Director & Associate Professor of Psychiatry
nlever@som.umaryland.edu
Nancy Lever is a licensed clinical psychologist and Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Co-Director of the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH, www.schoolmentalhealth.org). For over 20 years she has led the advancement of interdisciplinary school behavioral health training for advanced graduate psychology, psychiatry, and social work students, as well as for the current education, health, and behavioral health workforce. She has helped to advance a school mental health multi-tiered framework that is based on school-family-community partnerships, and culturally responsive, high-quality behavioral health services. Dr. Lever serves as a leader for the National Quality Initiative on School Based Health Services (funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration) supporting states, districts, and schools in advancing school mental health policy and adopting national school mental health quality performance standards (www.theSHAPEsystem.com). She co-led the development of the National School Mental Health Best Practices: Implementation Guidance Modules for States, Districts and Schools and Classroom WISE, an online mental health literacy training curriculum for educators. She has had leadership roles on numerous federal and state research projects related to school mental health quality and sustainability and has represented the school mental health voice on national, state, and local committees.
Team
Hillarie Akinwale (she/her)
MS, LCPC
School Mental Health Senior Counselor
hakinwale@som.umaryland.edu
Hillarie Akinwale received her Master's in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. She also received two post master's degrees in Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and one in Childhood and Adolescent Disorders. Hillarie has experience working with youth as young as five years old to late adolescence. She has experience working at several outpatient mental health clinics and non-profit organizations, as well as running her own private practice. Hillarie looks forward to bringing her wonderful personality and expertise to the NCSMH.
Melissa Ambrose (she/her)
MSW, LCSW-C
Training Director
mambrose@som.umaryland.edu
Melissa Ambrose received her MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University and has over 20 years of direct clinical and supervisory experience working with children and families. For 14 years, Melissa provided school-based mental health services through the University of Maryland School Mental Health Program working with students in grades K-12. She specializes in working with high-risk youth, including youth with substance use concerns. Melissa currently serves as the Maryland state trainer for the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA), an evidence-based program to treat adolescent substance use. She is also a clinician specialist providing substance use counseling in a high school setting. In addition to providing A-CRA trainings, Melissa coordinates additional evidenced-based training opportunities for Maryland school districts.
Tiffany Beason (she/her)
PhD, Clinical-Community Psychology
Core Faculty & Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
tbeason@som.umaryland.edu
Tiffany Beason is a licensed clinical and community psychologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and faculty at the National Center for School Mental Health. Dr. Beason’s research interests relate to academic achievement, positive racial/ethnic identity, adaptive social and coping skills, and sense of community among youth and young adults. Dr. Beason has served as a school mental health clinician in the Baltimore City Public School System for several years, where she provided supports that promote positive mental health for all as well as early intervention and treatment services for youth experiencing significant mental health difficulties. Dr. Beason serves as the director of Cultural Responsiveness, Anti-Racism and Equity within the National Center for Safe Supportive School. Dr. Beason is also a co-developer of a national curriculum for educators to promote culturally-responsive and equitable mental health support in classrooms.
Yourdanos Bekele (she/her)
MS, Applied Psychology, Counseling
Senior Clinical Research Assistant
ybekele@som.umaryland.edu
Yourdanos Bekele primarily assists on the Evaluating Promising School Staff and Resource-Officer Approaches for Reducing Harsh Discipline, Suspensions, and Arrests project. The project, implemented in Cecil County Public Schools, involves a multi-tiered approach to comprehensively reducing unnecessary student suspensions and arrests and increasing the effectiveness of School Resource Officers.
Eliya Bernstein (he/him)
MSW, LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
ebernstein@som.umaryland.edu
Eli Bernstein received his MSW from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work. He is a School Mental Health Counselor for the University of Maryland, School Mental Health Program (SMHP), where he was an intern. Eli provides mental health services to children enrolled in Baltimore City Schools and has been trained in Botvin LifeSkills. He is excited to continue working with SMHP and the Baltimore city youth.
Jill Haak Bohnenkamp (she/her)
PhD, Clinical and School Psychology
Core Faculty & Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry
jbohnenk@som.umaryland.edu
Jill Bohnenkamp has extensive experience in school mental health research, policy and clinical practice at the local, state and national levels. She works with individual school personnel, district, state and national leaders to advance high quality school mental health. Dr. Bohnenkamp builds on multiple years of direct clinical experience as a school mental health clinician in urban, suburban and rural school districts to inform her research and policy work. Her research focuses on behavioral, academic and school safety outcomes of school mental health service provision, mental health training for educators and pediatric primary care providers and ways to increase access to evidence-based mental health services for youth and families.
Diamond Carr (she/her)
PhD, School Psychology, NCSP
Postdoctoral Fellow
Rosemont Elementary School
dcarr@som.umaryland.edu
Diamond Carr is a trained school psychologist who completed her internship with Loudoun County Public Schools, one of the few school-based APA accredited internships in the country. She has worked with students from preschool to twelfth grade providing a range of services from psychological assessment to counseling. She is passionate about systems-level change that is informed by people who serve in schools daily. Dr. Carr transitioned to the National Center for School Mental Health as a postdoctoral fellow with that in mind as she will continue providing mental health services and supporting schools statewide in their provision of such services. Her work is informed by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and the whole-child approach. She is unapologetically committed to addressing systemic barriers that perpetuate opportunity gaps for children of color. Dr. Carr has experience consulting with school districts to advocate for change using research, data, and students’ voices.
Taneisha Carter (she/her)
MS, Applied Psychology
Lead Clinical Research Specialist
tacarter@som.umaryland.edu
In her current position, Taneisha Carter aids on various projects related to the advancement of the quality and sustainability of school mental health services. Primarily, she works on Maryland Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education (MD-AWARE) which aims to increase awareness of mental health issues in school-age youth and improve current mental health referral systems in schools and communities. Additionally, Taneisha helps with Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network, School-Based Health Services National Quality Initiative (CoIIN-SBHS-NQI) that works to establish and facilitate Collaborative Improvement & Innovation Networks (CoIINs) to support School-Based Health Centers, School Mental Health Programs, districts, and states to adopt and implement best practices, policies, and financing strategies that support and expand the numbers of quality, sustainable school health programs.
