Student Leadership and Organizations

Melissa is a second-year clinical psychology doctoral student at William James College. Melissa holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Applied Psychology from Northeastern University. She recently trained at the St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center Comprehensive Addiction Program. While there, she worked on a multidisciplinary team providing case management and group therapy to adults with substance use disorders. For the upcoming training year, Melissa will be working with youth as a behavioral coach at CBTeam OCD & Anxiety Specialists. Prior to her graduate training, Melissa gained clinical experience as an inpatient Mental Health Specialist at McLean Hospital’s older adult unit. Melissa is a dedicated student of psychology with diverse clinical interests who is passionate about building community among like-minded people. Melissa has been affiliated with ACES Field Education for the past year, and she is excited to take on the position of ACES Team Lead and represent her peers in the clinical program for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Email: melissa_morgan@williamjames.edu 

Arhum is a dedicated Graduate Student pursuing an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialty in Forensic/Correctional Psychology. With a BS in Psychology and Sociology from Worcester State University, Arhum is committed to advancing her expertise in mental health. 

As a research assistant for the Parenting Project at Worcester State University, she contributed to significant research and presented at conferences such as the Eastern Psychology Association. Next year, Arhum is looking forward to pursuing a clinical PsyD to become a Clinical Psychologist. Her mission is to empower, heal, and restore hope by delivering compassionate mental health care to unlock human potential and avoid future harm. Arhum aims to make a meaningful difference in mental health and criminal justice.

Email: arhum_rizvi@williamjames.edu 

 Anthony is a second-year student in the Leadership Psychology doctoral program. He has 20 years of extensive experience in leadership roles, primarily in the healthcare sector, and several years as a therapist and coach. He is passionate about helping others reach their maximum potential. Anthony has led organizations through difficult times, built programs from the ground up, engaged employees, developed high-performing teams, and managed strategic development, career and leadership coaching, training, talent management, and clinical interventions. Anthony currently owns and operates a career and executive coaching practice focused on identity and professional growth.

Throughout his career, Anthony has extensive experience in both the coaching and therapy realms, developing and empowering others to achieve their goals and realize their potential. Anthony has also transformed organizational cultures and enhanced performance by focusing on developing individuals and teams and nurturing their potential. His ability to navigate complex organizational challenges and foster a culture of collaboration has earned him a reputation as a trusted leader and coach. Additionally, Anthony's experience in talent management has enabled organizations to attract, retain, and develop top talent, ensuring long-term success and growth. He has a passion for helping and connecting with others, which has directed his career decisions.

Anthony is excited to serve on the LEAD team as a representative from the OLP program and looks forward to connecting with you! Please feel free to contact me with any questions or for additional details.

Email: anthony_meek@williamjames.edu 

Maria is an enthusiastic third-year student pursuing a BS in Psychology and Human Services at William James. She previously earned her associate’s degree in psychology from Middlesex Community College. Maria is deeply involved in many forms of art, including music, visual arts, and writing. As such, her goal is to eventually have a clinical practice with an emphasis on expressive therapy, working predominantly with children. Maria previously taught music and art at a preschool for two years. She now works with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients as an activity facilitator at Adelaide of Newton Center. Ultimately, Maria strives to make mental health resources accessible, especially to children, encouraging creativity as a method of healing and growth.

Email:  mchamandi24@williamjames.edu 

Julia is a third-year student in the MA/CAGS Program in School Psychology. Prior to graduate school, Julia got her bachelor's degree in psychology and knew she wanted to work with children. After working as a paraprofessional at the elementary level, Julia knew she wanted to be a school psychologist to be able to help all young students thrive. Julia is going into her internship at Haverhill Public Schools where she will be working at the elementary and middle school levels. Julia is excited to be the School Psychology Department Lead and is looking forward to connecting with current and prospective students at William James College.

Email: julia_mcguire@williamjames.edu 

Student Leaders: Shubh Agrawal and  Rebekah Chappell
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Catherine Vuky

The mission of the ASG is to educate, advocate, promote, and cultivate learning about the Asian community. ASG aims to provide critical support, mentorship and community for its members, while holding a commitment to decreasing racial/ethnic disparities by diversifying the mental health workforce and providing support to historically marginalized and underserved groups. Our group aims to create a warm and supportive environment to connect Asian students, Asian American students and anyone interested in learning about Asian cultures at WJC. It is also an open space to share interests in working with the Asian population. In doing so, we are hopeful that the WJC community can become better allies, improve competency and compassion when working with the Asian community, and celebrate the culture through activities of cultural enrichment and intercultural dialogue.

