Lab Alumni

A first-generation college student and native New Yorker, Dr. CJ Polihronakis (he/him/his) graduated with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Teachers College – Columbia University in 2019. Dr. Polihronakis also obtained a Master of Arts in School Counseling and a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling from Teachers College – Columbia University in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Prior to his graduate studies, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from Georgetown University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English.

Dr. Polihronakis is currently a Staff Psychologist at the University of Maryland – College Park’s Counseling Center, where he also completed his APA-Accredited Pre-Doctoral Psychology Internship in June 2019. Prior to his current employment at the University of Maryland’s Counseling Center, Dr. Polihronakis served as a Staff Psychologist and LGBTQIA+ Coordinator at University Counseling Services of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). At VCU’s University Counseling Services, Dr. Polihronakis developed Racial/Cultural Labs for staff clinicians and trainees based on Carter’s (2003) model as a way of promoting center-wide cultural humility and multicultural awareness. Clinically, Dr. Polihronakis has worked predominantly with culturally diverse clients in college/university counseling center settings, and his interests include: intersectional identity concerns (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual identity); anti-racism, multiculturalism and social justice; the impact of oppression and discrimination on overall health; bisexuality, non-monosexuality, and sexual fluidity; LGBTQIA+ concerns; low-income and first-generation college students; men and masculinities; sex, intimacy, and sexual health; weightism/fat-phobia/sizeism; family of origin concerns; couples/relationship counseling; career counseling; group psychotherapy; as well as supervision and training.

In addition, Dr. Polihronakis’s research endeavors have predominantly focused on the experiences of different marginalized communities (e.g., people of color, non-heterosexual people, women) from an intersectional lens, with a particular focus on the bisexual (or bi+) community. Using a minority stress theory framework, his dissertation study examined the association of bisexual minority stressors (i.e., anti-bisexual discrimination, internalized biphobia, and bisexual identity concealment) with substance use and risky sexual behaviors among bisexual men. Dr. Polihronakis has also been involved in research projects examining biphobia, sexual objectification, body image concerns, and sexual health among bisexual women; the role of client-therapist racial/ethnic match in short-term therapy outcomes; discrimination, workplace outcomes, and mental health among women of color; as well as heterosexism, racism, and the mental health of sexual minority people of color. Please see below for a list of peer-reviewed manuscripts including Dr. Polihronakis.

Outside of his professional interests, Dr. Polihronakis enjoys cooking and baking, spending times with friends, watching binge-worthy shows (e.g., Schitt’s Creek, Umbrella Academy), listening to music, attending Broadway Musicals, and all things Harry Potter. He is also a dog dad to a loving, yet mischievous, Aussie Mix named Sirius.

Links to Published Manuscripts:

• Polihronakis, C. J., Velez, B. L., & Watson, L. B (in press). Bisexual women’s sexual health: A test of objectification theory. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. doi:10.1037/sgd0000492
• Polihronakis, C. J., Velez, B. L., & Brewster, M. E. (2021). Bisexual men’s sexual health: A test of minority stress theory. Psychology of Men and Masculinities, 22, 201-2015. doi:10.1037/men0000304
• Velez, B. L., Polihronakis, C. J., Watson, L. B., & Cox, R. (2019). Heterosexism, racism, and the mental health of sexual minority people of color. The Counseling Psychologist, 47, 129-159. doi:10.1177/0011000019828309
• Velez, B. L., Cox, R., Polihronakis, C. J., & Moradi, B. M. (2018). Discrimination, work outcomes, and mental health among women of color: The protective role of womanist attitudes. The Journal of Counseling Psychology, 65, 178-193. doi:10.1037/cou0000274

Robert Cox Jr., or Bobby as he prefers, is from New Orleans, Louisiana.  He graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with bachelor's degrees in English Literature and Hispanic Linguistics with minor studies in psychology.  After teaching Spanish to elementary school students in New Orleans and teaching English to elementary and college-aged students in Shanghai, China, Bobby returned to school to obtain a master's degree in psychology in education within the Clinical Psychology Department at Teachers College, Columbia University.  He completed dual concentrations in Serving Underrepresented Populations and in Women, Gender, and Sexuality.  Bobby is now a doctoral student in counseling psychology under the advisement of Dr. Brandon Velez.  Bobby is broadly interested in the application of minority stress theories in understanding the experiences of individuals with multiple stigmatized identities.  Additionally, he is interested in the acculturation and biculturalism of Hispanic and Latin@-identified individuals.  Aside from his academic and professional responsibilities, Bobby enjoys running and biking along the Hudson river, reading postmodern literature in the sun, and sampling the diverse cuisine that New York offers.  