Julianna Casella (she/her)
MEd, Education Studies
Predoctoral Intern
julianna.casella@som.umaryland.edu
Julianna Casella is a school and counseling psychology PhD candidate at the University at Buffalo. She is completing her pre-doctoral internship training in the school mental health track at the National Center for School Mental Health. Her clinical and research interests are broadly developing and implementing strategies to create safe and supportive school climates, as well as responsive and equitable school crisis prevention and response. Her goal is to help to foster school environments that support student well-being for all students through system levels approaches.
Julia Clarick (she/her)
BA, English, Sociology
Research Project Coordinator
jclarick@som.umaryland.edu
Julia Clarick is a Research Project Coordinator for the Maryland Blueprint Initiative on Coordinated Community Supports at the NCSMH. Julia recently earned her BA degree in both English and Sociology from Middlebury College. During her undergraduate years, she spent time creating and leading mental health workshops for 10th grade students. Furthermore, as an intern with the Vermont Child Health Improvement Program, Julia worked on a range of school health projects including investigating models of rural school-based health centers and researching mental health programs in school-based health centers.
Elizabeth Connors (she/her)
PhD, Clinical Child and Community Psychology
Core Faculty & Associate Professor
elizabeth.connors@yale.edu
Elizabeth Connors' work as a Clinical/Community Psychologist is driven by the central principle of improving access to high-quality mental health care for underserved children, adolescents, young adults and their families in critical access points such as schools and primary care settings. Her research focuses on the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practices (namely, measurement-based care) in these settings where children’s mental health concerns are most likely to be identified and addressed. In addition to conducting community-partnered research, she also provides training, technical assistance, systematic quality improvement and evaluation supports to school-based clinicians, mental health agencies, school districts and behavioral health systems at local, state and national levels. She serves as the Improvement Advisor for the School Mental Health Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network.
Jennifer Cox (she/her)
MSW, LCSW-C
Director, School Mental Health Program
jfcox@som.umaryland.edu
Jennifer Cox is the Program Director and a Senior Lead Clinician for the University of Maryland, School Mental Health Program (SMHP), a program whose mission is to enhance the learning environment of Baltimore City Public schools by removing the barriers to learning and actively promoting the social-emotional-behavioral well-being of students. Jennifer has over a decade of experience providing clinical services, resources, and consultation across a multi-tiered system of supports. She provides administrative and clinical oversight to 25 SMHP schools and has worked to expand the SMHP telemental health program to increase psychiatry services and access in schools. Jennifer has a Certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, is a board approved supervisor for social workers and is a state-wide trainer for Botvin’s LifeSkills. Her work in schools, specifically with evidence-based practices and parental involvement in school, has been published and recognized by the field. She was the recipient of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Field Instructor of the Year Award and presents at local, state, and national levels. Most importantly, she is the wife to a fantastic husband and mother to two amazing boys.
Dana Cunningham (she/her)
PhD, Clinical Psychology
Faculty Consultant, Adjunct Assist Professor of Psychiatry, & Director of the Prince George's School Mental Health Initiative
dcunning@som.umaryland.edu
Dana Cunningham has been the Director of the Prince George's School Mental Health Initiative (PGSMHI) since 2006. The PGSMHI is designed to provide intensive school-based counseling and support services to students in special education in Prince George’s County Public Schools. Dr. Cunningham has extensive experience providing direct clinical service in urban school districts and often provides training, technical assistance, and consultation to local and State-level education and mental health agencies. Dr. Cunningham’s clinical and research interests include trauma, resilience, children of incarcerated parents, and empirically supported treatment for ethnic minority youth.
Latisha Curtis (she/her)
MS, LCPC
Training Specialist
latisha.curtis@som.umaryland.edu
Latisha Curtis is a Training Specialist for the National Center for School Mental Health’s (NCSMH) Maryland's Blueprint Initiative on Coordinated Community Supports. Latisha received her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Loyola University Maryland and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. Latisha’s career focus includes school-based mental health research with an emphasis on supporting and promoting access to and utilization of evidenced-based mental health and wellbeing supports for children, teachers, families and communities who have historically been underserved and underrepresented. Over the years, she has led groups for K-2 students and their parents to strengthen social, emotional, and academic skills and she has provided classroom-based teacher coaching to effectively implement behavioral and social-emotional curriculums. Latisha has also helped develop and lead a wellbeing program designed for early childhood providers to help address compassion fatigue, burnout, and vicarious trauma. Latisha is passionate about using her clinical skills and research and prevention efforts to ensure all children, and the teachers and families who support them, have access to the high quality, strengths-based, culturally responsive tools they need to thrive in school and beyond.
Ellie Davis (she/her)
MSW, LCSW-C
Business and Operations Manager
edavis@som.umaryland.edu
Ellie Davis has worked in the field of school mental health for more than 20 years, first as a clinician in Baltimore City Schools followed by Associate Director of the School Mental Health clinical program and currently as the Business and Operations Manager for the National Center for School Mental Health. In her current role, Ellie oversees all budgetary and fiscal aspects of the Center including proposal preparation and post award administration. Ellie manages faculty and staff effort on a complex portfolio of contracts, grants and service agreements.
Misty Davis (she/her)
MSW, LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
Augusta Fells Savage Institute of Visual Arts High, Billie Holiday Elementary School
misty.davis@som.umaryland.edu
Misty Davis graduated with her master's degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work. During her program, Misty was an intern with the School Mental Health Program (SMHP) at Franklin Square Elementary/Middle School, where her passion for mental health promotion and the ability to break down the stigma of mental health in the African-American community grew. Misty was inspired by her internship with SMHP by now continuing to work with children and families as a counselor.
