Student & Alumni Profiles

Colin Corcoran is a first-year M.A. student in the Social-Organizational Psychology program. Before attending Teachers College - Columbia University, he ran his own residential interior design studio. While working as an interior designer, Colin discovered a passion for understanding human behavior. A drive to understand his clients on a deeper level allowed Colin to interpret their needs in the context of creating beautiful and uniquely functional spaces that improved the way his clients lived their lives. Through his human-centered interior design work, Colin learned how to navigate family organizations, the dynamics of couples' relationships, and other intimate parts of human life, including religion, race, and culture.

Colin's passion for interpreting people motivated deeper learning and the pursuit of a new career path. The S-OP MA program at TC was an ideal opportunity for Colin to use his experience within a dynamic learning community to gain the skills needed to effect real change in organizations and society. With a deep understanding of human behavior and continued experiential learning, Colin is confident that he will be able to co-create individualized organization change capable of fostering new ways for people to work, produce and impact our global community.

Colin began an internship this spring with Veldhoen + Company, a leading international consultancy specializing in integrated workplace strategy, using the philosophy they founded called Activity Based Working. Veldhoen uses a holistic approach to organization change to foster new ways of working capable of having a global impact by transforming how we all work. Veldhoen's integrated approach believes physical space is a crucial element of whole organization change. Colin will use his experience as an interior designer to bring value to Veldhoen while simultaneously applying his new knowledge from TC and gaining ongoing experiential learning.

Eventually, Colin aspires to be a catalyst for impactful change in the organizations within our society. His ultimate goal is to work and support change leaders in organizations to develop diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments focused on meeting all organization members' needs. Colin believes that a holistic, integrated, and strategic approach to change that prioritizes individual and collective needs is the strongest way for organizations to achieve their goals.

Rosaimy (Rosy) Grady is a student in the Social-Organizational Psychology Master of Arts Program and a member of the Eisenhower Leader Development Program (ELDP) at West Point. She is a Distinguished Military Graduate from Missouri Western University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Military Science. Rosy commissioned as an Army Officer through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in 2013.

Prior to being stationed at West Point, Rosy was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado. There, she served as a Brigade Medical Operations Officer and deployed in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel before taking command of a Brigade Support Medical Company (BSMC). After graduation from Teachers College, she will serve as a Tactical Officer at the United States Military Academy (USMA). In this role, she will act as the primary developer of cadets, assisting her cadets in balancing and integrating academic, character, physical, and military requirements.

Rosy is excited to be part of the Social-Organizational Psychology Program. She enjoys applying research and theories learned in the program curricula to her Army experience in organizational leadership. She strongly believes Teachers College will successfully equip her to implement effective and practical solutions in any setting at the individual, group, and organizational levels.    

When not at school or work, Rosy loves to travel and experience new adventures with her family. Rosy and her husband, Captain Christopher Grady, are a proud dual-military couple. Together they have two children, Elaina (four) and William (one). 

You can connect with Rosy via LinkedIn or email.

Michelle Lai is currently a second-year M.A. student in the Social-Organizational Psychology program. After graduating from Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in International Relations, Michelle joined a management development program at a financial institution in Upstate New York, where she had the opportunity to engage in her first organization-wide change management project. This ignited Michelle’s interest in change management, organizational design, and the human aspect of the workplace. After working in the financial industry, Michelle moved home to Ohio where she helped manage her family business for a few years. It was there that she realized her passion for organizational psychology and decided to pursue her master’s degree in the field.

Michelle enjoys her time as a full-time student making new friends and learning more in-depth theories that she can put to practice. During the summer of 2020, Michelle interned at PwC as a summer senior associate where she was able to implement theories she learned from TC as practical solutions for clients. Michelle is excited to be returning to PwC after graduation to start her new career in management consulting.

Jimit Thakkar is a second-year student in the Social-Organizational Psychology M.A program. He has worked in leadership development organizations and global nonprofits across India, Indonesia, and Greece. His passion lies in building systems that enable people and organizations to find and unleash their potential to build a better world. Currently, in the program, he is focused on learning about group and team interventions, social-emotional intelligence, theories of adult learning, and change management. 

Beyond school, Jimit spends his time learning about personal transformation practices, jazz music, and being around animals.

Dr. Shari Bowen is a student in the Social-Organizational Psychology MA program and is part of the group of Army officers that comprise the Eisenhower Leadership Development Program (ELDP). She is the co-founder of House of Clay International Ministries LLC, where she spreads Christian education throughout the United States and the Caribbean.

As a logistics officer for the Army, Shari has led a plethora of teams and has been directly involved in organizational change efforts. Her experience includes leader development, organizational change, and cultural transformation within Army organizations and church communities. Moreover, as a mother of six and wife of Randolph, a wounded veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Shari has firsthand experience managing complex group dynamics.

Upon completion of the MA program, Shari will teach leadership in the Behavioral Sciences and Leadership Department at West Point. In this role, she will have the opportunity to coach and mentor cadets, thus influencing the next generation of Army leaders. She has always had a passion for nurturing and developing young minds.

Shari anticipates becoming a professor in organizational leadership following her Army career. She and her family enjoy riding motorcycles, singing, and helping people.

Feel free to reach out via LinkedIn or email.

Mia Behrens is a student in the Social-Organizational Psychology M.A. Program. After obtaining her B.S. in Psychology and Theology from Fordham University in 2021, Mia started her professional career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as a clinical research coordinator in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences working on meaning-centered research studies. With a desire to expand meaning-centered research and application, Mia began exploring ways that purpose could be found on a broader scale in the workplace. This led her to the study of organizational psychology, entering the S-OP program with a strong interest in leadership research and eager to explore the impact that good leaders can have on their employees' ability to find meaning in their work. This past summer and going into the fall, Mia is interning at Summit Leadership Partners, a management consulting firm that focuses on leadership advisory. 