Nina Lei, PhD (she/her/hers) is a recent graduate of the Counseling Psychology PhD program (Class of 2022).  She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English at the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Queens College.  Nina has worked in both research and clinical practice. Her broad research interests include multicultural populations, with a focus on Asian American women; people with multiple marginalized identities and their experience of minority stress; and counseling/psychotherapy for these populations. Nina is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and maintains a small private practice under the LMHC license. Outside of academic and professional work, Nina enjoys spending time with family and friends, eating great food, and traveling as much as she can.

Nancy Alfaro (any pronouns acceptable) received her Ed.M. degree in Bilingual Mental Health Counseling at Teachers College, Columbia University in May 2019. She is currently working with undocumented/unaccompanied youth at a nonprofit in East Harlem. While at Teachers College, Nancy was a class of 2019 awardee of the American Psychological Association's Minority Fellowship Program. Prior to her arrival at Teachers College she received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Family Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. Their current research interests focus on Latinx mental health; the intersectional experiences of queer and trans people of color; and these groups’ access and use of mental health services and their familial relationships. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys dancing salsa, playing basketball, and spending time with her family.

Brianna Baker (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. Born and raised in North Carolina, she graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and African American Community Health and Resilience. Prior to beginning her doctoral studies, she worked as a Public Health Analyst at RTI International, where she focused on community and policy-level interventions related to health equity, school-based mental health promotion, and violence prevention. Her research interests broadly include sociopolitical determinants of mental health, positive Black youth development, and ameliorating sociohistorical racial trauma through community-focused program development. She hopes to mesh her passions for communications, public health, and psychology to bring African American mental health to the forefront of America’s social, moral, and political agendas. She is currently a psychology extern at Barnard College, where she leads group therapy for women of color in addition to conducting individual psychotherapy. In addition to her research and clinical work, Brianna is a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholar and receives training in translation research to actionable policy. Aside from her academic and professional interests, Brianna enjoys acting and theater arts, writing short stories, volunteering, adventuring with her dog Zola, and attempting to solve murder mysteries on Reddit.

Elizabeth Cavic (she/they) is a former master's student in the Mental Health Counseling EdM/MA program, where she also completed an advanced certificate in sexuality, women, and gender counseling. She completed her undergraduate degree at Cornell University, where she studied human development, with a specialization in social and personality development. Following this, she acted as a research coordinator within the University of Chicago’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience. Elizabeth’s current research interests vary, but are generally focused on identity development in racial minorities, particularly in mixed-race individuals, as well as reproductive justice, especially among queer and trans parents. They hope to one day obtain a PhD in Human Development. In her spare time, Elizabeth loves reading, journaling, watching 80s movies, and tending to her houseplants.

Lenia is currently pursuing her Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. She graduated from the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies with bachelor’s degrees in English Education with a double major in International Relations. Before making her way to New York City, Lenia taught English to elementary/middle/high school students in Seoul, South Korea. Lenia also has a number of work and volunteering experiences when she lived in San Francisco, Melbourne, and Cleveland. Inspired by all of these life experiences, Lenia’s primary research interest lies in the ways individuals perceive and process social stigmas, prejudices, microaggressions, and classism, as well as the impact of social identity issues on the psychological and physical well-being of women of color. In her spare time, Lenia loves to work out (Yoga and Swimming!), try different ethnic cuisines, and explore the globe.

Kenya successfully completed her master's in Counseling Psychology program at Teachers College, Columbia University in May 2017. She graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with her BA in Human Development and Family Studies with minors in Psychology and Sexuality/Gender Studies. Kenya’s research interests include the intersectionality of sexuality, gender, and race, sexual minorities of color, and LGBT familial dynamics. Outside of research much of her energy is devoted to LGBT advocacy and volunteer projects.  

Francesca (she/her/hers) is currently pursuing her Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. As a part-time student, she works full-time as the Assistant Director of Career Services at Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP). Before pursuing a career in counseling, Francesca worked in arts administration for several years and graduated with a B.A. in Art History from Skidmore College. This is Francesca’s first foray into research and she is excited to learn more about the process. She is particularly interested in how identity and intersectionality impact career development and outcomes. When not working or studying, Francesca enjoys cooking and trying out new recipes on family and friends, running through central park, and trying to capture life’s moments through photography. 