Ebonee Dixon (she/her)
MSW, LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
Rosemont Elementary/Middle School, North Bend Elementary/Middle School
ebdixon@som.umaryland.edu
Ebonee Dixon is a School Mental Health Counselor with the School Mental Health Program (SMHP). Ebonee obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Wilmington University, where she began discovering the importance of mental health to youth. Ebonee graduated with her master’s degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work. Ebonee has experience in individual and group therapy, community organizing, and substance use recovery. Ebonee currently provides mental health services to elementary and middle school aged students of Baltimore City Public Schools. Ebonee discovered her passion for school based mental health during her first year of graduate school. She is driven by the opportunity to provide accessible services to families in the Baltimore Area.
Imogen Evans (she/her)
MHS, Social Factors in Health
Research Project Coordinator
ievans@som.umaryland.edu
Imogen Evans is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health where she earned her MHS in Social Factors in Health. While completing her master's degree, she contributed to research on gender equity, harm reduction, and youth mentoring and mental health. As an undergraduate at Boston University, where she earned her BA in Psychology, she engaged in research exploring effective mentoring relationships for at-risk youth. In addition to academic research, she worked with Starlight Children’s Foundation UK to research and implement play in hospital settings for children living with chronic illnesses. She looks forward to continuing to contribute to improved outcomes for youth through her work as a Program/Research Coordinator with the NCSMH team.
Kristina Floyd (she/her)
MSW, LCSW-C
Lead Counselor, Clinical Trainer
kfloyd@som.umaryland.edu
Kristina Floyd has provided direct clinical services, supervision, case management, and consultations to children, their families, and colleagues within non-public and public school systems since 2009. She is currently a lead clinician and clinical trainer supporting multiple projects within the National Center for School Mental Health. Kristina has a Certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, is a board approved supervisor for social workers and is a state-wide trainer for Botvin’s LifeSkills. She has presented at local, state, and national levels on evidenced-based curriculums and other issues related to school mental health. Since 2015, Kristina has worked for the Association of Social Work Boards as a subject matter expert to write and develop questions for the Master's level national social work exam using current, evidenced-based references and resources. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work.
Aijah Goodwin (she/her)
PhD, School Psychology
Core Faculty, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
abarutigoodwin@som.umaryland.edu
Aijah Goodwin is a licensed psychologist and Assistant Professor at the National Center for School Mental Health. She also provides evidence-based and culturally tailored mental health therapy and consultation services with the Outpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic in DCAP. The primary focus of Dr. Goodwin’s research interests centers on two principal aims: (1) improving mental health access and help-seeking for Black adolescents experiencing internalizing concerns using youth-led and innovative approaches and (2) culturally-responsive practices in schools that contribute to mental health and well-being. Dr. Goodwin has also disseminated research and clinical practice focused on implementing evidence-based practices in school and community settings to improve mental and behavioral health outcomes. Clinically, Dr. Goodwin has expertise in providing individual therapy, group therapy, consultation, and systems-level school mental health implementation, especially for adolescents with mood and trauma concerns. She also has experience working with children, families, school staff, and medical providers in school settings, outpatient clinics, and medical centers. In her current work with the NCSMH, she leads the Black Teen Help-Seeking study funded by the APA Division 53 Child Mental Health in Action Innovation grant, as well as other research projects utilizing digital technology to improve mental health access. She also assists with improving the cultural responsiveness of evidence-based mental health practices and services.
Charmyn Henderson, (she/her)
MA, MS, LCPC
School Mental Health Senior Counselor
Charmyn.Henderson@som.umaryland.edu
Charmyn Henderson is a School Mental Health Clinician with the Prince George’s County School Mental Health Initiative. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with the State of Maryland and a graduate of Bowie State University's Mental Health Counseling master's program. Prior to her work in Mental Health, Charmyn spent several years in the field of Special Education and uses these combined experiences while providing therapy to neurodivergent and neuro-normative populations of children ranging in ages from 5 to late adolescence. She has counseling experience in school, outpatient mental health clinic, non-profit and private agencies. She is also trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Executive Functioning/ADHD and trauma-centered trainings for victims/perpetrators of Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Charmyn is eager to support the provision of mental health services to children and families in her home community, Prince George's County.
Cecilia Hesselton (she/her)
BA, International Studies, BS, Music
Administrative Assistant
chesselton@som.umaryland.edu
Cecilia Hesselton is continuing her role as an administrative assistant at the University of Maryland’s National Center for School Mental Health. Formerly, she worked for the Institute for Innovation and Implementation under the School of Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Cecilia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and her Bachelor of Science degree in Music, both at Towson University. As if the two undergraduate degrees were not enough, Cecilia completed her "Mrs. Degree" and earned the title of "Mama" when she adopted her kittens. Cecilia looks forward to seeing where her social justice journey leads.
Richenda Hobbs (she/her)
BA, Psychology
Community Outreach Worker II
rhobbs@som.umaryland.edu
Richenda Hobbs has worked with the Prince George's School Mental Health Initiative since 2008. She has more than 20 years’ experience working with students and families in educational, home, and community-based settings. Richenda provides supportive services to students in Special Education in Prince George’s County Public Schools. She has a passion for helping others and is dedicated to supporting families reach their fullest potential.
Ehizele 'Zele' Iyoriobhe (she/her)
BA, Psychology
Clinical Research Assistant
eiyoriobhe@som.umaryland.edu
Zele Iyoriobhe holds a BA in Psychology, with a minor in writing, from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). While at UMBC, she had the privilege of serving as an undergraduate research assistant in two labs, which included the CCAD lab which focused on Asian American children’s social emotional development and the Youth RISE lab which primarily focused on Black youth social emotional wellbeing. Working in both labs solidified her interest in pursuing research and as a result of her experiences, she eventually wants to pursue her PhD in Clinical Psychology. At the NCSMH, she will be helping to support the Maryland Blueprint Initiative on Coordinated Community Supports project.