Student Leaders: Etianna Etianne, Jodyann Hanson, Nick Rocha, and Maranda Williams

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Susan Powell

The First-Generation College Student Group at WJC aims to provide a supportive and inclusive space for students who are the first (or among the first) in their families to attend a four-year university. This group is committed to creating a space where first gen students can connect, share challenges and successes, and support one another. We strive to foster an engaging environment where first gen students feel their unique experiences are recognized and valued. The First-Generation College Student Group also welcomes any student who is interested in being an ally and learning more about the first-generation college student experience.

Student Leaders: Arielle Black  and Hannah Mather
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Katherine King

Our mission: To explore the topic of aging, and to build connections across generations. The members of the Geropsychology Interest Group seek to learn about aging and educate others, to explore careers in psychology related to aging, to foster generational solidarity, and build meaningful connections between students and older individuals. In the past, we have run a variety of community and intergenerational events including panels, discussions, and social media educational seminars. We also participate in the annual Greater Boston Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Student Leaders: Rachel Most and Samantha Solomon
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Jason Kaplan, Dr. Claire Fialkov, and Dr. Shira Fishman

The Jewish Student Alliance at WJC aims to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for Jewish students and those interested in being an ally and learning more about the Jewish student experience. This group is committed to creating a space where Jewish students can connect, share common experiences, support one another, and raise awareness of anti-Semitism. The Jewish Student Alliance strives to foster an engaging environment where students can feel recognized and valued and discuss Jewish culture and issues of identity.

Student Leaders: Tru Lotus Goetchius, Anna Port , Alexandra Tursi, and Alexandra Woolley
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Matthew Carper

The mission of the Mental Health and Chronic Illness Advocacy Network is to promote a sense of community and support for any students who identify as immunocompromised, disabled, and/or struggle with chronic medical concerns. We also invite those who are interested in learning more about how to support individuals who are immunocompromised, living with a disability, and/or struggle with a chronic illness to join our meetings. Our group is meant to provide a safe space for students to come and process feelings surrounding the pandemic and navigating a world with complex medical issues. It is our hope to create a venue for discussion groups, planning of larger events for the WJC community and beyond, hosting guest speakers, and spreading awareness of diseases and disabilities of interest campus wide.

Student Leaders: Serena Mainiero and Angela Walukevich
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Katherine King, and Catherine Dubois

This group is for any student interested in the use of mindfulness in clinical practice or engaging in practice sessions with others in the WJC community. A member can choose to engage in either aspect of the group or both. The group provides a safe space for students to practice meditation, or, if they choose, practice leading meditation and other mindfulness practices. Beyond scheduled meditations, group meetings may include discussion groups, leading events for the WJC community and beyond, hosting outside presenters, and more, based on interests of the group.

Student Leaders: Doralee Lopez and Peyton Cahn
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. David Haddad

The mission of the Positive Psychology club is to introduce the student body to the science of happiness by providing the concepts, practices, and tools that contribute to a flourishing life. Each meeting will introduce students to positive psychology intervention skills. We will explore how these skills can be applied in our own life to increase overall well-being and integrated into the work we do with professional clients.

Student Leaders: Rylan Guthrie and Nicola Hassapis 
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Sarah VanMattson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WJCRainbowAlliance
Scholarships and Resources for LGBTQIA+ Students: www.publicservicedegrees.org/financial-aid/lgbtqia-students-scholarships-resources

Article on Pronoun Diversity written by Kevin Narine (he/him/his), BA, William James College, and Melina Wald, PhD (she/they), Columbia University Medical Center/Gender Identity Program.

Article on LGBTQ+ BIPOC Mental Health written by Kevin Narine (he/him/his), BA, William James College, and Matthew Eisner (he/him/his), MSEd, William James College

The Rainbow Alliance at William James College is a group of students who want to provide support for one another, engage in LGBTQIA+ advocacy/awareness, and plan events (for either purpose).

Student Leaders: Nicole Angelakis, Eleanor (Ellie) Deveaux, Jordan French, and Angela Walukevich,
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Katherine King

The Self-Care Group aims to provide a supportive space for students to discuss and validate the difficulties of maintaining and making time for self-care. The group will provide psychoeducation around self-care, including ethical considerations with clinical practice. The group will discuss and provide ideas for self-care activities, how to effectively build self-care into the students’ routines, and provide accountability for self-care goals

Student Leaders: Edye Caine and Natalia Vasquez
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s):  Dr. Sejal Prajapati

The Spirit, Mind, Body Group exists to offer an arena for all students interested in the integration of spirituality and psychology to explore how the critical intersections of spirituality and mental health can increase the overall effectiveness and quality of treatment on the continuum of care. Research demonstrates that spirituality, religion, and alternative means of healing (i.e., Reiki, Hypnosis) positively impact health and wellness across the continuum of care. Together we will work to foster connection and collaboration through a dynamic exchange of ideas among students, faculty, and special guest lecturers. Our group will work to contribute towards a more loving, spiritually aware, and positive society. As students and professionals, our goal is to learn together to ensure a more life-centered approach in the field of psychology.