Mia is excited to start her role as the incoming president of the Organization and Human Development Consulting Club (OHDCC), a student-run club that supports the S-OP program, promoting professional development, networking and community building at TC. She loves connecting with other TC students and is excited to meet the incoming S-OP class! Outside of work, school, and OHDCC, Mia loves staying active: running, biking, playing tennis, skiing - you name it. She is also a huge dog lover, she has fostered 5 puppies over the past few years and has serious puppy fever. 

Jessica Green is a second-year part time M.A. student in the Social-Organizational Psychology program. After obtaining her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Economics from Barnard College, Jessica worked at Goldman Sachs and Bridgewater Associates, focusing on talent development and assessment, pipeline development, diversity, equity and inclusion, and campus recruiting. Since 2020, Jessica has worked at Insight Partners, where she spent her first two years running lateral recruiting for the firm, and she now sits in a Human Capital Business Partner seat. During her first few months at Insight Partners, she realized that she wanted to attend the MA program in an effort to enhance her knowledge and skills, and to bring change and transformation to her organization. Jessica is particularly passionate about bringing systemic change to organizations to help them transform their DEI strategies and to help emerging leaders uncover their potential through behavioral change. Coaching is a potential career path that Jessica is interested in upon graduating from Teachers College.

As a mixed-race woman who has operated in predominantly white spaces for her entire academic and professional career, Jessica has seen first-hand how institutions and organizations can be inherently biased. In an effort to make an impact on others' experiences navigating from academic spaces to professional ones, she has been dedicated to supporting underserved communities by working with The Waterside School, a co-educational PK-5th Grade independent school in Stamford, CT that serves children and families regardless of limitations in income or circumstance. Jessica spends her time with the school helping alumni, many of whom are first-generation college students, to secure summer internships to jump start their careers.

Outside of school and work, Jessica enjoys spending time with friends and family, getting lost in new neighborhoods and exploring the restaurant scene in New York City, trying new recipes, and planning her wedding with her fiancé. 

Please feel free to connect with Jessica on LinkedIn.

Caitlin Kingston is a second year M.A. student in the Social-Organizational Psychology program. After earning her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Art History, Business & Arts Administration) at the University of Virginia, she joined the Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG). At GLG, she managed relationships with financial services clients and helped connect them to subject matter experts in a variety of fields for short term consulting and investment research.

Caitlin then shifted to a role on Google’s executive search team, where she focused on recruiting for technical senior leadership roles. Most recently, Caitlin has been leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts for the same executive search team and is responsible for both DEI program management and opportunistic recruiting of historically underrepresented talent in the tech space. In addition to Caitlin’s core role, she serves as Global Head of Communications for the Mixed@ Google employee resource group, which focuses on fostering inclusion and belonging within the mixed-race and mixed-ethnicity community. 

Caitlin is most excited by the opportunity to learn about group dynamics, change management, and executive coaching, and (hopefully) gain research experience through the S-OP program. Underlying all of this is a deep commitment to advancing DEI and social justice, which she seeks to weave into all of her work and studies. 

Caitlin and her husband moved to New York from Austin, TX for Caitlin to participate in the S-OP program. They are both loving NYC life, particularly the incredible food, the live music, and the parks. In their off time, they enjoy going on camper-van trips around the country and visiting their nephew in Austin. 

You can connect with Caitlin on LinkedIn.

D'Artagnan Luc Elliott is an energetic leader, experienced in multicultural team management and cross-cultural consultation. Originally from Texas, D'Artagnan graduated summa cum laude from Texas State University with a BA in Cultural Anthropology. During his final year there, he received the 2022 Individual Achievement Award, the 2022 Multicultural Organization Award, and was the 2022 Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Anthropology.

Following undergraduate, D'Artagnan applied his experience in theater and consultation to Walt Disney World as a performer. Later, he joined the Diversity & Inclusion Team, as well as the Safety & Wellness Team. While currently pursuing his MA in Organizational Psychology, D'Artagnan is working at the International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution.

You can connect with D'Artagnan via email. He is happy to chat over a hot cup of chai about anything relating to anthropology, conflict resolution, Disney, or the Roman Republic/Empire!

Jared Clark is his final semester the S-OP MA Program and is a distinguished member of the Eisenhower Leadership Development Program (ELDP). Prior to his service in the United States Army, Jared earned a B.S. in Theology from Clark’s Summit University in Pennsylvania. As a senior Non-Commissioned Officer on active duty, Jared has had the privilege of serving globally alongside a host of multinational partners.

With a decade of experience, Jared's career has predominantly focused on training and deploying for Counter Terrorism Operations in the Central Command Area of Responsibility. Upon graduating from TC, Jared plans to return to Fort Liberty, NC, where he will continue serving as a trainer and coach while pursuing certification through the Army’s Coaching Program.

Jared deeply values his enrollment in the S-OP MA Program, considering it a rare opportunity for enlisted Army members. He applies the curriculum to reflect on and address leadership and organizational challenges within the military. Passionate about creating systems that foster sustainable talent within high-performing teams, Jared has developed a love for the art and science of coaching and consultation.

Outside of his academic pursuits and military duties, Jared enjoys spending quality time with his love and best friend, Jessica. Together, they are raising three energetic and joyful young men. In his free time, Jared can be found in his woodshop, crafting custom handmade furniture while lost deep in thought over some finer point of theology, history, or fantasy.

Arielle Robinson is a part-time second year M.A. student in the Social-Organizational Psychology program. After obtaining her BA in Exercise and Sports Science from Temple University, Arielle worked as a Health Fitness Specialist where she managed a fitness facility, serving as a personal trainer, teaching group exercise classes, and providing nutrition education. She was also a basketball coach for youth ages 5-16 and the Director of Operations at Mo’ Motion, Inc. Arielle joined the Columbia community as the Assistant Director of Facility Operations in 2016. In her current role as the Director of Enrichment Services, Arielle oversees the Columbia Athletics Success Through Well-Being program by providing individualized career support and career programming to 800 student-athletes. She also assists in the day-to-day operations of the student-athlete support services team, focusing on academics, well-being, leadership, and nutrition. Arielle is a member of Columbia's We Roar Together initiative, which is committed to providing the Columbia Athletics community with a diverse, inclusive, and socially equitable culture and experience.

