Current Students
Chandler Batchelor
Hometown: Topsail Island, NC
Education and Career Background: At UNC-Chapel Hill, I double-majored in psychology and comparative literature and minored in creative writing. After getting some research experience working on a longitudinal qualitative study with UNC's Center for Bioethics, I went on to get an MA in health humanities. I began to get a second master's in clinical mental health counseling here at UofM, but I transferred into the doc program before I completed it.
Year Started the Program: 2019
Advisor: Dr. Sara Bridges
Research Interests: My two main threads of research both revolve around the idea of identity work. I am interested in joining the budding field of asexuality research, as well as exploring the idea of mental illness identity, by which I mean the way that a formal psychiatric diagnosis can become internalized as a part of one's identity.
Current Research Team Membership: Constructivist Sexuality Lab (Bridges)
Graduate Assistantship: I am a GA in the Government Publications department of McWherter Library.
Why you chose U of M: I was drawn to this program because Dr. Bridges' emphasis on constructivism really resonated with my own research orientation. I also love the strong comradery within the program and the genuine support and care from faculty.
Interests Outside of Academics: Travel, hiking, poetry, d&d, climbing trees, Haruki Murakami novels (or anything in the genre of magical realism), dance of all kinds (but especially tap and ballet).
Morgan Bullard
Hometown: Salem, Arkansas
Education and Career Background: B.S. in Psychology from Harding University (2016), M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas (2018).
Year Started the Program: 2018
Advisor: Dr. Sara Bridges
Research Interests: The impact of policy change on minority groups and minority mental health, LGBTQ+ life satisfaction, and dehumanization.
Current Research Team Membership: GSM Lab and Constructivist Sexuality Lab
Graduate Assistantship: Disability Resources for Students
Why you chose UofM: The Counseling Psychology program here offers a variety of specific multicultural courses that allow you to dig deeper into materials and working with individual populations versus just a general multicultural course. There is also a great emphasis placed on social justice research and issues by the students and faculty.
Interests Outside of Academics: When not in school, I enjoy taking road trips with my fiancée and our dog, spending time outside, trying new local restaurants in Memphis, and socializing with friends.
Katie Califano
Hometown: South Bend, IN
Education and Career Background: BS from Butler University (2015) and MS & MA from Ball State University (2020).
Year Started Program: 2020
Advisor: Dr. Davis
Research interests: Sport and wellbeing
Current Research Team Membership: Masculinity and Health Research Team, & Multicultural and Poverty Lab
Graduate Assistantship: Dr. Mueller, CEPR
Why UofM: The supportive environment and opportunity for practicum placements.
Outside interests: hiking, traveling, sports, learning to play guitar, and finding new drink and food places
Raven Cohen
Hometown: North Haven, Connecticut
Education and Career Background: I graduated with my B.A. in psychology from Central Connecticut State University (New Britain, CT) in 2011 then went on to get my master's in school psychology at the University of Rhode Island (Kingston, RI) in 2014. I obtained my master's in clinical mental health counseling at the University of Memphis in 2019 after working concurrently as a school psychologist with Shelby County Schools.
Year Started the Program: 2019
Advisor: Dr. Rosie Phillips Davis
Research Interests: Sexual and gender minority populations, intersectionality, trauma, and violence prevention
Current Research Team Membership: Sexual and Gender Minority lab with Dr. Ovrebo (2018-2020)
Graduate Assistantship: Graduate Assistant for Inclusion and Sexual Diversity in the
Office of Multicultural Affairs
Why I chose UofM: I chose the counseling psychology program at UofM for its emphasis on diversity issues and social justice orientation as well as opportunities to be involved in efforts that promote social equity. I knew I would be supported by our faculty, both personally and professionally. I enjoy the collaborative culture that our program has created in that students have a voice in all aspects of our professional training.
