Student Leadership and Organizations

Colby is a third-year clinical psychology doctoral student at William James College. Colby holds a BS in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and MA in Professional Psychology from William James College. Colby recently trained at CBTeam OCD and Anxiety Specialists following his first practicum training year at Merrill Elementary School. For the upcoming year, Colby will be training at Bradley Hospital. Colby has been a member of the Clinical PsyD Student Government Council since the Fall of 2024. Throughout this time Colby served as the SGC Field Education Co-Lead prior to taking on the role of Co-Lead for the Clinical PsyD SGC in April of 2026. Colby is excited to continue in this role during the 2026-2027 academic year.

Email: cmyers24@williamjames.edu

Isabel is a third-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student at William James College. Her clinical training has included providing individual Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) coaching to children, adolescents, and adults with OCD and anxiety disorders, as well as individual therapy for adolescents and adults with eating disorders. This summer, Isabel completed a clerkship at BETR Neuropsych, where she administered neuropsychological and psychological assessments for children and adolescents. During the upcoming training year, she will complete her advanced practicum at Bentley University’s College Counseling Center. Prior to graduate school, Isabel was a Community Residential Counselor at the Gunderson Residence, a residential treatment program at McLean Hospital for women with personality disorders. Isabel has been actively involved with SGC for the past two years as a co-lead for the Field Ed team and is excited to serve as a SGC co-lead for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Email: ipowell24@williamjames.edu 

Lace is a second-year Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at William James College, pursuing licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She brings over two decades of leadership experience in education, youth development, and the creative arts.

Lace completed her practicum supporting foster youth and families and is currently deepening her clinical focus on non-traditional family systems and partnerships as a therapist intern at Looking Glass Counseling in Somerville.

Before entering the mental health field, Lace founded and led Beyond the 4th Wall, a citywide creative arts organization empowering youth through theater and community engagement. She also served as Theatre Chair at the Cambridge School of Weston, where she developed inclusive programming centered on social-emotional learning and justice-oriented storytelling.

A certified yoga teacher and dedicated advocate for equity in mental health, Lace is an active student member of MaMHCA, the American Counseling Association, and the Black Mental Health Graduate Academy. She is motivated by a deep passion for supporting children, families, and couples, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented communities.

Lace is honored to represent her peers as the 2025–2026 ACES Team Lead, bringing her commitment to healing, creativity, and community-building to all that she does.

Email: lmcampbell24@williamjames.edu 

Anthony is a third-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 

Kylie Isabel Quiñonez is a fourth-year student in the Bachelor's program at William James College. Alongside her pursuit of a BS in Psychology and Human Services, she works towards microcredentials in: 1) Behavioral Health for Disability, Neurodiversity, and Medically Complex Populations and 2) Foundations of Trauma-Informed Care. As a full-time online student and caretaker, she commits to fostering connection and trust. Such interpersonal skills served her well in past leadership positions.

Prior to WJC, Kylie was a lead captain in Boston’s non-profit secondary school program, ‘We Are Fit’. She facilitated physical, emotional, and academic support to youth via recreational health and community workshops. Particularly, she led initiatives against bullying and sexual assault. Kylie also participated as a finalist in the Marshall-Brennan Moot Court competition across the Greater Boston Area. It is a constitutional literacy project and appellate-style oral advocacy event that shaped her psycho-legal ambitions.

Kylie plans to take a post-grad gap year to work and invest in her community and then she intends to apply to graduate school for a Master’s in Social Work, with a specialty in forensics. She is motivated to promote justice, empathy, and holistic care. Kylie is honored to assume this role on the Student Government Executive Council. She promises to take her passions for storytelling, mentorship, and attuned listening into each encounter. Feel free to contact her with any questions, concerns, or program ideas.

Email: kiquinonez25@williamjames.edu 

Lauryn is a third-year student in the MA/CAGS Program in School Psychology at William James College. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of New England and is deeply passionate about advocating for the mental health needs of youth and teens and promoting and supporting inclusive educational spaces. This year, Lauryn is completing her internship with Brookline Public Schools, where she will work with both the elementary and high school levels. Since the beginning of her graduate training, she has been an active member of the Student Government Council team and is looking forward to serving as a School Psychology representative on the Student Government Executive Council. Lauryn looks forward to collaborating with individuals across departments and connecting with both current and prospective students at William James College.

Email: lsalley24@williamjames.edu 

Kirsten is a second-year student in the MA/CAGS School Psychology program at William James College. She earned her bachelor's degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology from Worcester State University. Before beginning graduate school, Kirsten spent three years teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in Southbridge, Massachusetts, and Cleveland, Ohio. These experiences working in underserved communities with diverse student populations deepened her commitment to educational equity and inspired her pursuit of school psychology.