Arielle is a proud student of the S-OP program and uses her new found knowledge to support both current student-athletes and alumni in preparation for the workplace. Arielle plans to apply the theories and practices learned to encourage emerging leaders and to champion learning and development supporting the success of teams and organizations. 

Outside of school and work, Arielle enjoys women's basketball, attending sporting events, biking, and reading, and spending time with family and friends. You can connect with Arielle on LinkedIn!

Deep Patel is a second-year full-time student in the S-OP MA Program. Born and raised in New Jersey, Deep obtained a BA in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration from Rutgers University. Post graduation, he worked at a clinic providing mental health services to clients with a wide range of conditions. There, he was introduced to the intricacies of human behavior and wanted to apply it to an organizational space, which sparked his interest in Social-Organizational/IO Psychology. 

Currently, Deep works at Madison Square Garden where he applies his learning to develop best practices for how venue employees and managers work together, focusing on leadership development, learning and development, and group dynamics. His recent internships at VNS Health and SageSure gave him experience in performance management transformation and succession planning. Deep values these varied opportunities, which allowed him to learn about different industries, experience different leadership, and work with different teams to create a unique worldview on what effective and ever-changing organization development looks like.

Outside of course lectures and readings, Deep enjoys consuming content within the field in other ways. Some of his favorites include Adam Grant's Worklife/Rethinking podcast and books by Malcom Gladwell (Tipping Points and Outliers). In his free time, Deep stays active through running (currently training for a half-marathon), weightlifting, and trying new things, like pickleball and rock climbing. Music and going to concerts is also a passion- his favorites include The Weeknd, Khalid & Russ. You can connect with Deep on LinkedIn here!

Kristen Adams is a second-year S-OP MA student who is graduating in May 2024. A Long Island, NY native, Kristen obtained her bachelor’s degree in finance from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Post-graduation, she worked as an analyst in Morgan Stanley’s Corporate Wealth Management division and in business development at AQR Capital Management. These experiences inspired her to explore the necessary continued focus on culture and people-development initiatives across the finance industry, which motivated her to pursue her MA. 

Currently, Kristen works part-time as both an external and internal consultant on a Leadership Advisory team at MarketOnce. She will be joining the team full-time in May. As a consultant, Kristen focuses on leadership development/assessment and change management efforts with Private Equity clients and also mirrors this work internally with leaders and teams at MarketOnce. She received her Hogan Behavioral Assessment certification here.

Kristen is honored and humbled to have served as the TC Chapter President of Psi Chi, International Honor Society in Psychology and is an active member of the Columbia Coaching Club. Kristen was a lifelong athlete; since her competitive athletics career came to a close, she has grown her interest in spirituality/mind/body practices as a reiki practitioner. She also embraces her love for arts and crafts and writing prose. A true homebody, Kristen's favorite pastime is laughing and storytelling over dinner with her close family and friends. Some of Kristen's favorite reads/listens include: Mindfulness Meditations by Jon Kabat-Zinn, The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, and The Moral Molecule: How Trust Works by Paul Zak. You can connect with Kristen on LinkedIn here!

Carol Jaksec is a captain in the United States Army and is completing her final semester as a student in the S-OP M.A. Program. She is also a member of the Eisenhower Leader Development Program (ELDP) at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Carol is a 2016 Reserve Officer Training Corps graduate from the University of Maryland where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Studies. She is from Pittsburgh, PA and has enjoyed several assignments on the east coast in the last ten years.

Prior to coming to West Point, Carol was stationed in Fort Campbell, KY just outside of Nashville. There, she commanded a logistics distribution company and a logistics headquarters company. After her graduation from TC this May, she will serve as a Tactical Officer at West Point. In this role, she will act as the primary coach and mentor for 120 cadets. She will help them navigate the balance between academic, physical fitness, and military requirements while developing their character.

Carol has had a transformational experience in the S-OP Program at TC. She discovered a passion for research about leadership practices and coaching and a fascination with group dynamics and organizational development. She has chosen to pursue a certification in coaching with the Army Coaching Program to foster her cadets’ development. Carol is confident that her education has effectively prepared her for future leadership challenges.

When not at school or work, Carol enjoys running, making homemade pasta, and watching hockey. She is excited to continue exploring NY with her husband, Gregory, and their vivacious one-year-old daughter, Elizabeth.

Hannah is a full-time, second-year student in the S-OP program from Anchorage, Alaska, currently residing in Jersey City, NJ. She obtained her B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University in 2022, where she also pursued her interest in cognitive science and neurolinguistics research. Navigating educational and professional spaces with a migraine disorder, Hannah became passionate about advocating for those with invisible disabilities. Her interest in DEI and creating accessible and equitable spaces led her to pursue her M.A. in Social-Organizational Psychology at Teachers College. 

Upon joining the S-OP program, Hannah prioritized involvement in student life, as for the past three years her college experience had been largely online. She joined the Organization and Human Development Consulting Club (OHDCC) Associates Program during the Spring 2024 semester, supporting the past OHDCC Member Engagement Chair. Holding this position not only put her in the center of OHDCC’s engagement activities and efforts but also highlighted how ingrained the value of community is to the students in the S-OP program. Hannah now serves as OHDCC President and is looking forward to continuing to provide professional development and networking opportunities to S-OP students alongside the OHDCC Leadership Team. In addition to her involvement in OHDCC, she will be supporting Dr. Westaby’s Dynamic Network Lab researching decision-making and rationality this semester.