Interests Outside of Academics: Outside of the program, I love to spend time with my two rescue dogs, Hendrix and Rue. I also dedicate my time to playing roller derby with the Memphis Roller Derby team. Self-care is crucial so I often find opportunities to connect with nature, cook, listen to music or podcasts, and spend time with friends.
Kaylee Cook
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Education and Career Background: B.A. in Psychology from Texas Tech University in 2019. Upon graduating, I worked in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a teacher for a Cognitive Intervention Program
Year Started Program: 2020
Advisor: Dr. Ashley Batastini
Research interests: Integration of criminal justice involved persons into society post-incarceration, societal stigma toward incarcerated individuals, and correctional rehabilitative programs and participation in such programs.
Current Research Team Membership: Dr. Batastini (BatLab!)
Graduate Assistantship: RA for Dr. Batastini
Why UofM: I really liked the cohort model and the idea of being in as many labs as you want! Although I’m only in one, it is a physical representation of the openness of everyone in the program and how collegial and collaborative everyone is.
crocheting, watching the Steelers, listening to podcasts, and playing with my dog
Mary Dillon, M.A. (she/her/hers)
Hometown: Sacramento, California
Education and Career Background: I received my Bachelor of the Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Forensic Psychology from Seattle University in 2019. Throughout my time in undergrad, and after, I assisted in facilitating and writing forensic mental health assessments and evaluations. After undergrad, I worked as an office manager at a private psychology clinic for one year before moving to Washington D.C. to earn my Master of the Arts degree in Forensic Psychology from the George Washington University. Alongside pursing my Masters, I worked with at-risk youth as an intensive in-home clinician as well as in a forensic clinic facilitating court-ordered group therapy for adult sex offenders.
Year Started the Program: 2022
Advisor: Dr. Ashley Batastini
Research Interests: My primary research interests include mental health effects of punishment strategies among incarcerated individuals, cultural competency in forensic assessment, teleassessment, and assessment of justice involved individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Current Research Team Membership: Correctional & Forensic Psychology Lab at the University of Memphis (Dr. Ashley Batastini)
Graduate Assistantship: I am currently serving my GA with Dr. Mueller and Dr. Xu.
Why you chose UofM: I chose the University of Memphis for its commitment to training the scientist-practitioner model through the lens of diversity, advocacy, and commitment to human welfare. Our program highlights the importance of how systems impact individuals’ ability to heal and progress, which I find to be of particular importance as I navigate the forensic mental health field.
Interests Outside of Academics: Outside of school, I spend most of my time reading, camping, listening to podcasts, playing video games, and spending time with loved ones (including my senior cat Bean).
Jade Horton
Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Education and Career Background: B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Southeastern Louisiana University (2019)
Prior to and after graduation I was a part of Louisiana’s Department of Corrections Data, Research, and Statistical Analysis Team (2019-2020)
Year Started Program: 2020
Advisor: Dr. Ashley Batastini
Research interests: re-entry, restrictive housing, recidivism and racial injustice in the criminal justice system.
Current Research Team Membership: BatLab
Graduate Assistantship: Dr. Xu and Dr. Hsueh (EDPR department)
Why UofM: I really appreciate the emphasis that this program and UofM places on social justice. Being interested in working with justice involved individuals, I feel as if the faculty at UofM, alongside the emphasis on social justice, creates a welcoming environment to learn and grow my skills as a future professional.
Outside interests: In my free time I enjoy looking for the next best podcast, watching scary movies, and playing with all the dogs.
Sal Ibrahim
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Education and Career Background: B.S. in Psychology from Washington State University (2017). M.S. in Clinical-Counseling Psychology (2019).
Year Started the Program: 2019
Advisor: Dr. Sara Bridges
Research Interests: Suicide risk assessment and prevention strategies with a specific emphasis on marginalized populations.
