Lab Members
Dr. Brandon Velez is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Education 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 is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Education 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, PhD is a full-time lecturer 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 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, PhD is a full-time lecturer 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 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/his) is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology PhD 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/his) is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology PhD 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/his) is a second-year doctoral student. His research interests center on the career development and mental health of people with marginalized identities. He is currently an extern at the Furman Counseling Center, Barnard College. 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/his) is a second-year doctoral student. His research interests center on the career development and mental health of people with marginalized identities. He is currently an extern at the Furman Counseling Center, Barnard College. 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.
Emmett (he/him/his) is a second-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Teachers College, Columbia University. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In the past few years, he has worked as a research coordinator for various health equity projects and as a mental health counselor at a private practice. Emmett has engaged in research around experiences of minority stress, disordered eating, body image, and resilience-promoting factors in trans and gender expansive (TGE) populations. Since entering the doctoral program at Teachers College, he has been focusing on expanding this research to examine the impact of anti-transgender legislation on the mental health of TGE populations as well as the protective nature of community connection, social support, identity-related pride, and access to gender affirming care. Overall, he hopes to learn more about lived experiences of minority stress and resilience among TGE populations who hold multiple marginalized identities. In his leisurely time, Emmett enjoys consuming copious amounts of coffee, bike riding, and reading for fun.
Emmett (he/him/his) is a second-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Teachers College, Columbia University. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In the past few years, he has worked as a research coordinator for various health equity projects and as a mental health counselor at a private practice. Emmett has engaged in research around experiences of minority stress, disordered eating, body image, and resilience-promoting factors in trans and gender expansive (TGE) populations. Since entering the doctoral program at Teachers College, he has been focusing on expanding this research to examine the impact of anti-transgender legislation on the mental health of TGE populations as well as the protective nature of community connection, social support, identity-related pride, and access to gender affirming care. Overall, he hopes to learn more about lived experiences of minority stress and resilience among TGE populations who hold multiple marginalized identities. In his leisurely time, Emmett enjoys consuming copious amounts of coffee, bike riding, and reading for fun.
Mel (they/them) is a first-year PhD Counseling Psychology student at Teachers College, Columbia University. 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 first-year PhD Counseling Psychology student at Teachers College, Columbia University. 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/theirs) is a first-year PhD Counseling Psychology student at Teachers College, Columbia University. 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 (UMKC) in 2023, and a Bachelor of Arts in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies from Webster University in 2019. Taylor’s research interests include transgender and gender expansive older adults’ experiences of minority stress and resilience, consensual non-monogamy, intentional community, retirement, and fatness. Taylor is currently seeing clients with a variety of presenting concerns at the Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services, 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. In their free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with their cats (Salmon and Joey) and chosen family, watching reality TV, and participating in community choir.
Taylor (they/them/theirs) is a first-year PhD Counseling Psychology student at Teachers College, Columbia University. 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 (UMKC) in 2023, and a Bachelor of Arts in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies from Webster University in 2019. Taylor’s research interests include transgender and gender expansive older adults’ experiences of minority stress and resilience, consensual non-monogamy, intentional community, retirement, and fatness. Taylor is currently seeing clients with a variety of presenting concerns at the Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services, 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. In their free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with their cats (Salmon and Joey) and chosen family, watching reality TV, and participating in community choir.
Olivia (she/her) is a second year student in the M.Ed. Mental Health Counseling program. She graduated from Northeastern University (Boston, MA) in 2021 with a B.S. in Psychology and minors in Business Administration and Human Services. During undergrad at Northeastern, she worked as a Research Assistant in the Lifespan Emotional Development Lab (LEDLab) running both at-home and in-lab studies looking at older adults’ affect regulation. Additionally, she worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital for two years as a Mental Health Associate (MHA), which has informed much of her clinical interests. Her current personal research interests range from risk factors for inpatient readmission, to talk therapy and psychosis, to the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. Olivia also works part time doing marketing for Constant Therapy, an app which provides at-home speech and cognitive therapy to those who have suffered strokes or traumatic brain injuries.
Olivia (she/her) is a second year student in the M.Ed. Mental Health Counseling program. She graduated from Northeastern University (Boston, MA) in 2021 with a B.S. in Psychology and minors in Business Administration and Human Services. During undergrad at Northeastern, she worked as a Research Assistant in the Lifespan Emotional Development Lab (LEDLab) running both at-home and in-lab studies looking at older adults’ affect regulation. Additionally, she worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital for two years as a Mental Health Associate (MHA), which has informed much of her clinical interests. Her current personal research interests range from risk factors for inpatient readmission, to talk therapy and psychosis, to the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. Olivia also works part time doing marketing for Constant Therapy, an app which provides at-home speech and cognitive therapy to those who have suffered strokes or traumatic brain injuries.
Santosh (he/him/his) is a second-year master’s student in the Ed.M. and M.A. program in Counseling Psychology at Teachers College. Prior to this, he was a peer support worker at a private practice in India, assisting clinicians in their interventions working with gay and bisexual men, imbibing his lived and learned experiences with clinical practice. His research interests center on the relationship between mental health and stigma, minority stress theory, intersectionality, the duality between oppression and privilege, and building resilience in sexual minority populations within highly-collectivist cultures – particularly South Asia. Outside of work, Santosh is interested in all things aviation and geography-related.
Santosh (he/him/his) is a second-year master’s student in the Ed.M. and M.A. program in Counseling Psychology at Teachers College. Prior to this, he was a peer support worker at a private practice in India, assisting clinicians in their interventions working with gay and bisexual men, imbibing his lived and learned experiences with clinical practice. His research interests center on the relationship between mental health and stigma, minority stress theory, intersectionality, the duality between oppression and privilege, and building resilience in sexual minority populations within highly-collectivist cultures – particularly South Asia. Outside of work, Santosh is interested in all things aviation and geography-related.