Kirsten is currently completing her practicum at Putnam Middle School. In addition to her practicum training, she works as a Registered Behavior Technician, supporting children with autism and partnering closely with their families. Working across both school and home settings has reinforced her passion for helping students thrive through collaborative, individualized, and strengths-based support.

Since beginning graduate school, Kirsten has been an active member of the School Psychology Department's Student Government Council and is passionate about advocacy, leadership, and community engagement. She enjoys creating opportunities for connection and service within the William James College community, including organizing a campus-wide book drive that donated more than 300 children's books to underserved communities. As a School Psychology Department member of the Executive Council, Kirsten is committed to supporting her peers, ensuring student voices are heard, and helping to foster a welcoming and inclusive School Psychology community.

Email: kballou25@williamjames.edu 

Student Leaders: Abby Rusnak and Kylie Nop
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Catherine Vuky

The ASA is a student-run group with the mission to educate, advocate, promote, and cultivate learning about the Asian community. ASA 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 strives 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: Tanu Kumar and Elira Martin
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Jason Osher

The Association for Neuropsychology Students & Trainees (ANST) at William James College is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive community for students interested in learning more about the field of clinical neuropsychology. Our goal is to facilitate workshops, training sessions, and mentorship that support students interested in neuropsychology. In alignment with the values of William James College, this organization seeks to build an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration, leadership development, and community engagement. We strive to increase awareness of the field, both within and beyond the school, increase student confidence and cultural competency for neuropsychological assessment and interpretation, and to create a community for students interested in the field to participate in supportive and educational dialogue. Through these efforts, we aim to empower students to succeed in their academic journeys and future careers while contributing meaningfully to the evolving field of neuropsychology.

Student Leaders: TBD
Faculty Advisor: Sheldon Aaron

The BIPOC Peer Consultation Group at William James College seeks to create an intentional, affirming community space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students navigating the unique challenges and strengths of becoming therapists. Our purpose is to provide a confidential, supportive environment where students who self-identify as BIPOC can process clinical experiences, explore identity development as future clinicians of color, and engage in mutual learning and empowerment. In alignment with William James College’s commitment to experiential education, diversity, and community, this group centers the lived experiences of BIPOC students in clinical training. We aim to bridge academic learning with personal reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of how culture, race, and systemic inequities shape the therapeutic process. Through peer consultation, discussion, and collective care, members will have space to share strategies for managing issues such as cultural transference, racial identity in supervision, and working with clients across diverse backgrounds. While rooted in professional growth, this group also emphasizes community and belonging. It recognizes that connection among BIPOC clinicians is essential to wellness, resilience, and sustainability in the mental health field.

Student Leaders: Stiven Topalli and Kayla Fong
Faculty Advisor(s): Dr. Jill Bloom

CAIR (The Coalition for Advocacy of Immigrants and Refugees) is a student-led organization dedicated to supporting the mental well-being of immigrant and refugee communities. Through resources, events, and advocacy, we foster a welcoming space for all, promoting awareness and empowerment.

Student Leaders: Christine Rowley, Rachel Johansson, Macy York, Danny Williams
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Anne Waters

Our mission is to support student well-being and foster connection through casual, inclusive social events both on-campus and outside of an academic setting. Through thoughtfully planned events, inspired by student input and collaboration, CGG’s aim is to foster a sense of belonging, celebrate the rich diversity within the WJC community, and inspire mutual support and connection.  

Student Leader: Nick Rocha
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.

Infographic by Nicolas Rocha, WJC First-Generation College Student Group

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 Hope
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: Chloe Stanfa and Lily Reed
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Danika Charles

The Legal Literacy and Advocacy Group is a student-run organization dedicated to expanding legal literacy among all students, regardless of concentration or area of emphasis. This group aims to increase student awareness of relevant historical and contemporary legal processes, court systems, and the interrelatedness of mental health and the legal system with specific focus on statutes and legislation in Massachusetts and/or other states of interest to group members. Through guest speakers, group discussion, consultation, Q&A sessions, workshops and more, this group aims to cultivate a space for students to expand and deepen their familiarity with the legal system, as working with legally-involved clients is probable in any clinical setting. Furthermore, this group intends to serve as a resource for new, current, and prospective forensic and correctional-focused students through course mapping, practicum and internship applications, and dissertation planning. 