Graduate Research Team Membership: Constructivist Sexuality Lab
Graduate Assistantship: Disability Resources for Students
Why You Chose UofM: I chose the Counseling Psychology program at the UofM due to the program's focus on issues of social justice and diversity. Multicultural training isn't regulated to one course only but is incorporated in every single class. I was also drawn to how supportive the students are within and across cohorts.
Interests Outside of Academics: I love to travel and experience new cultures. I enjoy trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends. I'm also a huge fan of tv shows/movies and sci-fi/fantasy books. Lastly, I'm obsessed with my air fryer.
Srushya Krishnan (she/her/hers)
Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri
Education and Career Background: I attended Saint Louis University where I received my B.A. in Psychology with a Women’s Studies Minor. Then I received my M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia. I am also a former Adjunct Professor at Bentley University where I taught Cross-Cultural Psychology Spring 2022.
Year Started the Program: 2022
Advisor: Dr. Sara Bridges
Research Interests: Gender and Sexual Minorities, Intimate Partner Violence, South Asian Communities
Current Research Team Membership: Constructivist Sexuality Lab (Bridges)
Graduate Assistantship: I am a RA for Dr Lease.
Why you chose UofM: I was interested in working with Dr Bridges because of shared research interests of gender and sexual minorities.
Interests Outside of Academics: Reading (Romance, Contemporary, Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal, Science Fiction, True Crime), Swimming, Playing Video Games (Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, Disney Magical World 2, Miitopia, Pokémon, Kirby, Super Mario Odyssey), Adult Coloring Books and Makeup.
Alexandria Littlejohn
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Education and Career Background: B.L.S. in Psychology and Counseling (2016) and M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2020) both from The University of Memphis. Following my undergraduate degree, I worked as an intake coordinator for a psychological center here in Memphis.
Year Started Program: 2020
Advisor: Dr. Lease
Research interests: My research interests include LGBTQIA+ and sexual and gender minority communities, underrepresented and underprivileged racial-ethnic groups, and first-generation college student populations. Currently, I am conducting research on anti-racism, allyship, and toxic masculinity.
Current Research Team Membership: Dr. Davis’ Multicultural Lab and Dr. Lease’s Masculinity and Health Lab
Graduate Assistantship: I am a research assistant for Dr. Eraina Schauss in the CEPR department.
Why UofM: I have attended the UofM for many years and obtained two prior degrees from this institution; yet, I have never felt as ‘at home’ as I do in the counseling psychology program. I was primarily drawn to the program due to the emphasis on social justice and diversity, but the variety of faculty research interests and opportunities along with the cohort model make the program feel like a perfect fit for me. Overall, I felt this program would provide me with the necessary support, care, and encouragement to learn, grow, and get the most out of my academic experience.
Outside interests: I enjoy camping, hiking, traveling to new places, seeing my favorite bands play, playing engine-building board games, and more recently playing any and all Lego video games! If I am not doing one of the previously mentioned activities with my partner, we are likely binge watching our favorite shows with Frank (our husky), Zia, and Bug (our two cats) or spending time with our family and friends!
Madison Lord
Hometown: Roswell, Georgia
Education and Career Background: I received my BS in Psychology and BA in Criminal Justice from Georgia College & State University. I then went on to earn my MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University
Year Started Program: 2020
Advisor: Dr. Ashley Batastini
Research interests: My primary research interests center around traditional masculine ideologies that contribute to offending behavior, the use of social media data in psycho-legal proceedings, juror decision making, and expert witness credibility
Current Research Team Membership: BatLab and the Masculinity and Health Research Team
Graduate Assistantship: Graduate assistant for Dr. Lease, now assessment clinic GA.
Why UofM: I first chose UofM because of the program’s fit with my research interests. I also really liked the collaborative and encouraging nature of the cohort model. I also love how social justice and advocacy is a central theme across all of our courses.
