Lab Members
Dr. Brandon Velez (he/him) is an Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology in the Counseling Psychology program at Teachers College, Columbia University. He earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Florida in 2014. Dr. Velez's research focuses on the associations of experiences of discrimination and identity-related attitudes with psychosocial outcomes (e.g., psychological distress, well-being, job satisfaction, body image) among people with marginalized identities. He is also interested in the ways that multiple forms of oppression (e.g., racism, sexism, heterosexism) may contribute additively, interactively, or intersectionally to the psychosocial functioning of people with multiple marginalized identities, such as sexual minority people of color. An emerging area of interest for Dr. Velez is how counseling psychology can best foster and support graduate trainees' involvement in social justice-related training. In his free time, Dr. Velez enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, reading science fiction and fantasy novels, and catching up on TV.
Further details about Dr. Velez's publications, presentations, and current research projects can be found in his CV.
Dr. Velez currently teaches the following courses:
CCPJ 5062: Career Counseling and Development
CCPJ 5070: Evaluation and Research Methods in Counseling Psychology
CCPJ 5164: Multicultural Counseling and Psychology
Dr. Brandon Velez (he/him) is an Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology in the Counseling Psychology program at Teachers College, Columbia University. He earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Florida in 2014. Dr. Velez's research focuses on the associations of experiences of discrimination and identity-related attitudes with psychosocial outcomes (e.g., psychological distress, well-being, job satisfaction, body image) among people with marginalized identities. He is also interested in the ways that multiple forms of oppression (e.g., racism, sexism, heterosexism) may contribute additively, interactively, or intersectionally to the psychosocial functioning of people with multiple marginalized identities, such as sexual minority people of color. An emerging area of interest for Dr. Velez is how counseling psychology can best foster and support graduate trainees' involvement in social justice-related training. In his free time, Dr. Velez enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, reading science fiction and fantasy novels, and catching up on TV.
Further details about Dr. Velez's publications, presentations, and current research projects can be found in his CV.
Dr. Velez currently teaches the following courses:
CCPJ 5062: Career Counseling and Development
CCPJ 5070: Evaluation and Research Methods in Counseling Psychology
CCPJ 5164: Multicultural Counseling and Psychology
Kiara Manosalvas, Ph.D. (she/her) is Assistant Professor of Teaching and coordinator of the Bilingual Latiné/x Mental Health concentration in the Counseling and Clinical Psychology department at Teachers College, Columbia University. In her role as coordinator, Dr. Manosalvas works with masters and doctoral-level bilingual students to equip them with the competencies necessary to provide culturally affirming psychological services to Spanish-speaking, multi-racial Latinx clients. Her research interests include social justice advocacy training, Latiné/x racial/ethnic identity development, and bilingual, culturally-affirmative evidence-based clinical interventions. Her clinical interests include couples therapy, working with survivors of sexual violence, and creating healing spaces for race-based stress and trauma. During her free time, Kiara enjoys visiting independent bookstores in the city, alternating between red wine and coffee, and searching for the best chicken parm in the city.
Dr. Manosalvas currently teaches the following CPPJ courses:
- CCPJ 4070: Counseling Linguistically Diverse Populations: Latiné/x Psychology
- CCPJ 4560: Professional & Ethical Issues in Psychological Counseling
- CCPJ4000: Multicultural Psychopathology
- CCPJ5372: Counseling Skills II
Kiara Manosalvas, Ph.D. (she/her) is Assistant Professor of Teaching and coordinator of the Bilingual Latiné/x Mental Health concentration in the Counseling and Clinical Psychology department at Teachers College, Columbia University. In her role as coordinator, Dr. Manosalvas works with masters and doctoral-level bilingual students to equip them with the competencies necessary to provide culturally affirming psychological services to Spanish-speaking, multi-racial Latinx clients. Her research interests include social justice advocacy training, Latiné/x racial/ethnic identity development, and bilingual, culturally-affirmative evidence-based clinical interventions. Her clinical interests include couples therapy, working with survivors of sexual violence, and creating healing spaces for race-based stress and trauma. During her free time, Kiara enjoys visiting independent bookstores in the city, alternating between red wine and coffee, and searching for the best chicken parm in the city.