Anshruta Jadhav (she/her)
MS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Mental Health Counselor
AJadhav@som.umaryland.edu
Anshruta Jadhav holds a bachelors’ degree in psychology from India and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Syracuse University. She is deeply passionate about promoting the mental and emotional well-being of children. During her internship at Liberty Resources, she worked closely with children and their families, delivering therapeutic services that nurtured emotional growth and resilience. This hands-on experience solidified her dedication to empowering young people through compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. In her current role with the National Center for School Mental Health Program, Anshruta will provide mental health services at Wildwood Elementary/Middle School. She believes that we often see only parts of people, the world, and ourselves, which makes embracing kindness and patience both for ourselves and others essential. Hailing from a region where mental health awareness is still developing, Anshruta is driven to stand by those seeking help, offering support and compassion on their healing journey.
Jennifer Keperling (she/her)
MA, Clinical Psychology, LCPC
Program Director
JKeperling@som.umaryland.edu
Jennifer Keperling is the Program Director for the National Center for School Mental Health’s (NCSMH) Maryland's Blueprint Initiative on Coordinated Community Supports. In this role, she oversees the NCSMH’s efforts to provide technical assistance, best practices, and training in evidence-based approaches to support the General Assembly’s Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports in transforming Maryland’s schools. A Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and board-approved supervisor for counselors in Maryland, Jennifer has over 20 years of experience delivering clinical and school-based services across all tiers of support. Her extensive background includes managing and collaborating on multiple federal and state grants aimed at promoting positive academic and behavioral outcomes in youth. Jennifer’s expertise encompasses training and leading evidence-based practices, mentoring educators, providing crisis management, and fostering collaboration among school staff, families, and students to ensure safe, positive school environments. She has trained educators and school and behavioral health staff nationally, offering consultation on implementing best practices in both mental health and achieving academic and behavioral success within school buildings and communities.
Narie Kim (she/her)
BA, Psychology & Public Policy
Research Project Coordinator
narie.kim@som.umaryland.edu
Narie Kim joined the NCSMH in July 2024 from the Johns Hopkins Maryland Opioid Research group, where she helped coordinate studies for individuals with opioid use disorder. She spent some of her undergraduate experience researching topics in early development and working for organizations like the National Head Start Association. She is interested in early childhood development and is planning to pursue graduate studies in the field.
Jerica Knox (she/her)
PhD, School Psychology
Core Faculty & Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
jerica.knox@som.umaryland.edu
Jerica Knox is an Assistant Professor at the National Center for School Mental Health where she primarily focuses her evaluative efforts on the National Center for Safe Supportive Schools and the Maryland Blueprint Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports. Dr. Knox takes a strengths-based approach to understanding home and school contextual factors that promote well-being in children and adolescents. She uses qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the effectiveness of culturally-responsive and trauma-informed approaches. Dr. Knox is from Georgetown County, South Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina and her Master of Science and PhD in School Psychology from North Carolina State University.
Zahra Ladhani (she/her)
EdD, Health Education
Lead Clinical Research Specialist
zladhani@som.umaryland.edu
Through her work as a teacher, researcher, and counselor, Zahra Ladhani strives to empower young people to develop resiliency and reach their fullest potential. Over the years, having worked with many parents, teachers and adolescents, she appreciates supporting them with facing and embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with our human development. Dr. Ladhani completed her doctoral training at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research interests include supporting schools in providing trauma-informed care to address the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among adolescents. In particular, she is focuses on the subgroups of those with Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, chronic or terminal illness, traumatic brain injuries and those from marginalized groups.
Jennifer Lease (she/her)
MSW, LCSW-C
School Mental Health Senior Counselor
Wildwood Elementary/Middle School
jlease@som.umaryland.edu
Jennifer Lease is a Senior Clinician with the School Mental Health Program (SMHP), providing targeted therapy services to children and families as well as broader supports to the whole school population. Jennifer has worked in schools in West Baltimore for over a decade and is trained in a number of evidence-based practices, including Botvin's LifeSkills Training, The Incredible Years, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy for Adolescents (IPT-A). Jennifer is a statewide trainer of Botvin's LifeSkills and has a Certificate of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. She received her Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She is dedicated to providing empowerment and opportunities for underserved communities.
Victoria Louis (she/her)
BA, Psychology
Clinical Research Assistant
victoria.louis@som.umaryland.edu
Victoria Louis holds a BA in Psychology, with minors in Forensic Science and Sociology, from Loyola University Maryland. While at Loyola, she worked as a research assistant where she focused on adolescent sleep, school attendance, and school start times with particular attention to Baltimore City. Victoria also worked at the Mayor's Office of Children and Families in Philadelphia where she received hands-on government experience and the opportunity to align policies, resources, and services for both children and families. Previously volunteering at the NCSMH, she engaged in data entry for a research study examining a school mental health collaborative while also conducting an independent research project examining predictors of educational expectations and aspirations. She hopes to continue her work in education and expand research related to school mental health though data analysis and interpretation. She is currently on the Evaluation team to support the Maryland’s Blueprint Initiative on Coordinated Community Supports.
Janice Mace (she/her)
MSW, LCSW-C
Behavioral Health Program Coordinator
jmace@som.umaryland.edu
Janice Mace is a senior counselor at the NCSMH. For nearly a decade, Janice has partnered with school districts to develop their Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programming. She has extensive experience providing a variety of school-based behavioral health services, in both clinical and programmatic capacities. Currently, Janice serves as the project coordinator for Maryland’s State Opioid Response - Student Assistance Program, as well as co-developer and coordinator of a district-wide substance use prevention and early intervention initiative in Baltimore County Public Schools. Her prior roles include the provision of program development and implementation support, training and professional learning, collaborative staff consultation, and direct client services in general education, self-contained special education, and residential treatment settings. In addition, Janice maintains a small private practice in her Baltimore, MD hometown, where she offers clinical and consultative services for personal and business growth.