Outside interests: I love spending time with my partner Shayne and our pets, getting together with my cohort members, watching Real Housewives, and listening to crime podcasts
Robbie Luten
Hometown: Milan, TN
Education and Career Background: B.A. – University of Tennessee-Martin (Psychology) M.S. – University of Kentucky (Counseling Psychology)
Year Started the Program: 2018
Advisor: Dr. Sara Bridges
Research Interests: My research interests include sexual and gender minority issues, race, ethnicity and microaggressions, and drag culture.
Current Research Team Membership: Constructivist Sexuality Lab (Bridges), LGBT+ Lab (Ovrebo)
Graduate Assistantship: I am a research assistant/graduate assistant in the Department.
Why you chose U of M: I was interested in many of the research interests of the faculty and also appreciated the flexibility and support for the research interests of the students. I also liked the emphasis on diversity and the various multicultural counseling courses.
Interests Outside of Academics: I like reading, playing drums and keyboard, and practicing tai chi. I also love playing video games, reading comics, watching tv and movies, and keeping up with the latest pop culture trends.
Justine Piontek
Hometown: New York but have since called many places home
Education and Career Background: I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I received my master's degree in Psychology overseas in Prague, Czech Republic. Prior to my master's studies, I worked in healthcare administration for over 15 years in various cities across the U.S.
Year Started Program: 2020
Advisor: Dr. Sara Bridges
Research interests: I am particularly interested in exploring counseling psychology, doctoral students' academic and praxis journeys in working with marginalized communities. I appreciate qualitative inquiry across all my research interests.
Current Research Team Membership: I am a member of the program's Poverty Lab with Dr. Rosie Davis, in which I am part of a research team investigating factors contributing to individuals' shifts towards anti-racist/allyship beliefs and behaviors.
Graduate Assistantship: I work with Dr. Eli Jones investigating research self-efficacy for early career researchers. Additionally, I assist Dr. Leigh Harrell-Williams in various studies investigating statistics education.
Why UofM: When I came for my admissions interview, I knew that this was the home for me. I was captivated by the open-hearted spirit of the faculty and students and the underlying program foci of social justice and working in the service of underserved communities.
Outside interests: I am here in Memphis with my supportive wife, Amy, and our two dogs. I love spending my free time with them taking walks and going to the park. We've really enjoyed exploring all the nightlife, food, and music for which Memphis is famous!
Swathi Prabhu (she/her)
Hometown: Morganton, NC
Education and Career Background: I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sexuality Studies from UNC Chapel Hill. Then I completed my Master’s degree in Professional School Counseling at Appalachian State University. My professional experiences have been in a variety of settings including community mental health, middle and high schools, and higher education. Most recently, I oversaw mental health promotion and sexual violence prevention at a university wellness center where I developed/facilitated workshops and peer support programs regarding resiliency skills, burnout prevention, suicide prevention, and mindfulness.
Year Started the Program: 2022
Advisor: Dr. Sara Bridges
Research Interests: My primary research interests include mental health promotion, prevention, college student well-being, and sexuality.
Current Research Team Membership: Constructivist Sexuality Lab (Bridges) and Masculinity & Health (Lease)
Graduate Assistantship: I am a RA for Dr. Bridges
Why you chose UofM: I was drawn to UofM because I resonated with multiple faculty’s research interests and was excited about the opportunity to explore multiple labs. I also really appreciated the cohort model. After meeting current students through the interview process and a quick visit to Memphis, it was clear this was a supportive environment and I knew this was the place for me.
Interests Outside of Academics: Outside of academics, I love hiking, checking out breweries and coffee shops, hand lettering, visiting family & friends, watching movies, and hanging out with my sweet pup Waffles.
Nik Priest
Hometown: Evansville, IN but New York City is home now
Education and Career Background: BA in psychology and theater from Indiana University, Bloomington; MFA in acting from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; AOS in massage therapy from Swedish Institute. I also took extensive classes at CUNY Hunter College and Teachers College, Columbia University in preparation for graduate school. Besides the previous careers, I worked as a massage therapist at Memorial Sloan Kettering providing inpatient services for two years and volunteered for a hospice organization. I have also trained in and provided body-based trauma recovery.
