Alice Biganzoli graduated from the University of South Carolina Upstate in 2021 with a B.S. in Psychology and minors in Criminal Justice and Spanish. After graduation, she conducted independent research and recently published an article about how extralegal factors influence juror decisions in the legal system. In 2021, she began the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Palo Alto University (PAU), where she is pursuing the Forensic and Trauma Areas of Emphasis. Her research interests include justice system responses relevant to the assessment, treatment, and prevention of people involved with the criminal and legal systems. Currently, Alice is a second-year practicum student at the Gronowski Center who provides compassion-focused therapy (CFT) to adult populations. Clinically, she is interested in assessing the impact that severe trauma, atypical development, and maladaptive personality traits can have on individuals' criminal trajectories, with an emphasis on young adults who develop sexually abusive and violent behaviors. Alice is on the board of two student affiliations: Association of Traumatic Stress Studies (ATSS), and Union of International Students (UNITS). Alice is a student affiliate of the APA Division 18 (Psychologists in Public Service), 41 (American Psychology-Law Society), 48 (Society for the Study of Peace, Conflict, and Violence Psychology), 52 (International Psychology) and 56 (Trauma Psychology). 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-biganzoli-510a10159/

Alyssa Strysko graduated from San Francisco State University in 2017 with a B.A. in Psychology. As an undergraduate student, Alyssa worked as a research assistant at the Stress Trauma and Resilience Lab, where she assisted with studies looking at physiological stress response in individuals who had experienced early life trauma. After graduation, Alyssa volunteered at a domestic violence shelter and worked at New York University's Neuroscience and Education Lab, where she implemented retention strategies for multi-site longitudinal studies. Currently, Alyssa works at the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit mental health organization, where she supports a team of psychiatrists. In 2021, she began the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Palo Alto University (PAU), where she plans to pursue the Trauma Area of Emphasis. Her research interests include the impact of trauma on stress physiology, resilience factors, and positive psychology. Clinically, she is interested in working on individual and community trauma-focused interventions with historically marginalized populations. Alyssa is a student member of APA divisions 1 (General Psychology), 20 (Adult Development and Aging), 35 (Society for the Psychology of Women), and 56 (Trauma Psychology).

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-strysko-b9251b157/

Sami Mitchell graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 2019 with a B.S. in Psychology. As an undergraduate student, she published a first-author article examining the relationship between self-regulation and traumatic experiences on academic achievement among a sample of college students. After graduation, she spent two years as a social worker, where she worked for an outpatient clinic and child protective services, focusing on family interventions and family preservation. In 2021, she began the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology Program at Palo Alto University (PAU) where she plans to pursue the Trauma Area of Emphasis. Sami’s research interests include the impact of complex trauma among adult and military populations, focusing on risk and resilience factors. Clinically, Sami is interested in assessing and treating trauma among veteran and adult populations. Sami is currently a student member of APA Divisions Division 19 (Society for Military Psychology) and 56 (Trauma Psychology). 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-mitchell-88367a186/

Sarah Hulscher (she/her/hers) graduated from the University of California, Riverside in 2021 with a B.S. in Psychology. While an undergraduate student, Sarah was a research assistant in the Observe Lab where she studied chronic pain and engagement in online social networks. Following graduation, Sarah immediately began the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Palo Alto University, where she is currently a second-year student. Her current research interests include intergenerational trauma, human rights violations and mental health, as well as how social support has changed due to disasters. Sarah’s clinical interests include reforming public policy to make mental healthcare more accessible and working with indigenous populations. Sarah is a student affiliate of the APA divisions 56 (trauma psychology), 52 (international psychology), 48 (society for the study of peace, conflict, and violence: peace psychology division), and 18 (psychologists in public service). 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hulscher-5448441b9/ 

Victoria Guinn (she/her) received her B.S. in Psychology and Religion from Furman University in 2016. Victoria then worked in Boston, MA as a clinical research coordinator and psychometrician on clinical trials for Alzheimer’s Disease 3 years. During the last year and a half of working, she pursued her M.S. in Psychology from Palo Alto University (PAU) and was awarded her degree in June 2021. Victoria is an active participant in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts at PAU and was awarded an inaugural position as a member of the newly founded DEI Admissions Committee in 2020. Currently, Victoria is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in the Clinical Psychology program at PAU. Victoria started her clinical training working with LGBTQ+ populations Sexual and Gender Identities Clinic at the Gronowski Center. She is now a neuropsychology practicum student at the Palo Alto VA Memory Clinic, working with Dr. Lisa Kinoshita. Her clinical and research interests include trauma-informed mental health care for adults and older adults, specifically with an intersectional approach for minority populations. Victoria aims to work in a multidisciplinary setting conducting policy-informing research for marginalized older adult communities. Victoria is an active member of APA Divisions 20 (Adult Development and Aging) and 40 (Clinical Neuropsychology).