Sylvia McCree-Huntley (she/her)
EdD, Counseling Psychology
Director, Professional Development & Continuing Education
shuntley@som.umaryland.edu
Sylvia McCree-Huntley has wide-ranging experiences in providing professional development, training, and conferences on a national level and throughout the state of Maryland. For over 20 years, Dr. McCree-Huntley has worked on multiple projects for the National Center for School Mental Health. She holds a doctoral degree is in counseling psychology, with an earned master’s degree in alcohol and drug counseling, along with a bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology. Her clinical experience has been built on internships and direct services at Mountain Manor Treatment Center, Focus on Recovery, Baltimore City Detention Center, St. Agnes Hospital, Baltimore School Mental Health Initiative, and the School Mental Health Program. Dr. McCree-Huntley has her alcohol and drug trainee license. Her research interests continue to focus on trauma, alcohol and substance use disorders among adolescents, and the homeless population. She teaches psychology and addiction courses and is on the committee for redesigning and changing classroom settings into the flip model.
Caitlyn McNulty (she/her)
BA, Psychology
Senior Clinical Research Assistant
CMcNulty@som.umaryland.edu
Caitlyn McNulty graduated from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania where she studied Psychology and Arabic. She is a senior clinical research assistant at the NCSMH, working primarily on Maryland Family and Youth Interventions for Substance Use (Maryland FYI), Youth Care Coordination, and Early Intervention for Psychosis. Caitlyn plans to further her education in clinical and community psychology, with a focus on culturally responsive trauma interventions in immigrant and refugee communities.
Margo Menkes (she/her)
MS, Psychology
Predoctoral Intern
mwmenkes@som.umaryland.edu
Margo Menkes is a clinical psychology PhD candidate at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She is currently completing her pre-doctoral internship in the Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHiRP) track. This track focuses on early detection, assessment, and intervention for youth and young adults with experiences of psychosis. Her research thus far has examined how neurocognitive processes, particularly cognitive control processes, are affected in individuals with bipolar disorders and psychotic disorders.
Madeline Morey (she/her)
MS, Psychology, LCPC
School Mental Health Intern
mmorey@som.umaryland.edu
Madeline Morey has dedicated her career to human services/human development. She grew up in Madera, California and moved to Maryland in 1990. Madeline earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Fresno in 1990 and earned her master’s degree in psychology from Towson University in 1992. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has certificates in Human Services Management and Early Childhood Mental Health from University of Maryland. She also holds Clinical Supervisor status with the State of Maryland. Madeline currently earning her Doctor of Psychology from California Southern University and is in an externship at University of Maryland’s School Mental Health Program. Madeline has worked as a clinician at Sheppard Pratt, Way Station, Christian Counseling Associates and Westminster Rescue Mission. Her areas of interest in counseling include anxiety, depression, human development, bipolar disorder, ADHD, marriage/family, substance use, treatment-resistant disorders, and co-occurring disorders. She uses a variety of techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Emotional Regulation Strategies and Mindfulness. Her therapy style is eclectic as interventions are tailored to the individual needs of each client.
Alice Mullin (she/her)
MEd, Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology
Predoctoral Intern
alice.mullin@som.umaryland.edu
Alice Mullin is a school psychology doctoral candidate at the University of California, Santa Barbara, currently completing her pre-doctoral internship within the School Mental Health track. Her research interests include reducing barriers to and improving engagement with evidence-based mental health treatments within youth systems, with a particular focus on the sustainment of successful interventions in schools. Her dissertation is examining the ways in which certain implementation constructs predict the sustainment of trauma informed practices in schools (TIPS), using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) as a guide.
Claire Noll (she/her)
MSW, LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
claire.noll@som.umaryland.edu
Claire Noll graduated with her master’s degree from Salisbury University’s School of Social Work. As a graduate student, Claire spent two years as a trainee with the University of Maryland School Mental Health Program and discovered her passion for working with adolescents. During this time, she provided teletherapy to individuals, groups, and families of Wildwood Elementary/Middle and in-person mental health services for teens at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. Claire plans to pursue her clinical license and continue to serve students and families in partnership with Baltimore City schools.
Brittney O'Neal (she/her)
LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
BONeal@som.umaryland.edu
As a dedicated and compassionate School Mental Health Counselor, Brittney O’Neal is committed to fostering the emotional well-being and mental health of students. With years of experience working in school environments, she provides a safe, supportive space where students can develop coping strategies, build resilience, and navigate life’s challenges. Brittney received her MSW degree from Fordham University, and is a licensed professional with expertise in counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health education. Passionate about promoting mental wellness, she collaborates closely with students, families, and staff to create a positive and inclusive school environment.
Shawn Orenstein (she/her)
MPH, Prevention and Community Health
Program & Policy Manager
sorenstein@som.umaryland.edu
At the Center, Shawn Orenstein serves as the system manager of the Maryland Blueprint Consortium on Coordinated Community Support project. Shawn also supports work on School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation (SHAPE) system. She is particularly interested in how state and national policies affect quality and growth of school-based health services.
Karah Palmer (she/her)
MEd, Community Development & Action
Lead Research Project Coordinator
karah.palmer@som.umaryland.edu
Karah Palmer started her career in education as a pre-school teacher and has a passion for working to improve learning conditions for all children. At the Center, she served as the Research Coordinator for the Kaiser Permanente Resilience in School Environments (KP RISE) Formative Evaluation, and then worked as a senior coordinator on a PCORI grant for Promoting Student Wellness. Karah currently serves as the Evidence-Based Practice Manger for the Maryland Blueprint: Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports. Before joining the NCSMH team, Karah facilitated health services and equity research at Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine. She earned her M.Ed. in Community Development and Action from Vanderbilt University, Peabody College, and is primarily concerned with understanding how schools and communities can work together to create trauma-informed and culturally-responsive learning environments for students and families.
