Alumni News and Publications

GSAPP Alumna, Dr. Devora Panish Scher (School PsyD, 2021) has launched a unique therapeutic camp experience which will take place June 23 -27, 2025 for youth with anxiety and OCD-related disorders through her center, Riding the Wave. Grad students interested in mental health programming and grant funders looking to partner are also invited to contact the center about available opportunities at:

Dr. Diana Salvador (School PsyM 2000, PsyD 2002) focuses on increasing care access and reducing health disparities by integrating evidence-based practices into the service continuum.

Dr. Pass (Clinical PsyD, 2010) works in private practice and at Answer as an Editorial Content Developer. Dr. Pass says she loves working with adolescents at this GSAPP center that is dedicated to producing and disseminating medically accurate and age-appropriate sexual health information. The center is committed to cultivating inclusivity and equitable access to education.

The Applied Psychology Department was honored to host GSAPP alumnus, Dr. Stuart Singer (Clinical PsyD, 2022) as a guest lecturer this semester for the course Psychopathology. Dr. Singer delivered an incredibly insightful presentation on Harm Reduction, captivating the class with his expertise and engaging approach. We're grateful for the chance to learn from such a skilled and compassionate licensed psychologist. Thank you, Dr. Singer, for an unforgettable lecture! 

Dr. Ayanna Towers (School PsyD, 2012) Co-Presented Embracing Neurodiversity at CAPS: Supports and Services for Students at the 3rd Annual Rutgers Neurodiversity Summit on October 7, 2024. Dr. Towers, who currently works as a Counseling Psychologist at RU-CAPS, was delighted to participate in this collaborative event! 

The Rutgers research article, “Ground-based adaptive horsemanship lessons for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled pilot study,” published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry and co-authored by Dr. Andrea Quinn, was featured in multiple news outlets!

The New Jersey Association of Black Psychologists (NJABPsi) announced their Executive Board for 2024-2026, which includes three GSAPP School Psychology alums! We R proud of their leadership and service to NJABPsi. For more: https://buff.ly/46js5Ju

Dr. Laura Carter Robinson (Clinical PsyD, 2012) will be presenting at the American Psychological Association's annual convention on Aug. 8-10 in Seattle as part of a session on "Emotions and Climate Change Anxiety in Young Adults." Her presentation, "Helping Young Adults with Climate Emotions: Meaning and Motivation at a Tipping Point of Their Own," focuses on the emotional experiences of, and clinical intervention with, graduate students in environment and sustainability, a population at risk for eco/climate distress and burnout.

Dr. David Sacks (Clinical PsyD, 1993; Peterson Prize Winner, 2018) is presenting the workshop, "The Climate Crisis Requires Training for All Psychology Practitioners - Critical Conversations." Dr. Sacks developed and taught a climate psychology course to PsyD students at The Chicago School and advocates that this material should be taught to all practitioners-in-training, as they need to know how to respond to a wide range of climate-change-related issues among their clients and in communities.

Dr. Hui (School PsyD, 2023), who has a blend of expertise in psychology and education, established the 3E Center: Exceptional Needs, Exceptional Gifts/Talents, and Exceptional Cultural and Linguistic Backgrounds. Its aim is to bridge families and schools, promoting better understanding and collaboration. She said, “I envision myself as a bridge between my culture and mainstream systems, where I can help facilitate understanding and communication. Through this work, I hope to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all."

Two recent Applied Psychology graduates presented their research/MABA theses at NJABA’s 3^rd Annual Science of Behavior Analysis Conference. (pictured l-r) Julia Howard, Class of 2023 and Arielle Marshall, Class of 2024.

GSAPP Alumus, Dr. Fuentes (Clinical PsyD, 1998) gave a well-attended presentation, “Skin Color in the Latine Community: We know it matters, why are we not measuring it?” as part of a new speaker series hosted by GSAPP’s Hispanic Organization of Professional Psychology Students (HOPPS).

GSAPP Alumna, Dr. Gemma Stern (Clinical PsyD, 2023) dissertation, "Understanding Sleep Coaches: Increasing Access to Evidence-Based Sleep Support for Caregivers,” is featured in The Washington Post article, “Exhausted parents turn to baby sleep consultants. But do they work?”

Dr. Angelica Diaz-Martinez (Clinical PsyD, 1998) is the 2024 winner of the Martha Bernal Award for the Advancement of Diversity Training and Education in Clinical Psychology! The Martha Bernal Award recognizes a current or previous DCT who has made a significant diversity-related contribution in the education and training of clinical psychology. The CUDCP Board selected Dr. Diaz-Martinez for her unwavering dedication to the professional and personal development of clinical psychology trainees.

Dr. Kelly Moore (Clinical PsyD, 2011) has been serving as Director of GSAPP’s Center for Psychological Services (CPS), since December 2020. Among her many accomplishments, she collaborated with fellow GSAPP alumna, Dr. Jennifer Jones-Damis (Clinical PsyD, 2013), Director of RU-NB’s CAPS, for this Rutgers Today Q&A article.

Dr. Jennifer Foster (School PsyD, 2010) is an Asst. Teaching Prof., School Psychology Dept. and Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) online programs at GSAPP. MTSS is a compelling framework for providing comprehensive academic and behavioral health services for K-12 students. Training in MTSS is more essential than ever for Teachers, Academic Coaches, School Counselors, School Psychologists, Child Study Team Members, Administrators and other professionals to efficiently and effectively address evolving student needs.

Dr. Lori Guerriero, an Organizational Psychologist (PsyD, 2004), co-manages the School Climate Transformation Project (SCTP), a partnership between GSAPP and the NJDOE. It supports K-12 public school districts in NJ, promoting data-driven processes for systemic change and positive climates. The SCTP developed the NJ School Climate Improvement (NJ SCI) Survey, administered through the free NJ SCI Platform. This platform offers data tools, planning resources, and support services for effective leadership and continuous improvement.

Dr. Elena Ragusa, (Organizational PsyD, 2010) was appointed as a faculty partner to evaluate the CDC federally-funded Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Education and Leadership Program (HELP)

Dr. Vanessa Ramirez (Clinical PsyD, 2011) was honored as a 2023 Champion by the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)! This award recognizes outstanding individuals who have shown exceptional dedication, influence, and social impact through the promotion of evidence-based psychological interventions, and who have thereby advanced the mission of ABCT.

Congratulations to GSAPP alum, Dr. Peter DeNigris (Clinical PsyD, 2004), recipient of the prestigious 2023 New Jersey Psychological Association’s Psychologist of the Year Award! 🏆

Dr. Kathleen Boyle Dalen (School PsyD, 2001) recently opened her own firm, KBD Consulting - A place where people don't just stay. They THRIVE. Together. 

Dr. Boyle Dalen specializes in organizational culture and design to foster growth mindset cultures where individuals thrive. 

Dr. Amber Cargill (Clinical PsyD, 2009) is the Director of Player Wellness at the NFL and was featured in the Rutgers Today-RUAA article, "What I Know Now" & was recognized as an Alumni Leader in Great things to know about Rutgers. 

Dr. Robert Riordan (Clinical PsyD, 2011) founded Blueprint with a group of well-credentialed mental health professionals whose specialty is the science of relationships. 

Dr. Riordan has worked clinically with over 100 couples with a specialty in high-conflict couples and couples in crisis. He has over 15 years of experience as a couple therapist.