Year Started the Program: 2019
Advisor: Dr. Lease
Research Interests: trauma/PTSD, health psychology, sexual and gender minorities
Graduate Research Team Membership: Constructivist Sexuality Research Lab, Masculinity and Health Research Lab
Graduate Assistantship: CEPR – Dr. Davis
Why You Chose UofM: I really liked the multicultural focus, the available research topics, and the individualized nature of the program.
Interests Outside of Academics: scuba diving, video games, theater, movies, podcasts
Sarah Pringer
Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri
Education/Career Background: BS in Psychology from Webster University and MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana State University.
Year Started the Program: 2019
Advisor: Dr. Batastini
Research Interests: Interested in experiences of trauma and trauma histories within the correctional setting both in the offender population and correctional officers. Additionally, interested in the sex offender population and best treatment practices/interventions. Also interested in gang involvement and the connection to trauma.
Current Research Team Memberships: Dr. Bridges Sex Lab and Dr. Batastini's Correctional and Forensic Psychology Lab
Graduate Assistantships: Dr. Batastini's grant team
Why you chose UofM: I chose UofM because the counseling psychology program emphasizes social justice and diversity. Our program stood out compared to other programs in the level of dedication to expanding multicultural competency. I was also interested in the faculty research interests and felt like it was a good fit when I interviewed.
Interests Outside of Academics: I love spending time at the park with my Border Collie, Winston, and going out to eat.
Sam Raines, he.him.hizzle
Hometown: Malesus, Tennessee
Education and Career Background: I attended Lambuth University until its closing at the end of my junior year, after which I finished my BA in Psychology through University of Memphis, Lambuth. In the eight-year interim between school, I worked as a victim advocate at a law firm, a consultant at a self-publishing company, a manager at a test prep company, and an academic coach at a community college. (Half of these roles were in Jackson, Tennessee; the other half were in Denver, Colorado.) I completed my master’s in College Student Personnel in Spring 2022 before starting the Counseling Psychology PhD program.
Year Started the Program: 2022
Advisor: Dr. Richard Lightsey
Research Interests: Malleable cognitive traits of political extremists, social media’s effect on subjective well-being, the use of auto-transcription technology in psychotherapy, cognitive factors related to climate change denial, meaning, and mindfulness, among other things.
Current Research Team Membership: Wellness/Resilience Research Team (Dr. Lightsey) and Masculinity and Health Research (Dr. Lease)
Graduate Assistantship: Research Assistant for Dr. Brasfield
Why you chose UofM: I had a friend in the program who was having a very positive experience; I was interested in the research being conducted; and the city of Memphis has a rich culture and history that I love being a part of.
Interests Outside of Academics: Writing, recording, and performing music; hiking, camping, backpacking, and kayaking; particle physics; pickup sports; writing prose; good books, good tabletop and video games, good shows and movies, good music; and spending time with family and friends, including my wonderful niece (pictured above).
Colin Smith
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Education: B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Italian from James Madison University. M.S. in Clinical-Counseling Psychology from Radford University.
Year Started Program: 2020
Advisor: Dr. Sara Bridges
Research Interests: Forensic Psychology and Severe Mental Illness
Current Research Team Membership: member of the Correctional & Forensic Psychology Lab under Dr. Ashley Batastini
Graduate Assistantship: Dr. Bridges
Why UofM: I chose U of M because I saw the community and friendships that existed between the students, and I wanted to be a part of it.
Outside interests: ultimate frisbee, board games, and enjoying nature
Diarra J. Smith (she/her/hers)
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Education and Career Background: I attended The University of Tennessee, Knoxville where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Gender Studies. After undergrad, I attended The University of Arkansas where I received a Master of Science in Counseling. I returned to Memphis after both my undergraduate and graduate experiences where I worked for a few local non profits before serving as a professional school counselor within the Shelby County School system.