When not in school, Hannah enjoys working part-time as an exercise rider at an equine sales and competition stable in Pittstown, NJ. At home, she enjoys reading, taking care of her houseplant collection, doing Pilates, and going on long walks in Liberty State Park with her dog, Olive.  

Kolbi is a second year M.A. student in the Social-Organizational Psychology program. Originally from the Bronx, NY, she earned her B.A. in Psychology and Neuroscience & Behavior at Wesleyan University. Upon graduating, she worked in implementation science research at the Department of Healthcare Delivery and Population Science at Baystate Health. She then went on to explore Behavioral Health research at Emory University’s Adolescent Medicine Department before working in the Center for Applied Behavioral Science (CABS) at MDRC. There, she contributed to research and technical assistance initiatives aimed at improving non-profits and social policy programs through human-centered design. These experiences inspired her to focus on improving organizational design through a human-centered lens and led to her pursuing her Masters.

Currently, Kolbi works as a Research Analyst Intern at Summit Leadership Partners, a management consulting firm that provides leadership and organizational advisory services. Here she supports projects in talent assessment, team performance, and organizational review. Kolbi is excited to continue to leverage her research background to help organizations and people thrive. 

Outside of work and school, Kolbi loves all things media—books, movies, TV and music. She also loves to travel and hopes to do a Eurotour post-graduation. 

Kara is a second-year, part-time master’s student in the Social-Organizational Psychology program at Teachers College, Columbia University. After obtaining her B.S. in Human Resource Management from Florida State University, Kara has spent over a decade practicing human resources at the global consulting firm, McKinsey & Company. Combining her academic pursuits with her professional experience, she is interested in enhancing team effectiveness and driving organizational change that focuses on developing inclusive, people-centered workplaces.

While pursuing her degree at Teachers College, Kara continues to work full-time at McKinsey as the Manager of Human Resources for their offices in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. In this role, Kara leads a team of HR Generalists that provide support to approximately 3,000 colleagues. Prior to her current role, Kara held several other HR roles at McKinsey, with responsibilities including overseeing labor compliance regulations, spearheading key initiatives related to diversity, pay equity, and mental health support, leading large-scale change management efforts in the people space, and developing well-defined HR processes and policies.

Through her learnings at Teachers College, Kara has been able to deepen her understanding of organizational psychology’s theoretical frameworks and aims to use that knowledge to enhance workplace practices that create positive and development-oriented environments. She has also been able to develop skills in diagnosing group dynamics challenges and leveraging these insights to improve team effectiveness by implementing sound interventions that help to improve organizational health.

Outside of school and work, Kara spends time in Central Park with her labradoodle, Rudy, reading historical non-fiction, spending time with family and friends, cheering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Lightning, or watching The Real Housewives.

Please feel free to connect with Kara on LinkedIn.

Samira Abdul-Karim is the Co-founder and Principal Consultant of Hyphens and Spaces, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consulting company that works to ​improve inclusive practices and implement meaningful change in organizations dedicated to furthering social causes.

Samira is an organizational psychologist with over 10 years of experience in DEI consulting, leadership and team development, designing learning strategies, coaching, and facilitation. She consults with organizations to generate and execute DEI strategies that create more equitable institutions and support the underrepresented and marginalized individuals within them. She takes a human-centered approach to organizational development and change by designing thoughtful interventions that leave team members and clients feeling empowered and connected. Whether in-person or online, she creates learning experiences that prioritize human connection and interconnectivity.

Samira has always had an interest in the study of people and cultures. She has lived and worked in different countries around the world and applies a culturally relevant perspective to DEI work. Samira’s educational training in anthropology and organizational psychology informs her culturally contextualized view of systems thinking.

Samira holds a master’s degree in social-organizational psychology from Columbia University Teachers College and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Wesleyan University.

Katrina Monton is a M.A. graduate in the Social-Organizational Psychology program. Prior to attending TC, Columbia University, she was a professional athlete on the Canadian Women’s National Water Polo team, competing in five Aquatic World Championships, two Pan American Games, and countless tournaments at the national and international level. Following her retirement from team Canada, she completed a M.A. in Counselling Psychology at McGill University, in her hometown, Montreal, Canada.

During her time at TC, Katrina has become passionate about the intersection between social justice and sport. As an athlete, she experienced positive and negative coaching, leadership, and sport culture first-hand. Katrina’s athletic experiences have become a driving force in her life and have prompted her to pursue a number of opportunities in this area. This past summer, she was a program research associate with the US Center for Safe Sport, where she assisted with the development and evaluation of content for training programs related to the safety, equity, and inclusion for Olympic and Paralympic athletes in the United States. Katrina is currently a program officer and safe sport advisor with the Equality League, a non-profit that seeks to advance gender equity and safety in sport. As well, she is a research fellow at the Canadian Olympic Committee, where she conducted a study investigating the role of well-being and sport-life balance on athletic performance at the 2019 Pan/Para Pan American Games.

Katrina continues her academic journey in the S-OP doctoral program at TC. She is passionate about developing the skills necessary to become a practitioner who cultivates safe, equitable and inclusive sport environments. Katrina’s current research endeavor involves combining her athletic and academic interests to explore the impact of organizational culture on athlete safety.

Clifton Wallace is currently a second-year student in the Social-Organizational Psychology MA Program. After graduating from American University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Clifton joined Teach for America’s 2011 Corp in New York city, where he pursued a Master’s in Education teaching students with learning disabilities. He became a special education teacher and a founding special education administrator for an all-girls uncommon charter school in Brooklyn.

Clifton first became interested in organizational psychology during his final semester at American University and explored it further as a special education administrator. During his time as an educator, he became particularly interested in coaching and training, diversity and inclusion in education, and the impact of systems and processes on staff and student culture. After seven years as an educator he decided to pursue a degree in Organizational Psychology to learn how to help organizations align their systems and processes with their mission and vision.

