School Psychology Current Students
Sarah Fletcher is a 5th year school psychology student on Dr. Long's team. She received her undergraduate degree in French and International Development from Tulane University in 2006, and her master's of science in Population and International Health from Harvard School of Public Health in 2008. After working in evidence-based HIV prevention and other maternal, child, and mental health projects domestically and abroad, she became a teacher in 2010 and worked at KIPP schools in both Atlanta and New Orleans. Her research interests include barriers to implementation in school-based interventions, effective teacher-coaching models, and the effectiveness of classroom behavior management systems. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, running, yoga, playing fetch with her golden retriever, and appreciating Louisiana's food and cultural holidays.
Melissa Grisdale is a 5th year in the School Psychology program under Dr. Long. She graduated from the University of Houston with her bachelors in Human Development and Family studies, as well as her masters in Counseling. Her current research interests include how teacher multicultural sensitivity in the classroom is related to other salient classroom variables, such as teacher-student relationship, grades, behavior, and teacher-self efficacy. In her free time Melissa loves to be outside in the sun, spending time with her husband and son, playing with her golden retriever, and enjoying her great city of Houston.
Philip Richard is a 4th year doctoral student in Dr. Noell's lab. Prior to his enrollment at LSU, he received an associate's degree in general studies from South Louisiana Community College and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Philip's research interests include early childhood development, assistive technologies, and autism. His hobbies outside of school include almost any form of physical activity.
James Upright is a 4th year School Psychology student on Dr. Long’s team. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with minors in Math and English, from North Carolina State University. In undergrad, James’ research focused on using evidence-based practices to improve elementary students’ reading fluency. Following his graduation, James worked as a teacher’s assistant and then research assistant at 3C Institute where he assisted with research on interactive, web-based games to help young students learn social skills. His research interests include implementation science and, primarily, the factors which facilitate the uptake and sustainability of evidence-based programs designed to assist students academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition to his academic interests, James enjoys riding his bicycle, martial arts, comics, computer games, and eating (especially new foods).
Shelley Upton is a fourth-year school psychology student on Dr. Long's team. She received her Bachelor of Science in psychology as well as a minor in dramaturgy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For three years following her undergrad career, Shelley worked on the development of three mindfulness education programs and an online mindfulness program for teenagers with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Her research interests center on mindfulness and how it can be utilized to delay or prevent the onset of risk behaviors. Outside of her studies, she enjoys reading, going to see plays, baking, and spending time with her family and friends.
Elizabeth Wilson is currently a fourth year school psychology student on Dr. Gresham's team. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Louisiana State University, and her master’s degree in Psychological Sciences with a focus in Developmental Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas. Her research interests include the assessment and treatment of internalizing disorders, influence of trauma and violence exposure on students, as well as the effects of anxiety and depression on social development in children. Outside of school she enjoys working out, hanging out with family and friends, and spending time in nature with her two dogs.
Rachel Bradley is a 5th year school psychology student on Dr. Noell’s team. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia in 2014. Her research interests include educational policy, psychoeducational assessment, school-based consultation and intervention, and behavioral treatment for childhood disorders. Outside her studies, Rachel enjoys weight lifting, yoga, reading, and appreciating Louisiana cuisine and culture with friends.
Shelby Byrd is a 5th year school psychology student on Dr. Gresham’s team. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia College & State University and a Master of Science in Clinical-Counseling Psychology from Valdosta State University. Shelby currently attends the Nebraska Internship Consortium in Professional Psychology at Boys Town (Residential Track) in Omaha, NE. Her research interests include early identification and school-based interventions for students with social skill deficits and emotional and behavioral disorders. Outside of school, Shelby enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, and watching football and golf.
Anthony Roberson is a fifth-year school psychology student working on Dr. Tyler Renshaw's team. Tony completed his undergraduate work at Truman State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in psychology with minors in statistical methods and music. His diverse research interests draw from work in contextual behavioral science, sociology, and public health and pertain broadly to improving school-based behavioral health support systems to bolster long-term student wellbeing outcomes. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the double bass and cooking.
Aijah K. B. Goodwin is a third year in the school psychology program under the supervision of Dr. Anna Long. She received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in sociology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Prior to graduate school, she worked as a paraprofessional and a behavior technician for children with social and developmental delays. Her research interests include culturally competent practices in educational and therapeutic settings and implementation of best-practice mental health and behavioral strategies in low-income settings. Aijah enjoys traveling, music and anything involving food.
Kaitlin Cassidy is a third year in the School Psychology program on Dr. Gresham's team. She received her Bachelor of Art's in Psychology from Loyola University Maryland. Her research interests include classroom behavior management and early intervention for developmental disabilities and external behavior problems. Kaitlin enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends in her spare time.
Emma Larson is a third year student in the School psychology program under the supervision of Dr. George Noell. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development from the University of Maryland. Before pursuing a graduate degree, she worked as a Clinical Assistant at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and served as a Lab Manager in a social-cognitive development lab at the University of Maryland. Her research interests include behavioral treatments and school-based interventions for children with disruptive behaviors. In her spare time, Emma enjoys spending time with friends, eating Southern food, and tailgating at LSU football games.
