Meet the Team

Erica Culler, Ph.D., earned her M.Ed. and Ph.D. in School Psychology from Penn State. Prior to joining the Clearinghouse, she worked in a public school system and provided psycho-educational services. In addition, she has taught undergraduate courses in child development.

Melina T. Czymoniewicz-Klippel, Ph.D., received her Ph.D. in public health from Monash University, Australia, in 2010. Melina’s research focuses on understanding and addressing the social and cultural determinants of health and the health risks and resilience of vulnerable and marginalized children and families. Her doctoral research examined the impact of globalization on the definition of childhood and, therein, the shape of children’s and families’ everyday lives in Cambodia. In 2001, she earned a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honors Class I) degree from The University of Queensland, Australia, and has worked as an applied child health researcher for government and non-governmental agencies in Southeast Asia and Australia. In 2004, she received a Master of Health Science degree in Community Child and Adolescent Health through The University of Queensland. Prior to joining the Clearinghouse, she developed and managed an interdisciplinary undergraduate minor in global public health, including a three-country fieldwork program, for the Department of Biobehavioral Health at Penn State. Melina enjoys spending time with her husband, two boys, and two dogs; engaging in cultural activities; and cooking and eating her way around the world.

Michael Hamel, Ph.D., earned his MS in Psychological Science from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, and his Ph.D. in Applied Psychology from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Michael’s research interests include: 1) Applied research methods and statistics, 2) Health psychology (e.g., psychological barriers to health seeking behavior), 3) Organizational psychology (e.g., effective communication styles), and 4) Social psychology (e.g., influence of social norms and group membership on attitudes and behaviors). He has taught multiple undergraduate courses including research methods and statistics, organizational psychology, adolescent psychology, and I/O psychology. Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and twin girls, and reading a good book on a quiet day!

Jennifer Karre, Ph.D., received her Ph.D. in developmental psychology from Northern Illinois University. Her research interests include father-child relationships, parenting, adolescence, and program evaluation. She has taught undergraduate psychology courses and has presented her research at several national conferences.

Miranda Kaye, Ph.D., earned her B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University and her M.S. in Kinesiology from Arizona State University. She received her Ph.D. in Kinesiology, with a focus in Sport Psychology, from Penn State. Prior to coming to the Clearinghouse, Miranda taught undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in research methods, statistics, sport and exercise psychology, and a variety of health and wellness education classes. Miranda’s research focuses on motivation and well-being in sport, exercise, health, and education settings; the development, refinement, and testing of health and well-being interventions; moral behavior in achievement contexts; and positive youth development. She has presented her research at several national conferences. Miranda is excited to be working to promote military family readiness.

Brittny Mathies, Ph.D., is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Mississippi State University, her M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from The University of Alabama, and her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Auburn University. Prior to joining the Clearinghouse, Brittny worked as a director at a large non-profit organization where she oversaw research, strategic initiatives, and afterschool programming. She has also taught a number of undergraduate-level courses in child and adolescent development. Brittny is passionate about studying and serving children and families, especially those considered to be at risk.

Nicole R. Morgan, Ph.D., received her B.A. from the University of North Dakota in Psychology and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State. Her training includes prevention science, program evaluation, and several advanced statistics and methodology courses. Nicole has extensive experience in data management, measurement, program evaluation, and analysis. She managed the program evaluations for two public preschool programs. Utilizing propensity score matching, she examined the impact of one or two years of the program on children’s academic skills. Other professional experiences include: senior data analyst for the British Cohort Studies and the study director for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism funded University Life Study at the Prevention Research Center. This web-based longitudinal measurement burst design study investigated the developmental changes and situational fluctuations in links between risk behaviors across contexts. Before entering college, Nicole served five years in the United States Air Force as an Air Traffic Control Radar Specialist and Quality Control Specialist.