Nikita Parson (she/her)
MSW, LCSW-C
Associate Director, School Mental Health Program
Western High School
nparson@som.umaryland.edu
Nikita Parson is a proud Alumni of Morgan State University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She is the Assistant Director and a Lead Clinician with the University of Maryland, School Mental Health Program. She has spent over 12 years providing comprehensive services including direct clinical care (e.g. individual, group, and family therapies), prevention activities, supervision, and crisis intervention in Baltimore City Public Schools. Nikita has extensive experience with providing education and training to school-based staff and partners as well as expertise in the application of evidence-based prevention and early intervention practices within school-based and community settings. She has implemented Botvin’s LifeSkills groups for students since 2013 and has been facilitating Botvin LifeSkills trainings to school districts and staff as well as community behavioral health professionals since becoming a certified instructor in 2018. She is passionate about decreasing the stigma on mental health and promoting a healthy social/emotional wellbeing especially among youth and young adults in underserved communities. Nikita is very active in enhancing racial and social equity in the field of social work as well as in the community, including leadership experience on the School Mental Health Program’s DEIAA Team, Western’s High Schools Culture and Climate Team, as well as current member with the Baltimore Legacy Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) and Black Therapist Rock Group. In her role as the Trainee Coordinator with SMHP, Nikita enjoys being a gatekeeper in the social work field as well as having the chance to help mold, nurture and produce the next set of clinicians. She further supports that by being a Board Approved Supervisor for both Social Workers and Professional Counselors, while providing clinical supervision for those seeking full licensure. Of all her roles and accomplishments, Nikita’s favorite is being a mother to her beautiful baby girl.
Brittany Patterson (she/her)
PhD, School/Counseling Psychology
Core Faculty & Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
bpatterson@som.umaryland.edu
Brittany Patterson current clinical and research interests involve trauma responsive schools and effective implementation of evidence based mental health programs in underserved schools and their surrounding communities. In her current role as a clinical faculty member with experience in school-based services at the Center for School Mental Health, Dr. Patterson serves as a primary point person for developing and delivering training and technical assistance both within the school mental health clinical programs as well as to school stakeholders (including experience developing and delivering in-service curricula for teachers, school police officers, parents, and school staff). Dr. Patterson leads NCSMH partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to improve mental health supports and services to Black youth. She currently leads a multi-site randomized trial to advance culturally-responsive school mental health, family engagement, and mental health literacy.
Nyjae Pride (she/her)
MSW, LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
npride@som.umaryland.edu
Nyjae Pride is a School Mental Health Clinician with the University of Maryland, School Mental Health Program (SMHP) providing services in Baltimore City Public Schools. Nyjae received her Bachelor’s in Sociology and Social Work from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Salisbury University. She continued her education graduating with her Master’s from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work. Throughout this time, she had the opportunity to intern with multiple agency’s growing individually and professionally. While also expanding her clinical skills and knowledge for her newly developed passion, social work. Nyjae has experience in providing Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP), Therapeutic Behavioral Aide, and Counseling Services to children and families. She has experience in modalities such as CBT and Motivational Interviewing. Nyjae currently provides mental health services and supports to Elementary & Middle School aged children at Katherine Johnson Global Academy.
Sumer Rahe (she/her)
BA, Psychology
Senior Clinical Research Assistant
srahe@som.umaryland.edu
Sumer Rahe graduated in 2019 with a B.A. in Psychology from Loyola University Maryland. Before joining NCSMH as a clinical research assistant on the State Opioid Response (SOR) project, she interned at the Center, lending help on various projects, such as the Brief Intervention for School Clinicians (BRISC) and Resilience in School Environments (RISE). Sumer is currently a senior research assistant on Building Healing Behavioral Health Systems and is interested in furthering her education and studying community psychology, specifically focusing on social justice.
Sam Reaves (she/her)
PhD, Clinical Psychology
Core Faculty & Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
sreaves@som.umaryland.edu
Sam Reaves works to integrate her research and clinical experiences to improve outcomes for children. Her research interests lie at the intersection of mental health and education and she often investigates how school or family factors influence student outcomes in underserved communities. As a clinical-community psychologist, she believes great prevention work can be done and realizes the importance of strengthening the systems children are nested in to promote wellbeing, so she is committed to supporting schools, at multiple levels, to improve policies and procedures around student socioemotional functioning. In her work at the NCSMH she primarily supports the Partnering for Student Wellness project, the SOR parenting program evaluation, and the National Quality Initiative.
Perrin Robinson (he/him)
MS, Clinical Psychology
Clinical Research Manager
probinso@som.umaryland.edu
Since arriving at the NCSMH in 2016, Perrin Robinson has evaluated national and local programs designed for healthcare providers, school staff, students, and transition-age youth. Perrin holds an MS in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland where he teaches research methods, social psychology, and gender & sexuality studies. At the NCSMH, he enjoys qualitative and quantitative data collection, management, analysis, and reporting. Perrin currently serves as the evaluation manager for the Maryland Blueprint's Coordinated Community Supports and the CDC National Initiative to Advance Health Equity. Additionally, Perrin is on the Annual Conference for School Mental Health leadership team, co-coordinates the NCSMH student volunteer program, and directed NCSMH communications from 2018-2024. Perrin's professional interests involve intersectionally exploring and dismantling discrimination to improve wellness for marginalized populations (particularly queer youth), measurement and analysis, and knowledge translation. He regularly delivers trainings on LGBTQ+ health to psychiatrists, psychologists, educators, and other healthcare providers and school staff.
Jenna Russo (she/her)
MS, Psychology
Predoctoral Intern
jenna.russo@som.umaryland.edu
Jenna Russo is a clinical psychology PhD candidate at Mississippi State University, currently completing her pre-doctoral internship training in the school mental health track at the National Center for School Mental Health. Her research applies participatory and implementation science methods to disseminate and advance trauma-informed, evidence-based practices for all children, youth, and families. Her research focuses concurrently on reducing treatment gaps and improving prevention methods to reduce incidence altogether, specifically by prioritizing social determinants of health and resilience. Through several policy positions, Jenna’s work expands beyond individual behavior change to also promote structural and societal change. Motivated and informed by her clinical work, she commits to continue collaborating in community relationships that respect and advance the interests of individuals directly impacted and lay the foundation for capacity-building within and across organizations to promote accessible, equitable, and effective mental health services for all children, youth, and families.