Sara is a first-year master’s student pursuing her Ed.M. in Counseling Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. She serves as a Research Assistant for the Stigma, Identity, & Intersectionality lab at TC. Sara graduated from Fordham University with a B.S. in Psychology. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree, she served as a Research Assistant and Project Coordinator at the Manhattan VA working with Dementia Caregivers and Women Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma. Her research interests now center around intersectionality and the application of minority stress theories, specifically pertaining to sexual and gender minorities. Outside of academia, Sara enjoys painting and drawing, dog-walking through Central Park, and checking out the latest art exhibitions throughout NYC.

Rebecca graduated from the Counseling Psychology program at Teachers College, Columbia University in May 2017. Prior to attending TC, she graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a BA in Psychology and Gender Studies. As a research assistant at UCLA she worked in a social justice lab, as well as a lab focused on minority youth stress. Her current research interests include body image, sexual assault, gender, and sexuality. As well as how the intersection of race, sex, class, and culture have on these experiences. During the second year of her master's, Rebecca interned as a mental health counselor in Queens. As a first generation college student, she is interested in aiding individuals who have higher risks of mental health problems in academic settings. She hopes pursue her PhD in Counseling in the future, where she will continue to pursue her clinical and research interests.

Faith Iloka (she/her/hers) is a second-year masters student in the Mental Health Counseling EdM program. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies from Princeton University. Faith’s research and professional interests center at the intersection of race, mental health, and the arts. Her past works explore the mental health implications of domestic violence on Black mothers and the unique marginalization minority women face based on their race, class and gender. In Princeton’s Just Data Lab, Faith and colleagues curated a Mental Health Playbook that confronted the experience of Black mourning, grief, and mental health through art, music, poetry, and plays submitted by community members. In the SII lab and future research, Faith hopes to further explore the use of artistic mediums in trauma-informed, individual and community-oriented care, and its implications on accessibility to mental health services for marginalized communities and social prescription. In her spare time, Faith enjoys thrifting, dancing to Afrobeats, and exploring new places/foods.

Anjali is a second-year master's student pursuing her Ed.M. in Counseling Psychology and a certification in Sexuality, Women, & Gender at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is currently interning at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Women's Mental Health shelter, where she works with homeless women who struggle with chronic and debilitating mental illnesses. She also serves as lab coordinator for the Stigma, Identity, & Intersectionality lab at TC. Anjali graduated from Marymount University with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Gender & Society. Her research interests in intersectional identities and effects on mental health inform her investment and interest in women in color, particularly women in the South Asian diaspora. She is especially interested in barriers to mental wellbeing in ethnic minority women, such as shame beliefs, body image issues, and intersectional experiences of discrimination. When she is not engaged in professional and academic work, Anjali enjoys spending time with her close friends, reading poetry and fiction, scoping out NYC for the best pastries, and petting literally any dog that comes her way.

Anha Jhuremalani (she/her/hers) is a second year student of the Master of Education program in Mental Health Counseling at Teachers College, Columbia University. She is also pursuing an advanced certificate in sexuality, women, and gender counseling. She graduated with a BSc in Psychology from Durham University in 2020. Prior to Teachers College, Anha has been involved in numerous volunteering stints across India, Australia, and the United Kingdom, and enjoys competing in sporting activities. Anha’s research interests include the mental health correlates of multiple marginalized identities, specifically those who have been denied access to care. Anha has also had previous research experience working with incarcerated populations, as well as understanding the development of gender stereotypes amongst primary school-aged children. 

Yaeeun (she/her/hers) is a second-year master’s student pursuing her Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. Yaeeun graduated from University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a B.A in Psychology and Chinese Studies minor. Prior to starting graduate school at TC, she served as a Research Assistant in the study focused on thematic analysis and outpatient anger management group. Yaeeun also has gained teaching and mentoring experience through serving as a Peer Mentor and a Teaching Assistance in multiple psychology classes. Her research interests include the mental health of immigrants and other marginalized populations and the ways in which Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) can help clinicians in psychotherapy. Currently, Yaeeun is working as a counseling master’s intern at The Bridge Shelter ACT Team, serving vulnerable and underserved populations in NYC. Outside of academia, Yaeeun enjoys exploring local restaurants, journaling, and hiking. 