Student Leaders: Haley Barrows and Angelo Weber
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Modesto Hevia

The mission of the sport psychology club is to promote the study and application of clinical and sport psychology within athletic settings.  

Student Leaders: Marina Boulos and Zeina Nahlous
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Yousef AlAjarma and Dr. Hanan Hashem 

The SWANA Student Alliance and Allies at WJC aims to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for SWANA students and those interested in being an ally and learning more about the SWANA student experience. This group is committed to creating a space where SWANA students can connect, share common experiences, and support one another. The SWANA Student Alliance strives to foster an engaging environment where students can feel recognized and valued and discuss SWANA culture and issues of identity. If you are interested in joining this new group, please reach out to one of the faculty advisors: Dr. Hanan Hashem and Dr. Yousef AlAjarma.   

Tonya Echols is a 3rd year student in the Leadership Psychology PsyD program, with emphases in Neuroscience and Inclusive Leadership. She has been actively involved in student leadership at William James for the past two years, serving as the department’s representative for the Academic Council Engaging Students (ACES) program and the Dean of Students' Leading Excellence Across Departments (LEAD) team. As a student ambassador, Tonya has participated in various events supporting school engagement, including incoming student forums and conducting a microaggression workshop for WJC faculty. Tonya is honored to have the opportunity to apply her 28 years of experience as a leader and educator to support the development of the WJC Psi Chi Chapter as an inclusive group that reflects WJC’s commitment to education, professional growth, and social responsibility in the field of psychology. 

Email: tonya_echols@williamjames.edu

Fred Bernabe is an experienced mental health therapist, facilitator, trainer, licensed math teacher, entrepreneur, and equity advocate. Native to Boston, Massachusetts, Fred originates from Dorchester. As a posse scholar, Fred graduated from Hamilton College where he majored in philosophy and played rugby. After working in law enforcement for many years, he later attended Cambridge College where he majored in mental health counseling and obtained his master’s in education. As a first-generation Haitian American, Fred is fluent in the languages of Haitian Creole, American Sign language. As a current leadership psychology doctoral student at William James College, Fred is focused on bringing his organizational development skills and insight to the communities he serves and the people he supports. Currently, Fred Bernabe is Senior Director of Community Education and Outreach at Samaritan's Hope.

Email: fred_bernabe@williamjames.edu 

 Alyssa Battista graduated from the bachelor's program in December 2023 and is continuing her education at WJC for a graduate degree in School Psychology. Alyssa is a founding member and current Vice President for a local Women’s Society and wants to bring her commitment to inclusive environments to the new chapter.  Alyssa hopes to take an active role in building fundraising activities for the chapter.  

Email: alyssa_battista@williamjames.edu 

Gail Delgado is a job development and employment support professional with ACRE certification, ICI certification, Direct Support Professional certification, and over two decades of experience providing in-home case management and direct care to individuals with physical disabilities.  Gail started her education later in life; pursuing an AS degree in human services at the age of 60 and then continuing on to build her experience and education in the area of addition counseling at William James College.  Gail hopes to become a recovery coach upon graduation, while continuing to dedicate time to working with unhoused populations and supporting members of her church family.  The mission of William James College to serve the underserved called Gail to the school, and she hopes to use her education to continue to build a legacy of caring.  Gail is excited to help the WJC chapter of Psi Chi grow into a vibrant organization.

Email: gail_delgado@williamjames.edu 

Jill Kasten was inducted into Psi Chi in 2021 while earning her MA in I/O Psychology with a concentration in Talent Development at Adler University.  She was an active member at Adler, and has opted to transfer her membership to WJC to bring her experience and enthusiasm to our new chapter. Professionally, Jill works as the trainer for Wind River Environmental, focusing primarily on new acquisitions through change management and organizational development.  Jill tells us, “I love working with both numbers and people, so being the treasurer is ideal.  I am committed to helping establish a thriving Psi Chi chapter at WJC.”

Email: jmkasten24@williamjames.edu 

Dr. Green is a recent graduate of the Organizational Leadership Psychology PsyD program with a concentration in Leading NGOs and Nonprofits.  She is currently the COO for the Opportunity Network. Danielle tells us, “Alumni participation is important for more than networking purposes but also so current students have sources for real life experiences in the field. I would love to play this important role in keeping relationships alive between students and alumni.”

Email: danielle_green@williamjames.edu