Katherine Moore is a third year in the School Psychology program on Dr. Noell’s team. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in English and family, youth, and community sciences from the University of Florida. After graduation, she worked as a behavior therapist to children with autism. Her research interests include early childhood academic interventions and behavioral interventions for children with autism and other developmental delays. Outside of school, she enjoys running, singing, cooking, and spending time with friends.
Sam Allouche is a second year on Dr. Long's Team. She received her B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Behavioral Health from Tulane University. While in New Orleans, Sam pursued a yoga teacher certification, which she used in her work as Kipp New Orleans' first enrichment yoga instructor. Sam’s research interests include culturally-responsive interventions targeting the socio-emotional well-being of youth in a school setting. In her free time, Sam enjoys attending live music shows, practicing yoga, and traveling.
Delaney Darragh is a second year in the School Psychology program under the supervision of Dr. Frank Gresham. She received her Bachelor of Science at the University of Texas A&M. Her research interests include social skills assessments and interventions for children on the autism spectrum or with other developmental disorders. Outside of school, Delaney enjoys music, movies, and spending time with family and friends.
Jacob DeBoer is a second-year school psychology student on Dr. Gresham's team. He received his Bachelor of Science in psychology from Virginia Tech and his M.S. in school psychology from Northeastern University. His research interests focus on the improvement of school-based mental health services. Specifically, he is interested in the use of universal screening to identify children who are at risk for internalizing disorders and could benefit from early intervention. Outside of school, he enjoys playing guitar, watching the Red Sox/Celtics, and spending time with his family, friends, and dog.
Erica Lozy received her B.S. from Western New England University in 2015 and her M.A. from University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2017 under the supervision of Drs. Jolene Sy and John Borrero. While in Baltimore, she worked as a Clinical Specialist and Research Assistant on the Neurobehavioral Inpatient Unit at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Erica is a 2nd year graduate student working under Dr. Jeanne Donaldson in the Applied Behavior Analysis Lab. Her research interests include the assessment and reduction of problematic behavior in young children and increasing academic fluency of early learner skills.
Jennifer Vasquez is a 2nd year student on Dr. Long’s team. She received her undergraduate degree in environmental studies from Connecticut College and her Master of Arts from Columbia University-Teachers College in school/clinical psychology. Her current research interests include curbing the school to prison pipeline; exclusionary discipline; and implementing culturally responsive behavioral supports in low-income schools. Prior to attending LSU, Jennifer worked at a neuropsychology clinic as an education coordinator and has had experience working as a special education classroom teacher. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Madeline Blocker is a first year student in the school psychology program on Dr. Noell’s team. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology in 2017 from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Madi is interested in researching interventions for children with disabilities, including developmental delays and academic and behavioral disorders. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, cooking, and being outdoors.
Grace Chen is a first year student in the school psychology program on Dr. Long’s team. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors in Psychology, as well as a Masters in Elementary Education. Prior to arriving at LSU, she spent time as a second grade teacher and was a research assistant studying peer aggression and bullying. Her research interests include learning disability assessment and support for underrepresented populations. Outside of her studies, Grace enjoys photography, playing sports, cooking and traveling.
Sarah Holmes
Kelly Mouton is a first year school psychology student on Dr. Gresham’s team. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Louisiana State University. Her research interests include early childhood development and the assessment and intervention for students with academic and behavioral disorders.
Jessie Munson is a first year student on Dr. Long's team. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology as well as Studio Art Painting at Tulane University. She received her Master of Science in Behavioral Health Psychology from Tulane as well. Her current research interests include the impact of trauma on development and caregiving in low income and minority families. Prior to attending LSU, Jessie worked as a care coordinator for a traumatic brain injury rehabilitation program. In her free time, Jessie enjoys reading, painting, and cooking with her husband.
Jodie Waits is a 1st year school psychology student on Dr. Gilroy’s team. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of New Orleans. Prior to enrolling at LSU, Jodie has worked in research labs involving children with behavioral, social, and intellectual disabilities, which has influenced her research interests today. Jodie is currently interested in contributing to research developing cost-effective interventions and programs for children with behavioral, social, and intellectual disabilities. Outside of her studies, Jodie loves cooking, listening to and analyzing music, and any craftwork such as knitting.
Commitment to Diversity
We encourage applications from individuals with diverse racial, ethnic, and/or cultural backgrounds. Baton Rouge is a racially diverse city and our work in the greater Baton Rouge community allows us to provide clinical services to and conduct research with racially diverse individuals in our community. We take great pride in this diversity. Furthermore, our program is deeply committed to fostering a learning environment that supports cultural and individual differences and diversity. Additionally, “Diversity is fundamental to LSU's mission and the University is committed to creating and maintaining a living and learning environment that embraces individual difference. Cultural inclusion is of highest priority” (see entire LSU Diversity Statement)