Minority Fellowship Program 2024-25 Doctoral Fellows

This page outlines pictures and brief biographical information on all Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS) MFP Doctoral Fellows for the listed MFP Cohort. To find out more information on other MFP Fellows including their service/research areas of interest, award years, search the MFP Fellow Directory located at the bottom of this page. 
 
Additional Fellow and Applicant Data can be found on the MFP Program Data page. If you are interested in applying for the MFP, visit the MFP Application Information page.

 Voulda Alicia James – Drexel University 
Voulda Alicia James is a sixth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Couple and Family Therapy Program at Drexel University. Born in Antigua and raised in multiracial, francophone communities in Québec, Canada, she is passionate about understanding the intersections of personal identity and narrative. An internship during her undergraduate studies sparked her interest in working with older adults, shaping her research on social justice, marginalization, and collaborative healthcare in gerodiversity. As a certified dementia care practitioner, she has developed person-centered care initiatives addressing social and behavioral health among older adults, particularly those at risk for suicide. Clinically, she employs attachment-based family therapy and integrative-systemic therapy, emphasizing cultural congruence and therapeutic alliance. Her research and clinical work apply an intersectional lens to family therapy and aging populations, with a goal of integrating mental health services within primary care settings to improve access for underserved communities. Through research-driven, culturally competent interventions, Alicia aims to increase mental health utilization and enhance family engagement in aging care.

 Ashley Gomes – Kansas State University 
Ashley Gomes was born in Claremore, Oklahoma, and grew up in Salina, both within the Cherokee Nation reservation. She enjoys gardening, video games, hiking, self-care, and spending time with loved ones, including her coonhound Winston, who is training to be a therapy dog. Passionate about Indigenous mental health, she is dedicated to improving access to systemic therapy for Native American communities, particularly at-risk youth and young adults. Her experience as an intern therapist in a juvenile justice facility deepened her commitment to supporting families and youth at risk of offending. Ashley’s research interests focus on intergenerational trauma, foster and kinship care, reunification, and the therapeutic role of cultural healing practices within Native communities. As an enrolled citizen of Cherokee Nation, she aims to advance the field’s understanding of Native American mental health and plans to either pursue academia to continue her research or become a clinical director in tribal behavioral health. 

 Cameran Wall – The Chicago School, Los Angeles 
Born in Pasadena and raised in El Monte, California, Cameran Wall is pursuing a Psy.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy at The Chicago School in Los Angeles. He is also a teaching apprentice and adjunct professor. A passionate rugby player and youth coach, Cameran’s clinical work focuses on treating foster youth who have experienced trauma. He is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is working toward certification, with plans to become trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to better support foster youth with PTSD and Complex PTSD. With over six years of experience in the foster care system, his research advocates for the countywide implementation of EMDR therapy and training for Marriage and Family Therapists. Cameran is dedicated to advancing trauma-informed care and improving mental health services for underserved populations through his clinical work, research, and advocacy. 

 Chimnemerem “Chinny” Neal – Northcentral University

Born and raised in Newark/Union, New Jersey, Chimnemerem “Chinny” Neal is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and National Certified Counselor (NCC), currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in Couples Therapy at Northcentral University. With a background in psychology, neuroscience, and trauma-informed care, Chinny is dedicated to providing culturally competent therapy to individuals, couples, and families, particularly those impacted by trauma. Her clinical training includes work with the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army Medical Command, and the Department of Veteran Affairs, where she utilizes evidence-based modalities such as EFT, CPT, TF-CBT, and IFS. Her research focuses on the impact of trauma on emotional intimacy within African American military couples, contributing to the advancement of culturally competent care. As an AAMFT-Approved Clinical Supervisor and Adjunct Faculty, Chinny is committed to increasing access to mental health services, mentoring future therapists, and advocating for underserved communities. Now in her third year as an AAMFT MFP Doctoral Fellow, she remains passionate about advancing the field of MFT through research, education, and service. 