Denise Turso, Ph.D, CSEP, received her Ph.D in Learning, Design, and Technology from Penn State in 2017, her M.S. in Systems Engineering Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA in 2009. In addition, she is a Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). She also received her M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design and B.S. in Elementary Education from Penn State. Her research interests include adaptive and innovative creative problem solving for teams and individuals, organizational process improvement and optimization through integration and interoperability, and instructional design based on the areas of cognitive and education psychology and problem solving. She has developed education programs; online training; and organization system processes for academia, museums, and the defense industry. In addition, she has presented related material at numerous conferences. Denise is excited to be working with service members and military families and is pleased to support and promote military family readiness.

Cameron Richardson, Ph.D., received his Ph.D. in Human Development from the University of Maryland in 2011. His research interests include: (1) Positive family and youth development; (2) Moral development across the lifespan; and, (3) Inter- and intra-group relations. He has taught college-level courses in research methods, developmental psychology, and psychological theory and has presented his research at several national conferences. Cam is excited to be working with service members, military families, and support staff to promote military family readiness.

Tara Saathoff-Wells, Ph.D., CFLE (Certified Family Life Educator) earned her M.S. in family relations and child development at Oklahoma State University, received her doctorate in organizational culture and family development from the University of Alabama in 2000, and became a certified family life educator in 2011. Her research focuses on strengths and challenges experienced by highly mobile families, early intervention, and parent education and home visitation programming. She recently co-authored a textbook on military families and taught a variety of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) courses including a course on military family life, during her time as a faculty member at both Central Michigan University and the University of Central Florida.

Melissa Zack, Ph.D., earned a B.A. in Sport and Exercise Science, an M.S. in Nutrition in Sport and Chronic Disease, and a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences. Melissa enjoys spending her free time walking, weight training, reading, and being with friends and family.

Brandon Balotti, M.S., received a B.S. in Psychology from Slippery Rock University and a M.S. in Psychological Science from Shippensburg University. He is interested in applied research—especially of education programs on the topics of health, nutrition, and well-being. Outside of the office, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and learning computer programming. He also enjoys a good book and cup (or more) of coffee.

Julia Bleser, M.S., M.S.P.H., received an M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State in 2015, an M.S. in Public Health in Health Education and Health Communication from Johns Hopkins University in 2011, and a B.S. in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies from the University of Southern California in 2009.

Katie Davenport, M.A., received her M.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois Springfield in 2011. She earned her B.A. in French and Global Studies in 2009 from Winona State University.

Jerah Griggs, M.Ed., majored in Social Science with a minor in Government at Campbell University, and received her M.Ed. in Community Counseling from Georgia Southern University. Having been an active-duty military spouse for over 20 years, and with a background in mental health, Jerah has worked to advocate for military service members and their families for many years.

Kyle R. Hawkey, M.Ed., received his B.S. in Psychology from Brigham Young University, and his M.Ed. in Human Relations from Northern Arizona University. In addition, he earned his Family Development Credential from the University of Connecticut. Before joining the Clearinghouse team, Kyle managed various federally funded research projects at the University of Arizona and the University of Minnesota. His research interests vary, but all focus on impacting families in a positive way by providing research, tools, and resources to individuals, policy makers, and professionals in similar fields. Kyle is excited to contribute to the team’s ability to further enhance military family readiness, resilience, and well-being.

Renee Kotch, M.A., received her B.A. in Psychology from Bloomsburg University and her M.A. in Counseling Psychology at the University of West Florida. Her research interests are driven by previous research experience at a military installation and her life as a military spouse. Renee’s interests, other than research, include exploring all that State College has to offer with her husband and two young children, volunteering, photography, and running.

Lauren O’Donnell, M.A., earned her M.A. in Professional Communication, specializing in Organizational Development, from The University of Alaska – Fairbanks in 2003, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Television, Radio and Film from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School for Public Communication in 1990. Lauren is a proud Army spouse, with over 26 years of experience learning from and advocating for soldiers, spouses and Army families. Most recently, Lauren worked as a transition counselor for military service members across all branches preparing to transition from the service to civilian life. Lauren is excited to be combining her personal experience and knowledge as an Army spouse with her professional knowledge of military family programs and transition programs. She is eager to continue serving the military population, which she considers to be the bravest, most resilient, most resourceful, and most noble group on Earth! In her down time, Lauren enjoys volunteering in her community and spending time with her own awesome service member and their two children.