For the last two years, Clifton has worked as Operations Specialist at Teachers Pay Teachers, an online marketplace where teachers buy and sell original educator-created materials. In this role he supports educators around the world who create rigorous and engaging resources for teachers and students to use globally. In addition, he organizes specialty tournaments at Gotham Volleyball, a volunteer run LGBTQA Volleyball organization in NYC, where he gets to use organizational psychology frameworks to improve member experience.

Clifton loves planning events that bring people together, learning about different cultures, traveling, cooking, and training and competing in volleyball tournaments. He believes one of the best things about the program has been connecting with and learning from really thoughtful classmates who care deeply about people and want to make a difference.

Feel free to reach out to Clifton via email or LinkedIn.

Dr. Mateo Cruz is an award-winning teacher-scholar at Bentley University. His primary research focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice (DEIJ), and change in groups & organizations. His research has been published in top management and psychology outlets including, Journal of Organizational Behavior, Journal of Vocational Behavior, and Research in Organizational Change and Development and presented to academic and executive audiences in the US, Europe, and South Africa.

As a scholar-practitioner, Mateo’s work is guided by one central goal: To design and deliver evidence-based interventions that advance change leaders at the intersection of identities. He holds 20+ years of experience as an executive coach and organization development & change (ODC) consultant & trainer specializing in inclusive leadership, group & team dynamics, and organizational change. Recent clients include: athenahealth, Beacon Pointe Financial, Deloitte, Harvard School of Engineering, HubSpot, NuMat Technologies, Strand Therapeutics, Vuuma Collaborations, and the New York Academy of Sciences. 

Mateo views his academic work as an extension of his passion for teaching and training, leadership development, and community advocacy. Prior to joining the Social-Organizational Psychology MA program in 2007, he spent almost 10 years in nonprofit management designing programs for youth leaders in the LGBTQ+ community. Upon joining TC, he established several DEI initiatives for OHDCC in partnership with Dr. Brazaitis and the S-OP faculty. Soon after, he served as the President of OHDCC leading a restructure of the organization to add a Peer Mentorship program and Project Management opportunities for members. He is proud to see OHDCC continue to thrive! He welcomes opportunities for connection and collaboration with current and former members.

Mateo holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Social-Organizational Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a B.A. in social work/psychology from the University of Portland.

Feel free to connect with Mateo via email or LinkedIn. You can also visit Mateo's website to learn more about him and his work.

Ian Rios is currently a second-year student in the Social-Organizational Psychology M.A. program. What Ian loves most about the program is how broad the opportunities are to make the program what you want. He's been a bit of an academic dilettante, spreading his time between OD, consulting, conflict resolution, and coaching. This Fall, he is enjoying being a full-time student after 3 years working as a full-time officer in Columbia University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences where he created and executed Diversity and Inclusion efforts to service the Computer Science PhD and Post-doctoral community. He has also been combining his background in education with his consulting training as a consultant at Solomon Admissions Consulting this semester.

As a native New Yorker and former educator, Ian finds joy in what comes from the exchange of different perspectives. He has cultivated a passion for doing work in the Diversity and Inclusion space and also sees his future career involving work in trainings, Learning and Development, Coaching, or anything involving client-centered work. This year, Ian happily took on a role in the OHDCC leadership team as Director of Alumni Affairs where he has been thrilled to connect TC's vast and vibrant Social-Organizational Psychology alumni community with all of the bustling energy vibrating throughout the current student community here at TC.

Outside of a full life as a student at TC, Ian spends his time cooking up a storm of Asian food in the kitchen. Of late, he's recently been working on his repertoire of vegetarian dishes to accommodate his growing number of dietary-restricted friends (looking at you, OHDCC leadership team). When not in front of a stove, Ian will happily carve out a few hours for a weekend board gaming session. Challengers welcome! 

Feel free to connect with Geeta on LinkedIn.

Juliane Corman graduated from the Social-Organizational Psychology MA program in 2017. While at TC, she developed a specific interest in coaching and group dynamics.  She is currently an independent coach and consultant, splitting her time as a one-on-one Leadership and Executive Coach and as a member of the Leadership Team for 6 Team Conditions, working with Ruth Wageman.

After spending some time developing and leading management trainings, Juliane received her coaching certification and started her own coaching company (Juliane Corman Coaching + Consulting).  She now contracts with companies to work with their leaders/managers and is currently a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), working with clients ranging from founders to new managers. She has worked with clients in companies including Reddit, New York Times, Department of Education, and Taboola, among others.

In her other capacity, Juliane works with Ruth Wageman and Krister Lowe as a member of the Leadership Team, Trainer, and Facilitator at 6 Team Conditions. Juliane was first introduced to the 6 Conditions for Team Effectiveness at TC in the book Leading Teams, which Richard Hackman wrote with Ruth Wageman.  Using the 6 Conditions Framework and the Team Diagnostic Survey (TDS), Juliane supports the launch or re-launch of teams in organizations to set them up for success.  Juliane is also a facilitator of their TDS Advanced Practitioner Certification, training HR professionals and practitioners on how the TDS and framework can be used to set up great teams and brilliant collaborations.

Juliane credits TC for putting her on the path to doing work she loves and having the opportunity to work independently, especially as a mom.  When not working, Juliane spends time learning about the world from her 2-year-old son and now knows a lot about construction vehicles. She loves going to the theater, watching classic movies, and traveling whenever she has the opportunity.

Feel free to connect with Demi via email or LinkedIn.

Nadege holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Area Studies Eurasia from the United States Military Academy at West Point.  She also has a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Webster University, as well as a Master of Arts in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University's Teachers College.

Allison (Gitomer) Hight completed her Master’s in Social-Organizational Psychology in 2010. During her time at Teachers College, she worked in Human Resources, Organizational Development and Change Management at several companies, including L’Occitane, Retensa, and LF USA (now Global Brands Group). 

