Resident Directory

Lily Assaad, MS

E-mail:  lassaad@uw.edu
Graduate Program: Purdue University – W. Lafayette
Clinical/Research Interests: My personality pathology research program stands at the intersection of interpersonal processes and psychometrics. Through it, I inform the association between psychopathology and interpersonal functioning to increase social support for patients. My work is grounded in Sullivanian interpersonal theory and dimensional models of personality pathology. I use a combination of advanced statistical and methodological techniques like multilevel meta-analyses, intensive longitudinal analyses and experience sampling methodology. Clinically, I deeply value measurement-based care (MBC) because conceptualizations should be dynamically evolving based on constant integration of new data. I am also committed to disseminating second- and third-wave CBTs. Although my primary clinical interests entail treatment of severe emotion dysregulation and trauma using DBT, PE, and CPT, I have collaborated with patients to provide full courses of CBT for ADHD, BA, ACT, REBT for SUD, MI for SUD, IBCT, and EFT. When ESTs were not established for specific contexts/cultures, I employed evidence-based principles to design specific courses of treatment for patients instead.

Adam Kuczynski, MS

E-mail:   adamkucz@uw.edu
Graduate Program: University of Washington
Clinical/Research Interests: I am interested in using longitudinal and intensive longitudinal methods to study the role that social relationships play in the development, maintenance, and treatment of mental illness. My recent work has focused on loneliness, a poorly understood yet potent risk factor for negative mental and physical health outcomes. Clinically, I am interested in applying cognitive-behavioral and third-wave behavioral interventions with high-risk populations.

Andrew Rogers, MS

E-mail:   ahroger2@uw.edu
Graduate Program: University of Houston
Clinical/Research Interests: I am currently a PhD candidate at the University of Houston. My clinical and research interests broadly sit at the intersection of physical and mental health, with a focus on chronically painful conditions and substance misuse, including alcohol and opioids. Specifically, I am interested in identifying transdiagnostic biopsychosocial vulnerabilities linking pain to substance misuse, and developing novel interventions to target these vulnerabilities. Clinically, I have experience working with a wide range of populations in outpatient and behavioral medicine settings, using evidence-based interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, being on the soccer field, cooking and baking, and traveling.

Back to top of page

Thanh Nguyen, MA

E-mail:   nguyentp@uw.edu
Graduate Program: University of Massachusetts – Boston
Clinical/Research Interests: Thanh Nguyen is a clinical psychology doctoral candidate at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She grew up with a younger sibling on the autism spectrum in a collectivistic, low-income, limited-English-speaking, immigrant household. This experience has afforded Thanh a unique perspective on the complex and culturally situated meanings of ‘autism’ within her Vietnamese American family, beyond its literal translation. Combined with her clinical experience and scientist-practitioner-activist graduate training, Thanh understands the interplay between sociocultural factors and the meanings, expressions, and service utilization/receipt for individuals—and families—living with disabilities and mental health challenges. This empowered her to take action towards “wellness as fairness.” Hence, Thanh’s clinical/research interests center on efforts to dismantle autism-related health service inequities that affect Asian American and racial minority children. In addition, she examines the impact of race, culture, and disability on Asian American individuals and familial relationships to develop culturally congruent care.

Gabriela Sepulveda, MS

E-mail:   gsepul@uw.edu
Graduate Program: Idaho State University
Clinical/Research Interests: My interests focus on examining and helping remove barriers to access and availability of resources and services for autistic and other neurodivergent individuals, particularly those from marginalized populations. I have also become interested in the treatment of trauma in autistic youths. Through my experiences with ASD and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, I have found that despite children with IDDs having an increased likelihood of experiencing traumatic events, there is limited knowledge about their experiences and best assessment and treatment practices for this comorbidity. My main goal in both my research and clinical interests is to make sure that I am helping make significant and meaningful changes for the children and families I work with. Outside of work, I am likely to be spending time with my cat, enjoying the outdoors, or munching on some snacks.

Back to top of page

Heather Altier, MA

E-mail:  altierh@uw.edu
Graduate Program: East Tennessee State University
Clinical/Research Interests: I research the effects of psychosocial factors on sleep, chronic pain, functional impairment, and health-related quality of life in individuals at risk for poor health outcomes, such as people with chronic diseases and from minority backgrounds. I am particularly interested in investigating the protective influence of health behavior engagement and positive psychological traits like gratitude, hope, and self-efficacy. My research strongly informs my clinical practice, as I enjoy working in integrated medical settings employing brief interventions to promote resiliency and improve psychological and physiological health outcomes in those coping with chronic illness.

Becca Altschuler, MA

E-mail:  ralts@uw.edu
Graduate Program: East Tennessee State University
Clinical/Research Interests:I am a PhD Candidate in the Clinical Psychology program at East Tennessee State University with a concentration in Integrated Primary Care. My research interests broadly include effective and sustainable integration of underserved and/or rural medical clinics with behavioral health service and the implementation of cultural competency trainings for medical providers related to gender identity and sexuality. Clinically, I am interested in working with children, families, and adults with chronic health concerns and rehabilitation needs in order to improve life quality from an Acceptance and Commitment perspective utilizing brief interventions. Personally, I enjoy spending time outside with my spouse and our dogs hiking, kayaking, and foraging.

Kate Degenhardt, MS

E-mail:  kdegs@uw.edu
Graduate Program: Seattle Pacific University
Clinical/Research Interests: My clinical and research interests focus on improving the implementation of evidence-based treatments and mental health services in the areas of health and rehabilitation psychology. I am specifically passionate about improving psychosocial adjustment for individuals of minority backgrounds and individuals with anxiety disorders in the context of chronic illness and disability. Broadly, I utilize evidence-based treatments with a predominantly cognitive behavioral approach, and I strive to integrate these methods with third-wave approaches including acceptance and values work.