Dr. Manosalvas currently teaches the following CPPJ courses:
- CCPJ 4070: Counseling Linguistically Diverse Populations: Latiné/x Psychology
- CCPJ 4560: Professional & Ethical Issues in Psychological Counseling
- CCPJ4000: Multicultural Psychopathology
- CCPJ5372: Counseling Skills II
Christian (he/him) is a seventh-year doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Chicago and then spent three years at Northwestern University as a program evaluator on various projects focused on HIV prevention, health disparities, and health justice in service of queer and trans youth of color in Chicago. Broadly, his research interests focus on how systems impact mental health and substance use patterns among multiply marginalized communities. He has explored these interests formally through the doctoral program's concentration in Bilingual Latinx Mental Health and the Teachers College-wide advanced certificate in Sexuality, Women, and Gender, and he has received funding through the American Psychological Association, Medical University of South Carolina, and Teachers College to further develop his expertise in these areas. Outside of his academic and professional interests, Christian enjoys staying highly caffeinated, winning Broadway ticket lotteries, bingeing TV shows, and soaking up sunshine.
Christian (he/him) is a seventh-year doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Chicago and then spent three years at Northwestern University as a program evaluator on various projects focused on HIV prevention, health disparities, and health justice in service of queer and trans youth of color in Chicago. Broadly, his research interests focus on how systems impact mental health and substance use patterns among multiply marginalized communities. He has explored these interests formally through the doctoral program's concentration in Bilingual Latinx Mental Health and the Teachers College-wide advanced certificate in Sexuality, Women, and Gender, and he has received funding through the American Psychological Association, Medical University of South Carolina, and Teachers College to further develop his expertise in these areas. Outside of his academic and professional interests, Christian enjoys staying highly caffeinated, winning Broadway ticket lotteries, bingeing TV shows, and soaking up sunshine.
Michael (he/him) is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. His research interests center on the career development and mental health of people with marginalized identities. He is currently an extern at St. Barnabas Hospital. He completed a Masters of Education in Mental Health Counseling (Counseling Psychology) at Teachers College. During that program, he fulfilled his fieldwork requirement at Terence Cardinal Cooke, a nursing care center in East Harlem. He has served as Director of Career Counseling at Columbia Law School’s Office of Career Services as well as an adjunct professor and career advisor at St. John’s University School of Law. Before working in career counseling, he worked as an attorney. He graduated from Columbia Law School (J.D.) and Brown University (B.A., Philosophy). Michael is interested in cooking, trying new foods, and spending time with his niece and nephew.
Michael (he/him) is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. His research interests center on the career development and mental health of people with marginalized identities. He is currently an extern at St. Barnabas Hospital. He completed a Masters of Education in Mental Health Counseling (Counseling Psychology) at Teachers College. During that program, he fulfilled his fieldwork requirement at Terence Cardinal Cooke, a nursing care center in East Harlem. He has served as Director of Career Counseling at Columbia Law School’s Office of Career Services as well as an adjunct professor and career advisor at St. John’s University School of Law. Before working in career counseling, he worked as an attorney. He graduated from Columbia Law School (J.D.) and Brown University (B.A., Philosophy). Michael is interested in cooking, trying new foods, and spending time with his niece and nephew.
Mel (they/them) is a third-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. Mel graduated from Arizona State University with a Master of Counseling and an undergraduate degree in Psychology. They have worked on research teams examining nonbinary experiences, queer mental health, and hair-based discrimination for Black populations. Mel’s research interests broadly include examining the unique experiences of BIPOC nonbinary populations, their mental health, and the intersectional microaggressions they encounter. Clinically, Mel has experience working in community mental health and college counseling centers and is presently seeing clients at the Dean Hope Center. Outside of school, Mel loves Beyonce, brunch, and art and received an associate’s degree from Parsons School of Design.
Mel (they/them) is a third-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. Mel graduated from Arizona State University with a Master of Counseling and an undergraduate degree in Psychology. They have worked on research teams examining nonbinary experiences, queer mental health, and hair-based discrimination for Black populations. Mel’s research interests broadly include examining the unique experiences of BIPOC nonbinary populations, their mental health, and the intersectional microaggressions they encounter. Clinically, Mel has experience working in community mental health and college counseling centers and is presently seeing clients at the Dean Hope Center. Outside of school, Mel loves Beyonce, brunch, and art and received an associate’s degree from Parsons School of Design.
Taylor (they/them) is a third-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. Taylor graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Career Preparation from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2023, and a Bachelor of Arts in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies from Webster University in 2019. Their research interests include transgender and gender expansive older adults’ experiences of minority stress and resilience in the contexts of work, retirement, intimacy, and community. Taylor is currently seeing psychotherapy clients with a variety of presenting concerns at Baruch College Counseling Center, and has prior clinical experience in college counseling, community mental health, and crisis settings. In addition to research and clinical work, Taylor loves teaching undergraduate and master’s students in psychology, counseling, and gender studies courses. In their free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with their cats (Salmon and Joey) and chosen family and watching Housewives.