Allison is an experienced HR professional with a strong background in change management, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, workshop design and facilitation, and culture transformation. Her experience includes developing and delivering tailored change management strategies that increase leadership alignment and employee engagement, enabling successful adoption of business transformation initiatives. 

Following graduation, Allison spent several years working in Change Management, where her focus was on system implementations and rolling out strategies to increase end user adoption. She has spent the last 7 years at Hudson’s Bay Company (parent company to Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF 5TH, and Hudson’s Bay) in several different roles within Human Resources. Currently, Allison is Director of Talent & Experience Programs on the Saks Fifth Avenue People Team, where she is responsible for building and delivering strategy related to learning and development, talent management, employee engagement, and change management.  

On a personal note, Allison is preparing for the birth of her first child next month! She is looking forward to this next chapter of her life and is excited to pick back up the exciting work she is doing at Saks Fifth Avenue after her maternity leave.  

Reach out to Allison on LinkedIn.

Gun Jun (David) Yoon is a 2017 M.A. graduate in Social-Organizational Psychology. Prior to TC, he majored in Communication Studies at UCLA and worked at the National Academy of Sciences, Republic of Korea. His inspiration to learn more led him to TC, where he sought to expand his intellectual as well as professional horizons, and to explore the intersection between Eastern and Western practices. During the M.A. program, he developed a special interest in conflict resolution, leadership, group dynamics, and organizational development (OD).

After returning to Korea, David chose to live in solitude for two years. He traveled alone, practiced meditation, read hundreds of books, and studied East-Asian classics including Saju (a traditional multi-purposed study in East Asia known as “the four pillars of destiny”). He thinks this journey of soul-searching and finding the meaning of life was one of the best moments of his life.

David is currently working at SL, a car component manufacturing conglomerate whose clients include Hyundai and Kia in Korea, GM and Ford in the U.S., BMW in Germany, and Geery in China. As a HR Specialist at the company headquarters, he is applying what he learned at TC to lead projects in Global HR, HRM and HRD, which he hopes will positively influence over 12,000 employees worldwide. His passion to help others through advanced knowledge and experience has only just begun.

Natalie Keretho is a 2018 MA graduate. Based in New York, she is working at Dow Jones as the People Development and Engagement Associate and Project Manager overseeing the strategic planning and execution of her team’s projects. Her work spans across organizational development, performance management, talent reviews, employee engagement, and executive programs. Natalie’s proudest accomplishment was the design and execution of 'IGNITE,' an award-winning women’s leadership program. She finds a great deal of joy in creating space for individuals to discover passion and achieve the best version of themselves.

Originally from Thailand, Natalie has a unique experience working across various cultures and industries. She previously worked in the public sector at the United States Agency for International Development in Bangkok. This experience sparked her interest in social psychology and the role it plays in organizational success.

After moving to New York, Natalie immersed herself in the new culture and built an incredible network of colleagues and life-long friends at TC. Beyond attending classes, she once served on the Group Relations Conference’s Administration team — one of the most memorable learning experiences during her time at TC.

In her free time, Natalie dedicates her energy to mastering a perfect shot of espresso and making latte art — a newly found hobby that keeps her occupied during the pandemic.

Feel free to connect with Natalie on LinkedIn.

Travis Hines is a proud S-OP MA alum and a Captain in the United States Army. He currently serves at the US Military Academy at West Point as a Tactical Officer, where he teaches, advises, and coaches over 120 cadets to be future leaders of character. Travis loves his current role, where he can directly apply theories and frameworks from the program to his work with cadets.

Travis joined the Army in 2007, serving 10 years in the Army's elite 75th Ranger Regiment. He completed 7 deployments across Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting over 250 special operations missions against multiple terrorist organizations. While serving as a Ranger, he learned the value of discipline, grit, and the power of camaraderie for high-performing teams.

Travis found his passion for coaching and mentoring tomorrow's leaders while serving as a Commander of a Company in the Army's Officer Candidate School. Travis then served as the Commander of the Experimental Force Company, where he led the development of modernization of equipment and tactics under the Army's Futures Command.

Travis married the love of his life, Maria. They have two children together and he never misses nightly reading with his daughter. He is an avid fitness enthusiast and hopes to continue his education with TC through a doctorate program (AEGIS).

You can connect with Travis via LinkedIn or email.

Amy Bravman is a 2023 graduate of the Social-Organizational Psychology program at TC. As a leadership consultant, she is passionate about collaborating with leaders to optimize their behaviors for driving positive change, shaping organizational culture, and fostering impactful leadership development.

Since graduating, Amy has worked on the Digital Team at Heidrick & Struggles, focusing on developing leadership assessments. Amy will soon be transitioning to a Consultant role at Heidrick Consulting, the leadership advisory arm of Heidrick & Struggles. In this role, she will focus on leadership assessment and development, organization and team effectiveness, coaching, and culture shaping.

Prior to TC, Amy worked at Foundation for Jewish Camp supporting programmatic and leadership development initiatives for summer camps. There sparked her passion for understanding the profound impact of leadership and organizational behavior. While at TC, Amy interned at Amtrak focusing on Talent Management, and at Summit Leadership Partners, a boutique leadership advisory firm.

Amy currently lives on the Upper East Side and enjoys exploring the city, traveling, and hiking. She loves meeting TC students and staying connected to the S-OP program, so please feel free to reach out!

You can connect with Amy on LinkedIn.

Shradha Prakash graduated from the MA Program in 2015. She attended TC as an international student and loved the professional connections and friendships made there. Shradha interned with Deloitte while in the program and upon graduating, she joined Boston Consulting Group's Organization Design practice.

Born in India, Shradha started her education in Computer Science. She quickly grew interested in Human Resource Management working with Infosys in India, where she led their large-scale organization transformation efforts. As a passionate leader, Shradha has worked in the Organization Design and Talent Transformation space across several industries and geographies. Currently she is a VP of Talent Management at Prudential. In this role, Shradha helps organizations build talent strategy, execute on organizational capabilities, and align talent with critical roles. She is also an executive coach for high potential senior leaders.