Holly Nusom is received her M.A. in Teaching (M.A.T.) from Concordia University in Oregon in 2008 and a B.S.F.C.S. in Child, Family, and Consumer Studies from the University of Idaho in 2003. Holly has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of service members and their families through volunteer work on multiple installations for over 12 years. As an active-duty Army spouse and parent to military “brats,” she understands the unique challenges and opportunities provided by the military lifestyle.

Terri L. Rudy, M.P.A., is a two-time graduate of Penn State and holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master of Public Administration. Terri is an avid mountain biker and enjoys volunteering her time to promote and improve the biking community in the Centre Region. Terri also volunteers as a committee member for the Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

Lisa White earned her B.A. in Anthropology and an M.Ag. in Horticulture from Penn State. She has 15 years of experience managing applied research in the natural and social sciences. Lisa enjoys managing complex research and evaluation projects from their launch and is very gratified to be working to help enhance the resilience and well-being of military families via her work at the Clearinghouse.

Sean Gernon is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Applied Statistics. He is interested in applying qualitative and quantitative data analysis to support future research and program practices.

Jamie Irvin is a graduate of Penn State with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts & Sciences. Jamie served in the United States Army and United States Army Reserve for a combined total of 8 years and deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

 

Kimberly McCarthy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Policy and Administration and was certified as a health education specialist. Kimberly has extensive experience in the implementation, outcome measurement, and sustainability of evidence-based programming. She has been responsible for community mobilization, program coordination, and the provision of technical assistance to evidence-based program sites across Pennsylvania. She has been trained in multiple evidence-based programs and is currently a PA Master Trainer for SFP 10-14. She understands the science of prevention and translation and has served as a facilitation supervisor on a large randomized control trial funded by the National Institutes of Health. She has also developed educational programming for medical providers and promoted medical and dental care access for rural and underserved populations. Kimberly appreciates the unique experience of raising children in the context of military life, as her youngest son was born on a military base. She hopes to use her knowledge and experience to strengthen military families and bolster their health and well-being.

 

Heather received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Lock Haven University in Elementary Education.  Prior to her work at The Clearinghouse, Heather was a Prevention Coordinator, providing technical assistance in supporting the dissemination, quality implementation, impact assessment, and sustainability of several school based, evidence-based prevention programs.  She has been trained in multiple evidence-based programs and is a Trainer in the Positive Action Program.  Heather is passionate about improving outcomes for children and families, and is eager to promote military family readiness.

 

Jillian Rodgers is a Penn State graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Information Systems and Statistical Analysis. She is interested in prevention research and the dissemination, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based practices.

 

Alison Turley received her Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Penn State in 2002. Prior to her work at the Clearinghouse, Alison was the Director of Prevention Services at a local non-profit agency and focused on training, implementing, and facilitating evidence-based prevention programming for kids and families.

 

Brett Weldon is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences with a minor in Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits. Brett is currently working on earning his Master’s degree in Public Administration at Penn State. His current professional interests are concentrated on program design, development, and evaluation.

 

Elise F. Dreibelbis is a graduate of Penn State University and holds a B.A. in English – writing option. She has used her professional editing skills in the following disciplines: Business, Continuing and Distance Education, Education, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, History, and Political Science. She has served as Editorial Coordinator for two professional Journals: The Association of Continuing Higher Education and Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance. Elise is very excited to be working in a field which positively impacts Military personnel and their families. She is married and has four children, three of whom have attended Penn State.

 

John Flude is a graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and holds a B.S. in Communications Media. His background is in web development, design, brand management, brand creation, and creative direction. John is currently working on earning his Master’s degree in Psychology of Leadership at Penn State.

 

Jaemie Gyurik graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a B.A. in Communication and specialized in public relations and advertising. Previously, she has worked in web design/development and marketing.

