welcome to
Meet Our Student Alumni!
Tyshawn Thompson, M.A.
Founding UPSIDE Member, Past President
Current education: Fifth year Clinical Psychology Psy.D. student, Marywood University
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Previous education: Psychology and English Literature, Assumption College
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Clinical interests: health psychology, forensic psychology, marketing and outreach in psychology, emotion regulation, emotional reactivity, resilience, and the dynamic of relationships
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"I am open to being contacted by a mentee whenever they may need me. Mentorship is very important to me. I wish I had a mentor when applying to graduate school.
Bertnie Jeanniton, M.A.
Founding UPSIDE Member, Past President
Current education: Fifth year Clinical Psychology Psy.D. student, Marywood University
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Previous education: Psychology, Marywood University (M.A.)
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Clinical interests: race-related stress, ethnic identity, and grit
Tyana Ruiz, M.A.
Formerly Fundraising, Grant, & Social Media Committee
Current education: Fifth year Clinical Psychology student, Marywood University
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Previous education: Psychology, Sonoma State University
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Clinical interests: self-efficacy, sense of community, and empowerment
Kate Vala, M.A.
Formerly Creative, Fundraising, and Social Media Committee
Current education: Fifth year Clinical Psychology student, Marywood University
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Previous education: Psychology and Spanish, West Chester University
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Clinical interests: perfectionism, complex trauma, identity development, mindfulness, and relationships
Suparsh Tanga, M.A.
Formerly Grad Student Council Liaison
Current education: Fifth year Clinical Psychology student, Marywood University
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Previous education: Counseling Psychology, Louisiana Tech University
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Clinical interests: healthy psychology
Beau Samonte, M.A.
Grant and Outreach Planning Committee
Current education: Fifth year Clinical Psychology Psy.D. student, Marywood University
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Previous education: Neuroscience, University of Scranton
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Clinical interests: sleep disorders and LGBTQ+ populations
Lauren Clark, M.A.
Creative Committee
Current education: Fifth year Clinical Psychology student, Marywood University
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Previous education: Clinical Psychology, University of Hartford
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Clinical interests: young adults, anxiety, depression, trauma, phobias, body image & eating concerns, and coping skills
Kalei Mills, M.A.
Outreach Committee
Current education: Fifth year Clinical Psychology student, Marywood University
Alexa Strelecki, M.A.
Fundraising Committee
Current education: Fifth year Clinical Psychology student, Marywood University
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Previous education: Psychology, East Stroudsburg State University
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Clinical interests: adverse childhood experiences
Aletha Cannistra, M.A.
Members Education Committee
Current education: Fifth year Clinical Psychology student, Marywood University
UPSIDE Honors Brienna-Rae Cruz
Brie was (and in some ways still is, through the establishment of the Brienna Rae Scholarship) such a staunch advocate for mental health, awareness, fair treatment, and advocacy for those in need. She was passionate and dedicated in everything she did and spoke to you -- whether a friend, colleague, or client -- in a way that was genuine and made you feel listened to. Brie will forever be missed and fondly remembered by those who had the pleasure of knowing her, and her values and passions will live on through her like minded friends and family.
Written by Dr. Amara Chukwunenye