Shradha frequently publishes writing in blogs and magazines, and she has been a keynote speaker and panelist at numerous professional conferences. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, preteen son and a crazy dog. She loves reading, cooking, and spending time with her family hiking and playing board games.

Taylor Simonian is a 2023 graduate of the S-OP program at TC where she also served as the Director of Member Engagement for OHDCC. She is originally from Los Angeles and completed her undergraduate studies at UCLA. 

Applying her academic insights in leadership development, group dynamics, and systems thinking, Taylor currently serves as a Senior Consultant in Leadership and Organization Development at Penske Transportation Solutions. In her role, Taylor specializes in executive development and transitions, organization design, strategic initiatives, data analysis, and organization development. Her expertise lies in seamlessly translating theoretical knowledge into practical solutions for real-world workplaces. 

Prior to her work as a consultant, Taylor lived in London and Los Angeles, working on the Investor Relations team at a private equity firm, and at a talent agency in the entertainment industry, respectively. 

Currently, Taylor lives and works in NYC, and enjoys exploring the city with her friends, boyfriend, and two younger brothers. Outside of her professional career, Taylor is passionate about event planning, fashion, food, travel, and fitness.

You can connect with Taylor on LinkedIn.

Busayo Odunlami is a native New Yorker and global business transformation consulting leader with over 14 years of international experience in North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Busayo has worked with executives across industries in the public and private sectors, including at the World Bank Group and Ernst & Young, to actualize their strategic goals and to solve business transformation challenges at the intersection of people, systems, and digital technology.

Busayo's unique skill set includes active listening, a human relational approach, and thought leadership as a Prosci® Certified Change Practitioner to provide advisory services to financial services and technology industry leaders.

In his spare time, Busayo enjoys giving back to the community. He volunteers as a regional board member for Birthright Africa and is the Co-Founder and Director of Program, Partnership, and External Relations at the Billion Strong Foundation.

Busayo holds an Executive MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, an M.A. in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University Teachers College, and a B.S. in Information and Systems Engineering from Lehigh University.

You can connect with Busayo via email or LinkedIn! You can also visit Busayo's website to learn more about him and his work.

Tolley St.Clair (she/her) likes breaking down processes - and putting them back together again. She started her career at Airrosti in San Antonio, TX in the Business Development Department. There, she enjoyed liaising with clients and internal departments to ensure every person was set up for success. She then moved to NYC and was part of the Institutional Effectiveness Department at Berkeley College, where she worked to make dashboards and reporting accessible for all departments, at all levels. She led the employee engagement surveys and soon fell in love with connecting data and the human side of the organization. Tolley then moved to WPP's Global Culture & Engagement Team to lead the global employee engagement survey of 20,000+ employees. She worked with DEI and L&D Leaders to ensure that everyone at WPP had a positive and inclusive experience. Most recently, Tolley led HR Operations, Total Rewards, and Compliance at Runwise, a climate-tech startup based in NYC. She is starting a new position as Senior Manager, People Business Partner at Brainlabs shortly and looks forward to connecting business operations and people teams. 

Tolley started the MA S-OP Program in Fall 2019 as a part-time student and very quickly transitioned to remote learning. She was thrilled to return to campus in Fall 2021 to complete her Master's in person. She holds a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Trinity University. Tolley currently lives in the NYC area and you can connect with her on LinkedIn here!

Kendall Brown holds a B.A. in Psychology from Boston University and is a recent graduate from the S-OP MA Program. During her tenure at TC, Kendall served as Internal Communications Officer for the Black Student Network. Kendall also served on the board of the Organization and Human Development Consulting Club (OHDCC) as a Professional Development Associate during her first year, and as the Director of Alumni Affairs during her final year. She was a member of Psi Chi International Honor Society.

During the summer after her first year at TC, Kendall was a User Experience Intern for Uber's Product Equity Team. With a background in researching burnout, productivity, and collaboration among teams, Kendall expanded her purview during the internship by researching ways to increase accessibility for all riders.

With prior experience implementing DEI initiatives, evaluating organizational culture assessments, and promoting workforce development programming, Kendall is passionate about enhancing work environments and creating equitable opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds. Utilizing this passion, Kendall then served as a Talent Management Intern at Amtrak where she helped strengthen the company’s talent pipeline. Here, she improved succession planning and high potential processes, and developed a framework for managerial coaching conversations. 

Upon receiving her M.A., Kendall accepted a position at Uber where she currently works as a full time User Experience Researcher.

Outside of work, Kendall enjoys attending Broadway and off-Broadway productions, listening to podcasts, and traveling in her free time. You can connect with Kendall on LinkedIn here!

Robert "RC" Whitehouse started a journey of self-discovery and professional growth upon joining the S-OP M.A. Program in 2009. Moving from Vermont with his partner, now spouse, RC relocated to NYC to pursue his academic aspirations. Immersed in the program's rich learning environment, RC found himself drawn to the intricacies of group relations and dynamics, an interest that continues to shape his career to this day. RC credits the S-OP M.A. program for supercharging his career.

After graduating in 2011, RC continued his study of groups and systems through participating in over 20 group relations conferences (about half of them at TC) as a staff member, leveraging his experience to explore the complexities that arise when individuals come together to form a larger whole. Certified as an A.K. Rice consultant, he has committed himself to refining his understanding of the multifaceted factors influencing the groups and organizations to which we all belong.

Remaining rooted in vibrant NYC, RC's professional journey initially began in Learning and Development, gradually expanding to encompass a broader talent portfolio. Over the past seven years he has been employed by a tech firm, helping it to transform from a scrappy start up to a major player in the adtech space. Starting as Head of L&D, RC is currently the Senior Vice President of Talent Business Partnership for EMEA and NA.