 

Brandon Lengyel is a multimedia specialist with a focus in digital film production. He attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he obtained a B.S. in communications media. In the past, he has worked as a freelancer and with numerous production houses, agencies, and universities with a background in politics, education, narrative, documentary, and branded content.

 

Matt McGee, M.Ed., graduated with his B.S. in Psychology and his M.Ed. in Learning, Design, and Technology from Penn State. He is passionate about creating engaging learning materials and designing interactive learning experiences.

 

Christopher Nebgen graduated from South Hills School of Business and Technology with an associate’s degree in Information Technology. He is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus. He has spent many years doing freelance web development and design. Chris spends his off-hours playing the electric guitar, creating artwork, working out, and reading anything he can on a wide range of topics.

 

Molly Riva, M.A., received her M.A. from Duquesne University in Communication Rhetoric in 2000 and her B.A. from Westminster College in Broadcast Communications with minors in Speech and Theater in 1999.  For 15 years, Molly taught courses in public speaking, mass media, interpersonal communications, and advertising and public relations at Penn State Altoona and Saint Francis University.  She is excited to be able to combine her educational background and teaching with her love of theater and film for her role at the Clearinghouse.

 

Marissa “MJ” Rojas graduated from the Academy of Art University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Computer Arts, New Media. Her professional background also includes fashion design, sewing, illustration, and photography, She also runs a small handmade business. When MJ is not glued to her computer or sewing machine, she enjoys working out, nature walks, cooking, and battling dark wizards (she IS a Hufflepuff, after all).

 

Pablo Lopez holds a B.S. in Film and Video from the Pennsylvania State University. He has a passion to help others through the medium of film and story telling. His hobbies include cinematography and writing.

 

Avery Urusow graduated from The Pennsylvania College of Technology with an A.A. in Advertising Art, and Temple University with a B.S. in Advertising. Although classified as a graphic designer, Avery also enjoys illustration, animation, and anything else art related.

 

Timothy Mazer earned a B.S. in Secondary Education and History from Bloomsburg University. Prior to joining the Clearinghouse, he worked as a lead teacher for a cyber school and provided training and support services to other teachers. He is passionate about helping at-risk students—especially via distance learning.

Jill A. Schulte, M.Ed., earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Family Services in 2005 from the University of Northern Iowa and graduated with a M. Ed. in Youth and Family Education from the Pennsylvania State University in 2011. Prior to earning her Master’s degree, Jill worked as the Program Coordinator for the Department of Children and Youth Domestic Violence Program in Buchanan County, Iowa and as a Family Worker for Head Start, also in Iowa. Her research interests include programing that promotes well-being for families and youth, and research around frameworks and models that promote quality program implementation. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, running, and refinishing old furniture.

Jennifer Smith, M.Ed., earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Communication Arts at Clarion University in 2000. She completed her graduate work in 2008 at Lancaster Bible College and earned her M.Ed. in School Counseling. Outside of her work with the Clearinghouse, Jennifer’s interests include being a group fitness instructor, running, theater and music performance, and being a mom of four children.

Sarah Lemieux earned a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Information Technology from Brigham Young University – Idaho, and an Associate’s degree in Information Technology from South Hills School of Business and Technology.

Lori A. Tricou graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Her professional background includes work in copywriting, proofreading, and design. She has also worked in church and non-profit settings as director and coordinator of numerous programs, volunteers, and events. Lori enjoys spending her free time hiking, cooking, and reading, but, most of all, she enjoys spending time with her two teenage children.

Amanda Ferrara is a Graduate Assistant. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in educational psychology at Penn State.

Kellie Forziat is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Counselor Education and Supervision Program at the Pennsylvania State University. She received her Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Crime, Law, and Justice from The Pennsylvania State University. She received her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania with an emphasis on working with the military population. In addition, she is recognized as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Her main professional interests in research related to counseling are: military related issues, suicide prevention, self-care, addiction, and ecotherapy.

Ashley Marinez is a Ph.D. student in the School Psychology program in the College of Education at Penn State. Ashley received her B.A. in Psychology from CUNY Queens College. Her research interests include the enhancement of internal student motivation and its effects on student outcomes.