Nicole Renee Stephenson (she/her/hers) received both a B.S. in Social Science from New York University Shanghai and a B.A. in Chinese History from East China Normal in 2019. Afterwards, Nicole received a M.S. in Psychology from Palo Alto University (PAU) in 2021 and is continuing her studies as a third-year Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student at PAU. Nicole plans to pursue both the Diversity and Community Mental Health and Trauma areas of emphases. Having worked as an English teacher in Shanghai, China for 6 years, her interest in teaching continues via working as a Teaching Assistant for PAU’s Adult Development and Aging course for M.S. students. Nicole’s research interests center around cultural differences in protective factors against trauma. Nicole aims to work internationally with underserved communities and expatriates. Nicole is an active student affiliate of APA Divisions 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race) and 52 (International Psychology). 

Sheila Thompson (she/her) is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in Clinical Psychology at Palo Alto University in the Trauma and Neuropsychology areas of emphasis. Sheila is a research assistant within the Risk and Resilience Research lab with Dr. Lisa Brown and the Human Rights in Trauma Mental Health Program of Stanford University. Last year, Sheila practiced accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP) as a student therapist at the Gronowski Center with adult individuals with complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). This year, Sheila is a practicum student at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System’s Psychological Assessment Unit with Dr. James Moses and the Wellness in Aging lab with Dr. J. Kaci Fairchild. Her research interests include the neurobiology of PTSD/cPTSD and its long-term cognitive, emotional, and health consequences. Clinically, she is interested in assessing and treating PTSD/cPTSD in older adults. Sheila aims to work as a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist in assessment and research focused on the neuropsychological functioning of PTSD/cPTSD and the potential for clinical improvement on a neuropsychological level. Sheila is a student affiliate of the American Psychological Association (APA; D20, Adult Development and Aging; D40, Clinical Neuropsychology; D56, Trauma Psychology), the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), the International Neuropsychological Society (INS), the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), and the Northern California Neuropsychology Forum (NCNF). 

Jeea Yang (she/her/hers) is a second-year Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student at Palo Alto University. Jeea graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Psychology and received an M.A. at New York University for Guidance and Counseling. Before entering the Psychology field, she worked as a Math teacher for over 10 years. For research, she was involved in a research lab at NYU evaluating the experience of first-year mothers through qualitative analysis. Concurrently, she engaged in the Champ lab at Columbia where she back-translated various assessments from Korean to English and analyzed data on parenting interventions in schools. Jeea’s most formative internship was through the APA at the UN. She presented her research on the impact of trauma on North Korean refugees in the EPA and APA symposiums, while advocating for the inclusion of mental health care in the fight for basic human rights. At PAU, she is the president-elect in the ATSS club and pursuing the trauma and DCMH emphasis. Professionally, she hopes to specialize in trauma-informed care to implement evidence-based interventions for refugee and immigrant populations. She is a student affiliate for APA Division 56 (Trauma Psychology) and Division 27 (Community Psychology).

Shaune-Ru (Shaune) Wang graduated from National Taiwan University, Taiwan, in 2016 with a B.A. in Foreign Languages and Literatures, focusing on Chinese-English Translation and Interpretation. Prior to graduation, she also did a year of exchange study in Social Psychology at the University of Helsinki, Finland. After graduation, she spent two years working as an elementary school teacher and guidance counselor in rural Taiwan, in affiliation with Teach for Taiwan. In 2019, she began the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology Program at Palo Alto University (PAU), where she aims to pursue the Trauma Area of Emphasis and Diversity and Community Mental Health Emphasis. Shaune’s clinical and research interests lie in the impact of trauma among refugees, asylum seekers, and minoritized ethnic groups; specifically, she is interested in relational healing of Complex PTSD. Shaune serves as the president of the Union of International Students (UNITS) at PAU. She is also a student member of the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) as well as APA Divisions 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race), 52 (International Psychology), and 56 (Trauma Psychology).