 Christine Cox - Alliant International University, Irvine Campus 

Christine Cox is a second-year Marriage and Family Therapy doctoral student at Alliant International University’s Irvine campus. Originally from Nigeria, she now resides in Long Beach, California with her family. Christine is passionate about social justice and racial inequality, with her research focusing on the structural, systemic, and interpersonal mechanisms that deny the existence of racism, especially among white males. She also explores the societal expectation placed on Black women to demonstrate resilience, which may discourage them from seeking mental health services. Christine works as a private practice therapist specializing in racial identity, acculturation, and multicultural couples counseling, and also practices Narrative Therapy at an outpatient treatment center. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, singing, dancing, and traveling. 

 Claudine Lucena - Syracuse University

 
Claudine Lucena, a proud second-generation Filipina-American, was born in Detroit and raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, though she currently resides in Syracuse, New York. She is a PhD candidate in the Marriage and Family Therapy department at Syracuse University. Claudine is passionate about engaging in community creative projects, reading, and spending time with family and friends. As a marriage and family therapist and emerging scholar, her research focuses on immigrant family experiences, particularly within Asian American communities, through a critical lens. She is committed to supporting research that centers marginalized communities, exploring topics like ambiguous loss due to immigration, neurodivergence in relationships, resilience in BIPOC relationships, and challenging systemic oppression in therapy. Claudine’s work aims to deepen the MFT field’s understanding of immigrant and BIPOC communities’ mental health needs, ultimately improving services for these families. 

 Crystal Marroquin - Florida State University 
Crystal Marroquin, originally from Puerto Rico and raised in central Texas, is a doctoral candidate in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Florida State University. With a background in psychology and Spanish, she also holds a master’s degree in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy. Crystal’s research focuses on power dynamics within romantic relationships and working with Hispanic and Latino populations, with a particular interest in Experiential Therapy, social justice, and improving therapy retention rates within Hispanic communities. She is a bilingual therapist and has experience working with a wide range of populations, including those in the juvenile justice system. Crystal is committed to addressing the barriers that exist for the Hispanic community in therapy and aims to develop more inclusive and diverse resources for bilingual clients, using research to foster accessible mental health services for ethnic minorities. 

 Daniel K. Smedley - Florida State University 
Daniel K. Smedley, originally from northern Utah, is a doctoral student in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Florida State University. With a background in Human Development and Family Science, as well as a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University, Daniel’s clinical and research interests center on trauma-sensitive and culturally sensitive interventions for couples. He aims to develop more inclusive interventions and measures, especially regarding mindfulness, and explore the strengths and limitations of contemporary therapeutic practices within diverse populations. His research spans topics such as physiological arousal, emotion regulation, PTSD, intimate partner violence, and relationship mindfulness. Daniel is passionate about empowering couples to navigate their intersectional experiences and hopes to contribute to the field through social justice-based academic work that will benefit minoritized populations and future students in MFT programs. 

 Danielle Morgan - Eastern University 
Danielle Morgan, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, moved to the U.S. at age eight and grew up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania before settling in Florida. She holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Eastern University and is currently a doctoral student in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at her alma mater. Danielle’s initial interest in Marriage and Family Therapy stemmed from her experiences working with students, where she realized the need to address the entire family system to create lasting change. Her research focuses on trauma-informed care, restorative justice, and disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, with a particular focus on highly traumatized and high-risk communities. Danielle aims to explore protective factors in these communities to change the narrative of violence, addiction, and incarceration, particularly in minority populations. She is also passionate about leveraging schools and churches as key resources for families and communities. 

 DeHeavalyn Pullium - Fuller Theological Seminary 
DeHeavalyn Pullium, originally from Fairbanks, Alaska and raised in Tacoma, Washington, is a doctoral student at Fuller Theological Seminary pursuing her Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, educator, and diversity & inclusion consultant. DeHeavalyn’s clinical work is guided by a systemic, multicultural, and justice-oriented approach, specializing in anxiety, trauma, identity-related stress, and relationship issues. With a Certificate of Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University and as a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), she focuses on promoting psychological safety and addressing implicit bias. Her research interests include studying the intersections of interpersonal dynamics, cross-cultural communication, and trauma in organizational settings, with the goal of improving the well-being of communities of color by addressing systemic challenges both in clinical and organizational environments. 

 Dylann Lowery - Florida State University 
Dylann Lowery, a doctoral student in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Florida State University, hails from Woodward, Oklahoma. She graduated as Valedictorian from Woodward High School and holds a B.S. in Human Development and Family Science and Business Administration from Oklahoma State University. Dylann has gained significant experience working with underserved populations and in various clinical settings, including with families affected by trauma. She is focused on providing trauma-informed care to families with children ages 4-12 and is working toward her Registered Play Therapy credentials. Dylann’s research interests include exploring the impacts of intergenerational trauma and substance abuse on minority populations, and she is committed to improving trauma intervention strategies. She aims to contribute to research that helps therapists create a safe and trauma-informed therapeutic environment for underrepresented populations, with a focus on prevention and treatment. 

 Jaida Pryor - Texas Woman’s University 
Jaida Pryor, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and a doctoral student at Texas Woman’s University, has lived in Dallas, Texas for most of her life. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from TWU and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Duke University. Jaida’s academic journey began with her internship at the Wrongful Convictions Clinic at Duke, where she gained a deep understanding of systemic inequality. Her clinical work, particularly at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has focused on medical family therapy and integrated behavioral health, serving patients from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Jaida is passionate about improving accessibility to mental health resources, especially in healthcare settings, and advocates for the integration of MFTs in hospitals and other healthcare systems. Her research interests center on dismantling societal stigmas and ensuring that therapy is accessible to all individuals, particularly in marginalized communities. 

 Jennah Hanson-Daley - Texas Tech University 
Jennah Hanson-Daley, a first-generation student from Arizona, is pursuing her PhD in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy at Texas Tech University. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Associate, Jennah has clinical experience working with children and adolescents affected by trauma, particularly in rural West Texas. She developed a passion for trauma work during her time at the Children’s Advocacy Center, where she worked with victims of sexual and physical trauma. Jennah’s research and clinical interests include destigmatizing mental health and increasing access to services, especially in rural areas and among racial minority populations. She also focuses on trauma-informed interventions in schools and the complex sibling relationships that arise in modern families. Jennah’s goal is to enhance MFT literature by researching underserved populations and developing community interventions for the Black and Hispanic communities in her region. 

 Ju Ann “Esther” Park-Kim - Kansas State University 
Ju Ann “Esther” Park-Kim, a PhD student at Kansas State University, is deeply passionate about relational health and sexuality education. As a second-generation Korean-American, she combines her cultural heritage with her expertise in therapy, supervision, and research. Ju Ann’s current work focuses on developing a culturally-attuned sexuality education curriculum (SEX-C Project) for people across the lifespan. Her research interests also include sexual communication, relationship dissolution, and mental health utilization within BIPOC communities. A licensed marriage and family therapist in California, Ju Ann has extensive clinical experience in working with children, adults, and families, particularly in trauma, anxiety, grief, and immigrant stress. She is also a dedicated educator and aims to empower professionals and clients to navigate sexual topics with care, especially within faith-based and BIPOC communities. Ju Ann’s work integrates her clinical expertise and passion for creating safe spaces for discussions around sexuality and well-being. 
 
 Kathleen Smith - Virginia Tech 
Kathleen Smith, a second-year doctoral student at Virginia Tech and a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist in Maryland, has always had a passion for connecting with people and hearing their stories. Originally from Memphis, TN, and raised in Newport News, VA, Kathleen’s therapeutic interests lie in experiential and attachment-informed approaches, including emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and attachment-based family therapy. Her work particularly focuses on supporting 2SLGBTQ couples and families, inspired by her undergraduate experiences at Virginia Tech where she connected with the queer community. Kathleen aspires to provide culturally adapted, evidence-supported treatments to underserved racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual minority communities, with a specific focus on reducing healthcare disparities. She is also passionate about the power of research in creating systemic change, aiming to affect policy and improve mental health services for marginalized groups. 

 Katrina N. Edmonds - Eastern University 
Katrina N. Edmonds is a seasoned practitioner with over 20 years of experience in Marriage and Family Therapy, currently pursuing her PhD at Eastern University. She runs a private practice, Be Set Free Counseling Ministry & Education Center, and has been deeply involved in ministry work for the past two decades. Katrina’s research interests focus on providing therapeutic resources for clergy and special needs populations, as well as supervision and training for MFT students. As a doctoral fellow in AAMFT’s Minority Fellowship Program, Katrina is dedicated to mentoring future clinicians and creating programs to support underserved communities. Her personal experiences with accessing services for her son have highlighted a gap in care for special needs populations, a gap she aims to address through her research and training efforts. Katrina is committed to using her expertise to bridge the gap between mental health and faith communities, fostering growth and healing for individuals in need. 

 Keya Lopez - Alliant International University 
Keya Lopez, currently pursuing her PhD in Couples and Family Therapy at Alliant International University, has a diverse academic background, including a degree in Criminology and a master’s in Counseling and Dance/Movement Therapy. Keya is a Registered Dance/Movement Therapist and Certified Domestic Violence Advocate with extensive experience working with trauma survivors. She’s dedicated to creating secure therapeutic environments for individuals navigating life transitions, particularly within marginalized communities. Keya’s research focuses on the intersection of relational dynamics, hope, and cultural responsiveness in therapy, emphasizing the importance of hope in fostering lasting therapeutic change. Through her work, Keya seeks to improve mental health outcomes for underserved populations, promoting inclusivity and cultural competence within therapy practice. 

 Kipenzi Herron - Alliant International University 
Kipenzi Herron is a Doctor of Psychology candidate in Couples and Family Therapy at Alliant International University in San Diego. With an extensive academic background, including multiple master's degrees in Corporate and Organizational Communication, an MBA, and Marriage and Family Therapy, Kipenzi’s journey into psychotherapy is deeply informed by her personal experiences navigating corporate environments and dealing with issues like microaggressions, power imbalances, and high-functioning anxiety. Her passion lies in supporting high-achieving women of color, especially addressing the stigma they face when accessing mental health services. Kipenzi is dedicated to decolonizing psychotherapy and promoting empowerment by making therapy more accessible. Her research focuses on the “Strong Black Woman” trope, aiming to reclaim space for Black women to heal and address intergenerational trauma. Kipenzi’s work aims to shift the focus of therapy to systemic issues, empowering marginalized communities to heal from within. 

 Lindsay Hall - The Chicago School, Los Angeles 
Lindsay Hall, a doctoral student in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at The Chicago School in Los Angeles, specializes in treating eating disorders and body image issues through a culturally attuned, systemic approach. Born in Florida and raised in Switzerland and the U.S., Lindsay is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Adjunct Professor. Her passion for helping clients struggling with eating disorders grew during her time at UCLA's Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital. She works in private practice, helping individuals, couples, and families navigate eating disorders while fostering healthy emotional connections for long-term recovery. Lindsay is also dedicated to educating future therapists and advancing research in eating disorder treatment, particularly in marginalized communities. She is focused on closing gaps in eating disorder literature, especially in relation to co-occurring substance use disorders, and hopes to make therapy more accessible for underserved populations. 

 Mady Cheng - Loma Linda University 
Mady Cheng, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Systems, Families, and Couples at Loma Linda University, is a bilingual California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Originally from Hong Kong, Mady's clinical and research interests focus on the biopsychosocial-spiritual well-being of Chinese Americans, particularly the impact of family relationships and spirituality on mental health and substance use. She has worked in various clinical settings, including hospice care, crisis houses, and schools, and is now focusing on Chinese Christian behavioral health in San Diego. Mady's research has been presented at prestigious conferences and addresses mental health issues in marginalized populations, particularly Chinese Americans. After graduation, she aims to become a faculty member and clinical supervisor, using her expertise to support the Chinese American community and train future MFTs to address mental health and substance abuse treatment needs. 

 Rachel Ryan - The Ohio State University 
Rachel Ryan, a Ph.D. student in Human Development and Family Science at The Ohio State University, specializes in Couple and Family Therapy. She is passionate about working with sexually and relationally diverse clients, including LGBTQIA , polyamorous, and kink-identified individuals, couples, and families. Rachel's clinical work includes treating anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and bipolar disorder in a systemic context. Her long-term goal is to teach in a Master's program in Marriage and Family Therapy, conducting research on LGBTQIA relational health and developing interventions tailored to diverse clients. She also aims to provide mentorship to future clinicians, promoting cultural competence and understanding of minoritized identities in therapy. Rachel is committed to making mental healthcare more accessible, particularly for under-resourced communities, and is driven to support equitable care for sexual and gender minorities. 

 Samuel R. Heath - East Carolina University 
Samuel R. Heath, a PhD student at East Carolina University, specializes in Medical Family Therapy, focusing on integrating behavioral health into Pre-K through 12th grade educational settings. Originally from Daytona Beach, Florida, Samuel has worked extensively with marginalized communities, including children, couples, families, and medical professionals. His research aims to develop evidence-based solutions for integrating behavioral health into schools, emphasizing proactive, macro-level interventions to address systemic barriers. Samuel is committed to dismantling gatekeeping in the mental health field and supporting the development of future clinicians. His professional goal is to become a leading voice in mental health, particularly in the context of marginalized populations, by creating culturally attuned clinical tools and research to promote wellness and success in underserved communities. 

 Şura Sena - Texas Tech University 
Şura Sena, a Ph.D. student in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy at Texas Tech University, is dedicated to serving marginalized and underserved populations. Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Şura’s clinical work includes treating victims of intimate partner violence and addressing marital dissatisfaction, infidelity, and trauma. Her research focuses on developing culturally competent therapeutic approaches for diverse populations, including ethnic and religious minorities. Şura has worked with underserved communities in Turkey and is now focused on expanding mental health services for these groups. Her career goal is to become a tenure-track faculty member, where she can train future clinicians to address the needs of disadvantaged populations and foster diversity within the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. 

 Umaimah Maryam - Texas Woman’s University 
Umaimah Maryam, a doctoral student at Texas Woman’s University, specializes in Marriage and Family Therapy and has a deep commitment to supporting marginalized populations, particularly refugees and displaced individuals. Originally from Pakistan, Umaimah has designed therapeutic protocols for bullied children and conducted research on the experiences of Afghan refugee women in the U.S. Her passion for inclusive and culturally sensitive mental health care drives her research, which explores the lived experiences of displaced individuals. Umaimah aims to provide accessible mental health services to marginalized communities and is focused on the unique needs of refugee populations. She aspires to develop therapeutic practices and protocols that address the specific challenges faced by these groups, ensuring they receive the mental health support they deserve. 

 Yaochong (Lucinda) Huang - Michigan State University 
Yaochong (Lucinda) Huang, a third-year Ph.D. student at Michigan State University, focuses her research on parent-adult child relationships and intergenerational solidarity. Originally from Yiwu, China, Lucinda has worked in low-income communities in Chicago and is trained in Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Her research aims to disseminate evidence-based interventions for underrepresented populations and improve family functioning, particularly within diverse family structures. Lucinda’s clinical work supports families, couples, and individuals, and she is passionate about enhancing mental health and substance abuse treatment for minority communities. She plans to continue her work bridging gaps in mental health service access and promoting inclusive treatment approaches for underserved populations.