Joseph Santangelo (he/him)
MSW, LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
Digital Harbor High School
jsantangelo@som.umaryland.edu
Joseph Santangelo is a School Mental Health Counselor for the University of Maryland, School Mental Health Program (SMHP). Joseph graduated with his master’s degree from Morgan State University School of Social Work. He has worked in Baltimore communities for the past five years, helping connect families to affordable housing, training individuals to seek gainful employment, and advocating for those in crisis. Joseph was previously an intern with SMHP at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and is passionate about working in Baltimore City high schools. He provides individual, group and family therapy to students, and has been trained in Botvin LifeSkills and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Cindy Schaeffer (she/her)
PhD, Child-Clinical Psychology
Core Faculty & Associate Professor of Psychiatry
cschaeff@som.umaryland.edu
Cindy Schaeffer's research focuses on developing, evaluating, and ensuring the successful real-world implementation of interventions for youth involved in, or at high risk of involvement in, the juvenile justice and child protective service (CPS) systems. She is particularly interested in family, school, and peer-based interventions that target issues such as school dropout and expulsion; deviant peer relationships; teen and parent substance abuse; low parenting skill; and family conflict / family violence. Dr. Schaeffer’s work has been highly influenced by Multisystemic Therapy (MST), an ecological, empirically-supported family-based intervention originally designed for juvenile offenders, and she has worked to adapt that model for new populations. She is also the developer of a linked parent-teen mobile phone app system, iKinnect, to improve parent-teen warmth and parental management of risky teen behavior.
Kelly Schaffer (she/her)
MS, Instructional Technology
Lead Training Specialist
Kelly.Schaffer@som.umaryland.edu
Kelly Schaffer is a Lead Training Specialist at the National Center for School Mental Health’s (NCSMH) Maryland's Blueprint Initiative on Coordinated Community Supports. Her role involves driving a state-wide initiative aimed at enhancing access to high-quality, evidence-based practices for school mental health at the levels of schools, districts, and the state. With over 25 years of invaluable experience in the education sector, Kelly brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her work. Her commitment lies in improving student well-being, readiness to learn, and cultivating positive classroom environments. At the forefront of her responsibilities is leading the implementation of selected evidence-based practices across Maryland, ensuring their effective integration and impact.
Christa Schmidt (she/her)
MA, Developmental Psychology
Graduate Assistant
christa.schmidt@som.umaryland.edu
Christa Schmidt is a third-year doctoral student in the Applied Developmental Psychology program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Bryn Mawr College in 2018 and her master's degree in Developmental Psychology from Cornell University in 2020. Christa's research primarily aims to understand how bicultural children become healthy bicultural adults in different cultural contexts.
Emma Schreier (she/her)
MPH, CHES
Research Project Coordinator
eschreier@som.umaryland.edu
Emma Schreier is a Research Project Coordinated for Maryland’s Blueprint on Coordinated Community Supports. Emma recently graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with her Master of Public Health in Behavioral, Social, and Community Health, and Graduate Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Tulane University. Throughout her studies, Emma sought ways to improve community mental health supports for her peers, as a peer health educator, resident advisor, graduate resident director, research assistant, and intern at the Howard County Health Department in Columbia, Maryland.
Dawn Shanklin (she/her)
MA, Clinical Psychology, LMHC, LCPC
School Mental Health Counselor
dshanklin@som.umaryland.edu
Dawn Shanklin is school mental health clinician with the Prince George’s County School Mental Health Initiative. She is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Massachusetts. She graduated from the Professional School of Psychology at Argosy University with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. She has worked as a clinician and adjustment counselor in various community, school, and hospital settings providing mental health services to toddlers, children, adolescents, young adults, and families. She is a dedicated, compassionate, and skilled counselor with extensive experience in clinical assessment and trauma-informed care for children, adolescents, and families. The therapeutic approaches she uses are cognitive behavioral, client-centered, psychodynamic, family therapy, and client-centered play therapy. She is looking forward to serve children and families in Prince George’s County Schools.
Cameron Sheedy (she/her)
MS, Public & Urban Policy
Senior Research Project Coordinator
csheedy@som.umaryland.edu
Cameron Sheedy is a graduate of The New School where she earned her master’s degree in Public & Urban Policy. She has conducted comprehensive research on youth gun violence, as well as the damaging mental and physical effects of policing on historically marginalized and continuously underserved communities. Additionally, she has worked on projects to increase support for young people and families experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, and other forms of trauma. She is dedicated to eliminating pipelines into the criminal legal system and promoting non-carceral approaches to community health, safety, and opportunity. She is the project coordinator for the Maryland Early Intervention Program, Maryland Healthy Transitions, Youth Care Coordination, and the School Mental Health Virtual Learning Series at the NCSMH.
Erin Sisk (she/her)
BS, Psychology, Sociology
Community Outreach Coordinator
esisk@som.umaryland.edu
Erin Sisk has been facilitating community outreach for the Prince George's School Mental Health Initiative since 2007. She has worked with both middle and high school students, helping them as they transition to high school and then onto post-secondary education and the workforce. Over the past decade, she has created and maintained an extensive resource directory that assists students and their families find the necessary resources to help them succeed.
Ashley Smith (she/her)
LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
Ashley.Smith2@som.umaryland.edu
Ashley Smith is a recent MSW graduate from Morgan State University. She originally majored in education in hopes of becoming an elementary teacher; however, she chose an alternate route. As a native of Baltimore City with over 20 years of experience working with city families, Ms. Smith recognized the need for services far beyond the classroom walls. After much research, she transitioned into social work, a field that would allow Ms. Smith access and opportunity to extend her reach. Today, she works at her alma mater, Western High School, as a mental health counselor and currently serves on its culture and climate committee and afterschool mental health council.
