I am a Licensed Psychologist and an Assistant Professor in the Counseling Psychology program at University of Missouri-Columbia where I run the Equity Lab. My research uses an intersectional framework to quantitatively and qualitatively examine how interlocking systems of oppression at the macro-level impact identity, health, and resilience at the micro-level among those with intersecting marginalized statuses, such as Queer, Trans, and Nonbinary (QTNB) Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC). My research also focuses on the experiences of strength, resilience, and liberation among QTNB-BIPOC and the ways QTNB-BIPOC resist against oppressive systems. My research, clinical work, and outreach are heavily influenced by the values of counseling psychology and intersectionality (Combahee River Collective, 1977; Crenshaw, 1989). In other words, I find it incredibly important to not just “talk the talk” but also “walk the walk” by providing implications for social justice, resistance, and engaging in advocacy in my local communities to transform oppressive systems. I seek to break out of the “Ivory Tower” mentality of academia by disseminating findings to our communities so they may be used in advocacy efforts.

I earned my Ph.D. in Combined Clinical/Counseling Psychology from Utah State University in 2022 and completed my clinical internship at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Before joining the Counseling Psychology faculty at University of Missouri, I was a postdoctoral fellow in the Preparing Future Faculty for Inclusive Excellence program. I have extensive clinical training and provide services in culturally-responsive evidence-based practices for oppressed groups, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), substance use and trauma-informed care, as well as sexual and gender affirming care.

I am also heavily involved in my academic community through campus presentations, being on the editorial board for the Counseling Psychologist and Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity and receiving awards from Division 17 (Society of Counseling Psychology) for my research on QTNB-BIPOC.

Last, but certainly not least, I am passionate about training and mentoring students to become the next generation of psychologists. As a first generation student, I am eternally grateful for the mentorship I have received across my journey to becoming a psychologist and hope to continue the cycle of providing strong mentorship to my current and future students. My approach to mentorship is holistic, in that I prioritize both personal and professional development. In line with this, I ensure my students are meeting expectations for their graduate program while also having students engage in self-care and prioritize their own healing to prevent burnout. I am open and authentic about my own self-care (e.g., playing with my dog [she is much larger than that photo], quality time with my friends and partner, playing volleyball, traveling) and healing as a way to model prioritizing our own well-being in order to have energy for the professional activities we value. My hope is to foster a mentoring context that urges students to be productive in their graduate training through research, teaching, and clinical work while providing nurturance and support. I work collaboratively with my students in all aspects of my research program, from brainstorming ideas to publication. Finally, my values motivate me to ensure my students critically reflect on their identities, larger systems, and how they impact our research, clinical, and outreach efforts.

I will be accepting a new doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program for the 2024-2025 school year. I encourage prospective students to talk about your experiences and interests, how they fit with the values and missions of the Equity Lab, and “why counseling psychology?” when preparing your application. Please contact me if you are interested in joining the Equity Lab.