Taylor (they/them) is a third-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. Taylor graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Career Preparation from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2023, and a Bachelor of Arts in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies from Webster University in 2019. Their research interests include transgender and gender expansive older adults’ experiences of minority stress and resilience in the contexts of work, retirement, intimacy, and community. Taylor is currently seeing psychotherapy clients with a variety of presenting concerns at Baruch College Counseling Center, and has prior clinical experience in college counseling, community mental health, and crisis settings. In addition to research and clinical work, Taylor loves teaching undergraduate and master’s students in psychology, counseling, and gender studies courses. In their free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with their cats (Salmon and Joey) and chosen family and watching Housewives.
Santosh (he/they) is a second-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. Santosh received an Ed.M. and M.A. program in Mental Health Counseling also from Teachers College. They are currently a Practicum Clinician at the Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services. Prior to this, they were an intern at Expansive Therapy. Santosh's interests lie at the intersectionality of LGBTQ+ issues, culture, stigma, and mental health outcomes. Santosh is passionate about decolonizing clinical practice and research, and comparative scholarship that bridges the gap between Eastern and Western psychology research and practice. Outside of work, Santosh is passionate about all things aviation, geography, and Taylor Swift.
Santosh (he/they) is a second-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. Santosh received an Ed.M. and M.A. program in Mental Health Counseling also from Teachers College. They are currently a Practicum Clinician at the Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services. Prior to this, they were an intern at Expansive Therapy. Santosh's interests lie at the intersectionality of LGBTQ+ issues, culture, stigma, and mental health outcomes. Santosh is passionate about decolonizing clinical practice and research, and comparative scholarship that bridges the gap between Eastern and Western psychology research and practice. Outside of work, Santosh is passionate about all things aviation, geography, and Taylor Swift.
Elle (they/them) is a second-year Master's student in the Mental Health Counseling program. They completed their B.A. in Psychology at the University of Arizona and spent a year at the American University of Rome where they pursued a minor in Studio Art with a focus in Art Therapy. Elle also studied comparative religions and mythologies, focusing on the symbolic and artistic intersections between Western psychology, Eastern philosophy, and art in their thesis project Unmasking the Psyche: An Analysis of Freudian and Jungian Theories of the Unconscious within the Surrealist Movement. Their research interests include religious trauma in gender and sexual minority populations, minority stress experienced by women who voluntarily remain childfree, asexual experiences, and the mental health outcomes associated with egg donation.
Elle (they/them) is a second-year Master's student in the Mental Health Counseling program. They completed their B.A. in Psychology at the University of Arizona and spent a year at the American University of Rome where they pursued a minor in Studio Art with a focus in Art Therapy. Elle also studied comparative religions and mythologies, focusing on the symbolic and artistic intersections between Western psychology, Eastern philosophy, and art in their thesis project Unmasking the Psyche: An Analysis of Freudian and Jungian Theories of the Unconscious within the Surrealist Movement. Their research interests include religious trauma in gender and sexual minority populations, minority stress experienced by women who voluntarily remain childfree, asexual experiences, and the mental health outcomes associated with egg donation.
Musashi (he/him) is a second-year Master’s student in the Ed.M. and M.A. program in Mental Health Counseling at Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to graduate study, he worked in the humanitarian and international development sector, specializing in Child Protection, Education, and LGBTQ+ rights advocacy. He holds an M.A. in Education and International Development from University College London (2016) and a B.A. in Policy Management from Keio University (2015). His research focuses on identity-affirming psychotherapy for marginalized populations—including LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities—particularly within low-resource and humanitarian settings. He is especially interested in approaches that integrate immediate, life-sustaining support with long-term strategies for resilience and recovery. Outside of his academic work, Musashi enjoys exercising, cycling, practicing Jujutsu, and discovering new coffee shops and neighborhoods throughout New York City.
Musashi (he/him) is a second-year Master’s student in the Ed.M. and M.A. program in Mental Health Counseling at Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to graduate study, he worked in the humanitarian and international development sector, specializing in Child Protection, Education, and LGBTQ+ rights advocacy. He holds an M.A. in Education and International Development from University College London (2016) and a B.A. in Policy Management from Keio University (2015). His research focuses on identity-affirming psychotherapy for marginalized populations—including LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities—particularly within low-resource and humanitarian settings. He is especially interested in approaches that integrate immediate, life-sustaining support with long-term strategies for resilience and recovery. Outside of his academic work, Musashi enjoys exercising, cycling, practicing Jujutsu, and discovering new coffee shops and neighborhoods throughout New York City.