A champion of people-centric leadership, RC strives to strike a balance between individual well-being and organizational objectives, recognizing that an imbalance can create challenges - no matter the setting. Drawing from his understanding of group dynamics theories, he helps individuals to understand the nuances of authority, unravel interpersonal conflicts, and foster a high performing team.

Beyond his work, RC is an avid runner. Though he is not the fastest, he finds focus in the rhythmic nature of running. He and his spouse have become proud New Yorkers after all these years, while maintaining a deep love of nature and the outdoors. RC cherishes moments spent with his family, friends, and the many nieces and nephews that have joined he and his spouse's lives by birth and by the blessings of friendship. RC loves to read, watch movies, and enjoy the playful sounds of pop music. Feel free to connect with RC on LinkedIn here.

Monday is an accomplished Army Engineer Officer with over a decade of distinguished military service.  She graduated in 2023 with a Master’s in Social-Organizational Psychology through the Eisenhower Leader Development Program (ELDP), which equips select Army officers with the skills to become Tactical Officers, specializing in leadership development and organizational performance.

Monday earned her Bachelor of Arts and Army commission from the University of New Mexico. Throughout her career as an Army Engineer Officer, she has served in a variety of operational environments, both domestically and internationally. She has built and led high-performing, diverse teams in challenging conditions across the globe. Notably, in 2017, she deployed to Iraq with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where she oversaw a complex grouting mission at the Mosul Dam, coordinating efforts with multiple national militaries and private sector partners.

In her current role as a Tactical Officer, Monday leverages her expertise in psychology and leadership to foster growth and resilience in her cadets.  She is passionate about enhancing team dynamics and instilling Army values through thoughtful mentorship. Actively involved in the Academy’s diversity and leadership initiatives, she takes advantage of every opportunity to develop and grow the leaders of tomorrow.

Dedication to the profession of arms and leadership development is a family affair for Monday, who is married to fellow Teachers College S-OP alum and Tactical Officer, Ariel Hector.

Brett is a United States Army Major, an S-OP alumnus, and a graduate of the Eisenhower Leader Development Program (ELDP) Cohort 18 at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Brett is a 2013 graduate of Boise State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. He is from Santa Clarita, California, and has served in several assignments within and outside the United States through his time in the military.

After graduating from Teachers College, Brett served at West Point, where he was the primary coach and mentor for 120 cadets. He helped them balance academic, physical fitness, and military requirements while developing their character through coaching.

Every day, Brett leverages his experience from the S-OP Program at TC. He frequently reflects on his research about leadership practices and coaching, but it's his intense interest in group dynamics and organizational development that truly drives him. Brett continues implementing the knowledge and skills he has learned in his current role. 

Outside work, Brett enjoys taking long walks, bike rides, and hiking up and down the Hudson Valley with his wife, Tory, and their dog, Emmy.

Jocelyn is a 2020 graduate of the M.A. Program in Social-Organizational Psychology. Prior to TC, Jocelyn worked in travel and lifestyle Public Relations; traveling with clients throughout upstate New York, highlighting the newest restaurants, hotels and adventures for media consumption. While she enjoyed working in PR, Jocelyn felt something was missing and that she wanted to give back in a larger way. Unsure of exactly what that would look like, she knew she wanted to lean into her undergraduate minor in Psychology, while continuing to grow in an organizational setting.

While attending TC, Jocelyn interned at Sabert Corporation on their Talent Development team, working under a TC Org-Psych alum who helped Jocelyn directly apply her classroom learnings to in-the-field scenarios. She also spent time at the Madison Square Garden Company interning on their People Partners team. It was at MSG that Jocelyn worked on her first Diversity and Inclusion project, sparking a deep interest in the field and eventually leading to the career she is in today. Upon graduating in May 2020, Jocelyn accepted a full time position at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation as a Talent Acquisition/Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator.

At SMBC, Jocelyn was introduced to careers in Diversity & Inclusion, and came to understand the impact these positions have on the workforce. She spent time interacting with employees to create community through Employee Resource Groups; partnered with Talent Development to build inclusive training programs representative of the workforce; and continued to leverage her Talent Acquisition experience to ensure equity across the system.

Today, Jocelyn is the Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Manager at BuzzFeed, Inc. She oversees six ERGs, builds and facilitates regular diversity training opportunities, and provides support for employees struggling to find a sense of belonging. For Jocelyn, working in DEI has always meant listening to the needs of others and meeting people where they’re at. The overwhelming need for psychological safety in the workforce - for a sense of purpose, belonging, hope and community - have remained constant throughout her career in DEI. How she helps create these opportunities for the workforce is the challenge, but one Jocelyn has come to enjoy and find a deep appreciation for.

Rewa currently works in Spencer Stuart’s Leadership Advisory Services practice based in New York City. She brings experience in executive assessments and development, succession planning and recruitment services. Having lived and worked in India and Singapore, she leverages her extensive global experience and educational background in social-organizational psychology to help organizations evaluate and cultivate their key talent.

Before joining Spencer Stuart, Rewa was a Senior Consultant in Korn Ferry’s Assessment and Succession Planning practice where she led assessments for the purposes of selecting and developing executives and provided coaching for mid-level leaders across fortune 500 companies. She also supported global C-suite and CEO assessments and benchmarking projects for large organizations.

Earlier in her career, Rewa spent time at a recruitment agency based in Singapore where she focused on acquiring key talent for clients in the investment banking and technology industries in Southeast Asia. She is a proponent of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and has assessed executives at organizations to develop Inclusive Leadership.

Rewa is an alum of the Master’s program in Social-Organizational Psychology from Teachers College and received a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from the Management Development Institute of Singapore, with a concentration in mass communications.

Outside of her professional life, Rewa enjoys spending time with her husband and their rescue dog. She often travels to India to visit her large family.