If interested, please fill out the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/yGSenzKKkYtAL1BDA

Student Leaders: TBD
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: Valentina de Castro Novaes and Piraveenaa Vijayakumar
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Mari Carmen Bennasar and Dr. Yousef AlAjarma 

Our mission is to create an environment for multilingual students to talk about language barriers as well as assets. We want to bring people together from various backgrounds that are multilingual to engage in conversations that help us develop a supportive community including English second language learners. Our goal is to foster an environment where we can talk about our struggles with language-related challenges, accents, and the stigma that follows. Last, this group is committed to helping multilingual students not only by providing a supportive space for any challenges but also in recognizing and utilizing the many advantages. Our mission is to create an environment for multilingual students to talk about language barriers as well as assets. We want to bring people together from various backgrounds that are multilingual to engage in conversations that help us develop a supportive community including English second language learners. Our goal is to foster an environment where we can talk about our struggles with language-related challenges, accents, and the stigma that follows. Last, this group is committed to helping multilingual students not only by providing a supportive space for any challenges but also in recognizing and utilizing the many advantages.

Student Leaders: Brianna Burke and Alice Barefot
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Emma Petterson

The Perinatal Psychology Club at William James College aims to foster a community of students interested in understanding and supporting mental health during the perinatal period, from conception through early parenthood. Our mission is to promote awareness, education, and dialogue around the emotional, psychological, and relational experiences associated with pregnancy, birth, and the transition to parenthood.

Through guest speakers, workshops, peer discussions, and outreach initiatives, we seek to bridge academic knowledge with personal and professional growth. The club provides a space for students to connect, share interests, and explore career paths related to perinatal mental health. In doing so, we contribute to the broader William James College community by promoting compassion, connection, and advocacy for families during this critical life stage.

Student Leaders: TBD
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: Alondra Cabrera and Hailey Roy
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Carolyn Rabin

The Psychoneuroimmunology and Integrative Health Collective is a student-run organization dedicated to exploring the dynamic relationships between psychological processes, the nervous system, immune functioning, and overall health. The Collective seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and bridge research with clinical practice by examining how stress, trauma, social determinants of health, and systemic inequities influence mental and physical well-being. Through journal discussions, guest speakers, collaborative research exploration, and applied clinical conversations, the group aims to create an intellectually engaging and inclusive space for students across programs. The Collective supports William James College’s mission by promoting integrative, culturally responsive, and evidence-based approaches to mental health and health equity. Membership is open to all students, regardless of prior neuroscience or medical background.

Student Leaders: Tori Carver (she/they) and Kay Kinsler (they/them)
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Sarah VanMattson (she/they)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WJCRainbowAlliance

Instagram: @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: TBD
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: Max Stefanakos 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 Nourleen Goubrial
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dr. Yousef AlAjarma

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 the faculty advisor Dr. Yousef AlAjarma.   

Student Leaders: Chloe Troiano and Riley Wendling
Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Melissa Lane

Our mission is to inspire and empower students to make a meaningful and lasting difference through community service. We connect members with diverse local volunteer opportunities and partner with William James College to develop impactful, school-wide initiatives that address real community needs. Rooted in enthusiasm for giving back, we strive to cultivate a culture of compassion, social responsibility, and active engagement. Through collaboration, reflection, and hands-on service, we aim to strengthen both our campus community and the broader world we serve.

Student Leaders: Alycia Loshaw
Faculty Advisor(s): Dr. Angela Taveira-Dick

The William James College Student Military and Veteran Community (SMVC) welcomes student veterans, military-affiliated students, and non-military-affiliated students, united by a shared interest in supporting the military community. Our mission is to foster a supportive and inclusive environment that enhances peer support, cultural competency, and professional development for students pursuing graduate-level academic and clinical training at WJC. We achieve this through educational initiatives on military and veteran-related issues, community service, advocacy, and social engagement. The SMVC is committed to supporting veterans, service members, military families (including spouses, children, and extended family), and their allies, addressing challenges such as deployment, transition, and reintegration, while strengthening the broader WJC community.

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  

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 

Dana Laratta is a second-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology PsyD program. With a concentration in Forensics, her research interests pertain to the convergence of mental health and the legal system. Dana obtained her bachelor's degrees in psychology and criminal justice from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. She has consistently prioritized and appreciated involvement in numerous organizations, including serving as both President and Secretary of her undergraduate Psi Chi chapter. In this role, Dana seeks to facilitate efficient and effective communication amongst WJC's Psi Chi members and community. Born and raised in New Jersey, she has been enjoying exploring the city of Boston!

Email: dlaratta24@williamjames.edu 

Ashley Visniewski is a second-year doctoral student in the Leadership Psychology PsyD program. She was inducted into Psi Chi in 2009 while earning her BA in Psychology from Endicott College. She has dedicated her career to clinical practice as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and brings her years of interpersonal experience to the WJC Psi Chi chapter with hopes to improve connection and community at WJC.

Email: asvisniewski25@williamjames.edu 

Email: amber_beland@williamjames.edu