Dani Kang, MS

E-mail:  danikang@uw.edu
Graduate Program: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Clinical/Research Interests: My research interests include understanding the neurocognitive risk factors and consequences of substance use. For instance, I have used electroencephalogram and event-related potential techniques to explore and understand incentive salience for substance-related cues among individuals with alcohol use disorder. Clinically, I am interested in both assessment and intervention for those with acute and long-term cognitive impairments associated with substance use. In both clinical and research settings, I hope to utilize a holistic and patient-centered approach to improving outcomes for individuals who are experiencing the physical, cognitive, and emotional complexities of substance use disorders and related health difficulties.

Erin Mistretta, MA

E-mail:  emistr@uw.edu
Graduate Program: Arizona State University
Clinical/Research Interests: My research focuses on the effectiveness and mechanisms of mindfulness- and acceptance-based interventions for emotion regulation and health behavior in people with chronic illnesses, particularly chronic pain. Clinically, I employ evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based strategies to help individuals cope with health issues and identify personal values and strengths. In my work with clients, I strive to conceptualize their concerns in the larger context of humanity while remaining aware of our multiple, unique identities.

Whitney Morean, MS

E-mail:  moreanw@uw.edu
Graduate Program: Seattle Pacific University
Clinical/Research Interests: My clinical and research interests have been shaped by my work as a case manager and my lived experience of transitioning from a disability outsider to being disabled. Clinically, I approach my work from a biopsychosocial strengths-based perspective with the spirit of motivational interviewing. I work with the client to understand their strengths, identify contributors to distress, and collaboratively work to identify the most important treatment goals. I use evidence informed treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-based stress reduction skills to help the client cope with their distress and work towards their goals. The research opportunities that I have pursued have mirrored my intersecting interests of research that aims to decrease distress at the individual level and seeking change at a larger macro-systems level for people after the onset of an illness or disability. Outside of work, I love spending time with my nephew, swimming, watching stand-up comedy, and baking.

Back to top of page

China Bolden, MS

E-mail:  chinab03@uw.edu
Graduate Program: Seattle Pacific University
Clinical/Research Interests: My research focuses on increasing access to evidence-based treatments for youth. I am particularly interested in the adaptation and implementation of interventions that address anxiety and stress related disorders among BIPOC and other marginalized youth. Clinically, I am interested in the treatment of stress related symptoms and the subsequent interpersonal difficulties resulting from trauma. Additionally, I am interested in treatment of acute mental illness among trauma exposed youth. When I am not spending time with my two toddlers exploring the PNW, I love creating. I am a potter, and budding gardener and I am constantly remodeling the spaces I live in.

Richelle Clifton, MS

E-mail:  rclifto@uw.edu
Graduate Program: Indiana University/Purdue-Indianapolis
Clinical/Research Interests: My research focuses on identifying risks and highlighting strengths related to a variety of health outcomes among youth of color. In particular, I am interested in examining sociocultural predictors (such as racial discrimination, racial/ethnic socialization, and racial identity) and their impact on behavioral, psychological, and academic outcomes. My research thus far has been focused primarily on Black youth. Clinically, I aim to take an inclusive and collaborative approach and I enjoy working with a diverse range of youth and their families. I utilize evidence-based interventions including cognitive behavioral therapy and other cognitive and third wave approaches including dialectical behavior therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Jessy Guler, MS

E-mail:  jesguler@uw.edu
Graduate Program: University of Kansas
Clinical/Research Interests: My research focuses on global mental health, working with culturally and linguistically diverse families exposed to adversity, violence, and migration. I am particularly interested in conducting research and developing interventions that alleviate mental and physical health disparities that impact marginalized communities with inequitable access to appropriate health resources (e.g., resettled refugee families, families living in lower socioeconomic contexts). I am passionate about collaborating directly with diverse communities to develop and implement clinical research that can benefit their members and strives to create sustainable leverage in strengthening healthcare delivery systems. Clinically, I enjoy working with youth and families from a broad range of diverse backgrounds seeking treatment and assessment services for a range of presenting concerns utilizing evidence-based practices, including depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress. Outside of work, I enjoy music, film, art, playing the ukulele, traveling, hiking, and cycling.

Paulina Lim, MS

E-mail:  pslim1@uw.edu
Graduate Program: University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Clinical Interests: Paulina Lim (she/her) is a doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her research utilizes culturally conscious care frameworks and interdisciplinary collaboration in understanding health behaviors, perspectives, and lived experiences of diverse communities, with a particular focus on ethnically and linguistically minoritized and immigrant communities, during high stress pediatric encounters. Paulina’s clinical and research activities seek to collaborate with community organizations and emphasize the importance of intersectionality and positionality in psychological clinical practice and research. Paulina aims to create welcoming and affirming spaces at academic institutions by building friendships and community across programs and disciplines.

Back to top of page

Isabel Solis, MS

E-mail:  isolis88@uw.edu
Graduate Program: University of New Mexico
Clinical/Research Interests: As a native New Mexican, child of immigrants, and the first in my family to pursue a Ph.D., I am interested in the utility of neuropsychological assessments and interventions using evidence-based practices with bilingual and ethnically diverse populations across the lifespan. I have experience providing cognitive-behavioral interventions for mood disorders and am excited to combine neuropsychological principles with therapeutic interventions, particularly in rehabilitation settings and with under-served, under-represented patient populations. My research utilizes multi-modal methods to examine mechanisms of typical and atypical neurodevelopment as it relates to adverse childhood experiences, including bullying victimization. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, running, and being with my family and friends.