Year Started the Program: 2022
Advisor: Dr. Rosie Davis
Research Interests: My primary research interests center the various forms of systemic oppression experienced by ethnic minorities, specifically African American youth and young adults.
Current Research Team Membership: Constructivist Sexuality Lab (Bridges)
Graduate Assistantship: I am a RA for Dr. Lightsey
Why you chose UofM: I chose the U of M because I am primarily interested in studying the various systems that impact underrepresented individuals in the Memphis community. Our program’s emphasis on advocacy and cultural diversity made it the perfect program and location to work to make a lasting impact on the city that made me who I am today.
Interests Outside of Academics: I really love finally being in a program where my family is located, so hanging out with them and my long-time friends has been amazing! I also love exploring the various historical locations and museums in Memphis, as well as all of the new restaurants and wine experiences in town.
Joey White
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA
Education and Career Background: Bachelor's in biology from the University of Iowa, Masters in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Denver
Career- Tennis coach, behavioral health counselor, performance consultant
Year Started Program: 2020
Advisor: Dr. Lightsey
Research interests: Wellbeing, Racism, Poverty, Student-athletes/performers
Current Research Team Membership: Multicultural Lab and Wellbeing Lab
Graduate Assistantship: Research Assistant for Dr. Lightsey
Why UofM: Culture, fit, and research interests all aligned. Plus the students are great.
Outside interests: Hanging with friends, playing board games, hiking with my dog, playing and watching sports, cooking, listening to podcasts/books on tape.
Kelli Wierzbicki
Hometown: Piggott, Arkansas
Education and Career Background: B.S. double major in Psychology and Addiction Studies from University of Central Arkansas (2016); M.S. in Mental health Counseling, also from the University of Central Arkansas (2018).
Year started in the program: 2019
Advisor: Dr. Sue Lease
Research interests: Masculinity; sexual and gender minorities
Graduate Research Team Membership: Masculinity and Health Research Team
Graduate Assistantship: Disability Resources for Students
Why you chose UofM: The Counseling Psychology program at the UofM has a strength in its multicultural
training. In addition to some specialized courses, the program has a Diversity Committee,
as well as social-justice oriented research teams. Additionally, the faculty and students
work together to collaborate in an environment that is supportive and growth-promoting.
Interests outside of academics: traveling with my fiancée, spending time with our
dog, and putting together jigsaw puzzles.
Kathryn Winsley
Hometown: Brandon, Mississippi
Education/Career Background: B.S. in Psychology with a double minor in Criminal Justice & Sociology from The University of Southern Mississippi. M.S. in General Psychology from The University of Memphis. Following my master's degree, I worked for two years for a non-profit organization that provides mental health and adoption services for youth. I also worked for two years at an eating disorders facility for women. In these two roles, I have worked in outcome evaluations, residential, & outpatient treatment.
Year Started the Program: Fall 2019
Advisor: Dr. Lightsey
Research Interests: My research interests include adolescent and young adult populations as it pertains to Adverse Childhood Experiences, resilience, & trauma
Current Research Team Memberships: Constructivist Sexuality Lab (Bridges)
Graduate Assistantships: I am a research assistant/graduate assistant within the department.
Why you chose UofM: I chose U of M because I have enjoyed the beautiful blend of cultures that the campus
and the community all seem to have. After spending some years in Memphis, the grit
& grind spirit of the community has truly grown on me to where it feels like a second
home. I was excited to choose this department after learning about its unique research
interests and dedication to cultivating social justice advocates within the field.
Interests Outside of Academics: In my spare time, I am an avid sports fan. I enjoy trying different local restaurants and balancing it out by staying active in the gym. I spend a lot of my free time serving within the community through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I love experiencing and taking in different expressions of art and creativity. I like learning new things about the world and its diverse cultures. Last but certainly not least, I love spending quality time with my family and friends.