Danielle F. Gonzalez graduated from Universidad Catolica Andres Bello in Caracas, Venezuela, with a B.A. in Psychology. After graduation, she moved to the United States, where she graduated from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, D.C., with an M.A. in Forensic Psychology. In 2018 she studied abroad in Berlin, Germany, for two weeks to comprehend the differences of correctional counseling between the USA and Germany. In 2019, she started at Palo Alto University (PAU) for the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology Program. She plans to specialize in the Trauma Area of Emphasis and Diversity and Community Mental Health Emphasis. Her clinical and research interests are the impact of trauma in families and children in risk situations or that experienced complex trauma and minoritized ethnic groups. Danielle is currently working as the treasurer for the Latino Student Organization (PULSO) at PAU. She is also a student member of the APA Divisions 48 (The Society for the Study of Peace Conflict & Violence) and 56 (Trauma Psychology).

Nicole Greenberg received a B.A. in Psychology in 2017 from the University of Southern California (USC). As an undergraduate student, she worked in the Section on Clinical Research in Aging and Psychology (SCRAP lab) examining sex differences in loneliness on cognition among older adults.  Nicole has a first-authored article in a high impact peer reviewed journal, three manuscripts in preparation, a published book review, and three presented posters at national conferences. She also serves as a TA for the Adult Development and Aging and Biological Bases of Behavior courses. Nicole has a research appointment at the Palo Alto VA to study the mediating mechanisms of loneliness on cognitive functioning in late life. At the PAVA memory clinic, Nicole provides assessment, cognitive rehabilitation, and caregiver intervention services to veterans who have marginalized or minoritized identities. Nicole is a student representative on the APA Division 20 Executive Committee and she co-chairs the Research Methods Special Interest Group. At present, she is spearheading a conversation hour with Drs. Martin Sliwinski and Laura Germine on the integration of technology into cognitive assessment with the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Special Interest Group.She is a student member of APA Divisions 20 (Adult Development and Aging), 40 (Neuropsychology), and 12 (Clinical Geropsychology).

Induni (Indy) Wickramasinghe graduated from the University of California, San Diego in 2014 with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Cognitive Science. After graduation, she spent three years working as a clinical research assistant at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and was involved in randomized controlled trials examining telehealth-based psychotherapy for PTSD. In 2018, she began the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Palo Alto University (PAU), where she is pursuing the Trauma Area of Emphasis. Her research interests include social and cultural risk and resiliency factors in PTSD, and assessment and treatment of PTSD in ethnic minority populations. Indy served as co-president of the Students for Global Mental Health group at PAU and is a student affiliate of the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), APA Division 56 (Trauma Psychology), and the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA). She also served as a peer reviewer and editorial assistant for the APA Division 56 newsletter. 

Kyle Rosales graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2017, with a B.A. in Psychology. As an undergraduate student, Kyle worked as a research assistant at the Minds in Technology/Machines in Thought (MIT2) laboratory where he assisted with studies on trust in robotics. Currently, he is a 3rd year student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D program at Palo Alto University (PAU) and has completed the Trauma Area of Emphasis. His clinical and research interests are focused on veterans who have experienced trauma. Specifically, he is interested in how PTSD and co-occurring substance use disorders develop and the use of efficacious treatments. In 2019, he was awarded the Pacific Research Society Student Veteran Organization Award for Outstanding Research in Military Populations from PAU. In 2020, Kyle first authored a poster for division 19 of APA on The Effects of Military Deployments and Resiliency on GAD. Additionally, he co-authored a book chapter on Indirect Self-Destructive behaviors that is in review. Clinically, he is receiving training in treating substance use and co-occurring disorders at Highland Hospital's substance use disorder program within the Alameda Health System. Kyle is a student member of APA divisions 2 (Society for the Teaching of Psychology, 5 (Quantitative and Qualitative Methods), 12 (Clinical Psychology), 19 (Society of Military Psychology), and 56 (Trauma Psychology).

Rachel N. Ward received her B.Sc. in Psychology from Royal Holloway, University of London in 2017. As an undergraduate student, Rachel worked as a lead research assistant at LifeMoves Homeless Shelter Network in Northern California. In 2017, she started the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Palo Alto University, where she is completing the Trauma Area of Emphasis. In 2020, Rachel received her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from PAU. Her primary research interests include how factors such as social support and gender modulate risk of developing PTSD and related disorders and in the utilization of risk and resilience factors to better screen for mental health outcomes. Her clinical interests include working with individuals who have experienced trauma, specifically trauma related to military service and sexual violence. Rachel is currently working with Dr. Rachel Kimerling at the National Center for PTSD in Menlo Park exploring gender differences in PTSD. