Serving the Mental Health Needs of the Underserved: Meet our 2025-2026 CMGMH Fellows and Scholarship Awardees

Reflecting the College’s commitment to promoting social justice and addressing mental health disparities among historically marginalized populations in the United States, William James College offers the highly competitive Serving the Mental Health Needs of the Underserved Scholarship which is administered by the Center for Multicultural and Global Mental Health (CMGMH). This award recognizes the achievements and promise of students committed to this work. The College awards six new scholarships each academic year to students who are then recognized as CMGMH Fellows. This scholarship program is generously supported by the William Randolph Hearst Scholarships Grant from the Hearst Foundations, and the College.

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Maryah Burrell, Clinical Psychology, PsyD

Maryah Burrell is a first-year clinical psychology doctoral student specializing in forensic mental health. Originally from New Mexico, she earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and forensic science from Saint Louis University. Her research has explored the impact of law enforcement training on sex trafficking within vulnerable populations. Burrell volunteered as a tutor at a predominantly Black all-boys school, sparking her interest in the school-to-prison pipeline. She is the first in her family to pursue a doctoral degree, bringing resilience and lived experience to her ongoing advocacy for systemic change in equitable mental health services.

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Rajbala Chaudhary, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA

Rajbala Chaudhary is a second-year clinical mental health counseling student. Raised in Queens, NY, she is a first-generation student of Indian and Venezuelan heritage. She earned her psychology degree magna cum laude from SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Chaudhary is passionate about supporting Veterans and families experiencing substance use and co-occurring disorders while leveraging her Spanish fluency. She tirelessly advocated and secured funding for menstrual product access on her undergraduate campus, an effort she is most proud of. Inspired by personal experiences, Chaudhary is committed to providing compassionate, culturally informed care to underserved communities.

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Nicole Graine, Clinical Psychology, PsyD

Nicole Graine is a first-year clinical psychology doctoral student and an African American woman from Syracuse, NY. She graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University with degrees in psychology and neuroscience, later earning her master's degree in clinical psychological science from University of Maryland, College Park. Graine’s service includes trauma-informed advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, peer mental health education, and counseling underserved youth. She led a mindfulness series for college students and believes in culturally adaptive care. Graine is dedicated to building an equitable mental health system where no one is left unseen due to identity or circumstance.

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Sophia Hanna, School Psychology, MA/CAGS

Sophia Hanna is a first-year School Psychology MA/CAGS student passionate about cross-cultural communication and inclusive education. Originally from South Sioux City, Nebraska, and a graduate of Smith College, Hanna has worked as a teacher, camp counselor, and volunteer in elementary schools, community theatre, and their local synagogue. One of their proudest accomplishments is helping launch a low-cost, multilingual dance and theater program for neurodiverse children in their hometown. As a queer person, Hanna draws on their lived experience to foster affirming and supportive spaces for underserved youth. They are committed to building community through creativity, empathy, and culturally responsive care.

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Amy Nyary, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA

Amy Nyary is a first-year clinical mental health counseling student from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Raised in a bicultural Colombian-American household, she speaks both English and Spanish. Nyary graduated summa cum laude from the University of Mississippi, majoring in psychology and Spanish. Her research background includes work in health anxiety and cultural psychology labs. Inspired by the mental health challenges exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nyary is passionate about serving Spanish-speaking immigrant families and bridging the gap between mental health services and the Latino community. Her professional goals include becoming a licensed counselor to provide her community with culturally competent care.

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Latashia White, Leadership Psychology, PsyD

Latashia White is a first-year leadership psychology doctoral student and U.S. Air Force Veteran from Daleville, Alabama. She holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology and business and a master’s in social work. Her career spans Veteran services, behavioral health, and community outreach, with roles at Lowell Community Health Center, City of Boston Veterans’ Services, and Northern Essex Community College. White has led initiatives supporting immigrant and refugee populations and volunteers with organizations including, the State Women Veterans Advisory Board, The Mission Continues, and the City of Lowell Veterans Commission. Her work centers on trauma-informed care and culturally responsive leadership.

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