Zachary is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College. He is currently a master’s degree student in Counseling Psychology at Teachers College. He also studies Gestalt Therapy in a four-year clinical fellowship program at Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy, and studies Contemplative Psychology in a two-year certificate program at Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science. He studies issues of intersectionality through the Women, Sexuality and Gender certificate program at Teachers College, and through assisting research in the SII Lab. He also assists research in the Social and Relational Aspects of Addictions lab at Teachers College, where he focuses upon applications of mindfulness and compassion. Zachary currently works with homeless adolescents and emerging adults. In this setting he draws upon his studies of intersectionality, addiction, mindfulness, multicultural counseling, and Gestalt Therapy.

Jessica O’Brien (they/she) is a former Master’s student in the Psychology in Education program at Teachers College, Columbia University. During her degree program at Teachers College, they held interests in forensic psychology and sexuality, women, and gender. They graduated from New York University with a degree in Applied Psychology in the winter of 2020. The Stigma, Identity and Intersectionality Lab is their first experience studying gender and sexuality minority individuals but is their fourth experience with research; previously, they worked at NYU’s Global TIES for Children and Social Inequality and Intergroup Relations labs, as well as the Student Success Network. As well, they concurrently work on the Suicide Prevention - Training, Implementation and Evaluation Lab at NYSPI. Their research experiences are vast, however, they intend to continue into a Ph.D. program to study incarceration and its effects on suicidality of gender and sexaulity minority juveniles. Hailing from Long Island and currently residing in Manhattan, Jessica likes to spend time with their cats, reading YA fantasy novels, and listening to vinyls.

Claudia (she/her/hers) recently completed the Psychology in Education program in Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. She graduated from Santa Clara University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Communication, with a focus on children, family, and society. Prior to Teachers College, Claudia worked at a nonprofit as a Bilingual Mental Health Specialist providing rehabilitation and counseling services for youth and families from low SES backgrounds. Claudia currently works as a Research Assistant for the Center for Latino Adolescent and Family Health at New York University, focusing on the health and well-being of ethnic minority youth and families. Her research interests include Latinx mental health, stigmas surrounding mental health in minority populations, and how intersectionality contributes to the development and well-being of underserved youth and families. Aside from her academic interests, Claudia enjoys dancing, painting, and baking.

Desiree (she/her/hers) recently completed the MA/EdM program in Mental Health Counseling. She graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Psychology, focusing on poverty, inequality, and educational attainment. Prior to Teachers College, Desiree worked as a Research Assistant for a study on risk and resilience with an emphasis on educational attainment and psychological well-being outcomes of adolescents from low SES backgrounds. She also worked closely with kiddos as a Behavioral Therapist in Newport Beach, California, and volunteered her time as a Crisis Text Line Counselor. Desiree’s research interests include Latinx mental health, racial identity development, and how marginalized communities experience multiple forms of oppression due to intersectionality. Aside from her academic and professional interests, Desiree enjoys reading feminist literature, running alongside the Hudson River, exploring new places to grab a slice, and is always up for milk tea with boba

Judy Seoud is currently pursuing an Ed.M. in Counseling Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. She was born and raised in Lebanon where she completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at the American University of Beirut. In the past, Judy has worked on several research projects dealing with the Syrian refugees as well as studying the psychological effects of having a hysterectomy. Her research interest includes studying trauma in the Syrian refugee population in Lebanon, eating disorders and its manifestations in the MENA region, and finally her newest fascination is studying the stigma attached to and understanding the problems that go along with being an LGBTQ woman of color. In her spare time, Judy enjoys attending Broadway musicals, spending time with her friends and family, and rating all the Lebanese restaurants in NYC that she can find!

Jax (she/they) recently completed their master’s degree within the Psychology in Education program in Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. Originally from Florida, they graduated with their B.A. in journalism with a minor in cross-cultural studies from Palm Beach Atlantic University. The Stigma, Identity, and Intersectionality lab is their first experience assisting in research. Jax also volunteers as an online chat room moderator for LGBTQ+ youth. Jax’s research interests broadly include the intersectionality of gender minorities within the LGBTQ+ community, specifically nonbinary, gender diverse, and transgender individuals, and how to bring about resilience, empowerment and psychological well-being within this community. Outside of academics, they enjoy cooking, traveling, playing video games and hearing live music.

Charity Walden is currently pursuing her EdM degree in the Mental Health Counseling Psychology program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She received her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Skyline Community College. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Mills College. During her time at Mills College, she worked in the Early Childhood and Family Research Lab under Dr. Carol George, where she assisted in research into the effects of attachment on child development. Her current research interests are focused on the intersectional effects of race and gender on child performance within the education system. In addition to her studies, Charity practices sign language and reads sociology books pertaining to race and education. She also enjoys bachata dancing and discovering new ramen houses around New York City.