Claudia Sosa (she/her)
MSW, LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
CSosa@som.umaryland.edu
Claudia Sosa is a school mental health clinician with the Prince George’s County School Mental Health Initiative. She is passionate about working with students to reach their potential by providing therapeutic supports to students and their families where she utilizes a strengths-based and trauma-sensitive perspectives. She graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work where she obtained her master's degree. She has worked with students and families for over five years and is excited to continue working in providing services to families in Prince George’s County.
Rikki Spiegler (she/her)
MSW, LCSW-C
Associate Director, School Mental Health Program
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute High School
rspiegler@som.umaryland.edu
Rachel “Rikki” Spiegler is a licensed clinical social worker and an ADHD-certified clinical services provider. She received her Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. For four years, Rikki worked in a non-public school providing individual, group, and family counseling services as well as social skills training to students ages 10-21 with diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, language processing challenges, and learning differences. In private practice, Rikki provided therapeutic services to children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. Rikki is currently working in Baltimore City Schools as a school-based clinician and is passionate about taking a supportive, strengths-based approach to providing comprehensive services to children and their families.
Janai Springer (she/her)
MSW, LCSW-C
School Mental Health Counselor
Dorothy I. Height Elementary School
springer@som.umaryland.edu
Janai Springer completed her MSW program at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and is excited to contribute her skills and knowledge to providing mental health counseling for elementary school students in Baltimore City. After completing her social work internship at Furman Templeton Elementary School, and working with many other student populations, including special needs and ESOL students, she realized her passion for helping young learners thrive in all aspects of their lives. Janai is interested in pursuing her clinical license and making a lasting positive impact in the local community through providing mental health education and support to under-served children and families.
Courtney Vaughan (she/her)
MSW, LCSW-C
School Transition Specialist
cvaughan@som.umaryland.edu
Courtney Vaughan began her career as a clinical social worker shortly after graduating from the University of Maryland School of Social Work in 2005. Her passion for working with families and children in Baltimore City started when she joined the University of Maryland School Mental Health Program, as she provided clinical services in Baltimore City Public Schools for a number of years. Courtney's desire for supporting families and working with schools continued as she transitioned to her current position as a School Transition Specialist with the University of Maryland's BFAST Program (Bringing Families & Schools Together). The purpose of this program is to support students, families, and school staff as a student returns to their school and community following a psychiatric hospitalization at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.
Christina Walker (she/her)
MS, Human Services-Special Education
Budget Analyst
cnwalker@som.umaryland.edu
Christina Walker has been with the Center for nearly 20 years and specializes in finances and conference coordination. Christina provides a wealth of logistical support related to financing and Center operations.
Maya Wallace (she/her)
MSW, LMSW
School Mental Health Counselor
maya.wallace@som.umaryland.edu
Maya Wallace graduated with her master’s degree from the Morgan State University School of Social Work. Her area of specialization is in urban youth, children, and families. Maya was a trainee with the School Mental Health Program (SMHP) at Western High School, where she provided a continuum of effective mental health promotion and intervention to build on strengths and address the needs of students and families. Maya was inspired by her internship with SMHP to continue working with children and families and is now a SMHP Counselor at Franklin Square Elementary Middle School.
Lauren Wright (she/her)
BA, Journalism
Senior Media & Public Relations Specialist
laurenwright@som.umaryland.edu
Lauren Wright joined the University of Maryland’s National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH) in April 2024. As the Center’s Senior Media & Public Relations Specialist, Lauren is responsible for developing and managing strategic communication efforts in support of four main areas: the Coordinated Community Supports Partnership, the Annual Conference for Advancing School Mental Health, the Maryland Early Intervention Program (EIP), and the National Center for Safe Supportive Schools (NCS3). Additionally, Lauren is tasked with managing the Center’s website, mailing list, and social media channels. Before joining the NCSMH, Lauren worked in the Office of the Dean at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) as Director of the Mini-Medical School Program and Managing Editor of the SOMnews e-newsletter. Additionally, she managed the faculty awards program and drafted numerous departmental faculty announcements and press releases. Lauren also has extensive experience in strategic marketing campaigns, program management, writing, and copy editing. A proud graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), she holds a BA degree from the Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Marie Yuille (she/her)
MBA
Lead Clinical Research Specialist
myuille@som.umaryland.edu
Marie Yuille graduated with a BA in Psychology and Sociology in 2015 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and then and MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2020. Before joining the NCSMH, she worked at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center for 3.5 years as a Clinical Research Assistant, and assisted with various intensive studies that focused on cognitive remediation in patients with schizoaffective disorder or schizophrenia. Her duties included study recruitment, facilitation, and data management assistance. Marie joined the Center as a Clinical Research Specialist for the State Opioid Response (SOR) in 2019, and is currently the Lead Clinical Research Specialist for Building Healing Behavioral Health Systems and working toward her Master's in Public Health.
Melissa Zarger (she/her)
MA, Psychology
Research Project Coordinator
mzarger@som.umaryland.edu
Melissa Zarger graduated with her master's degree from Catholic University. At the Center, she serves as Research Coordinator for the Maryland School Mental Health Response Program. Prior to joining the NCSMH team, she worked for the Johns Hopkins Center for Prevention and Early Intervention on projects assessing preventive interventions and training delivery methods in Baltimore City elementary schools. She has experience administering a resilience-based group therapy program for children and adolescents in both school and private practice settings. Her interests broadly focus on improving identification of internalizing disorders in youth and increasing access to evidence-based mental health services.
Student Volunteers, Externs, and Interns (Post-Graduate, Graduate, Post-Bac, Undergraduate, and/or High School):
- Kirn Begum
- Ammett Cooper
- Jaylynn Floyd
- Romina Fusha
- Elyse Gutekanst
- Gulayat Hajiyeva
- Rachael Marcus
- Anabel Martin Llanusa
- Molly McHugh
- Lindsay Moody
- Brandon Nefferdorf
- TJ Oladipo
- Tara Poojary
- Janaki Timilsina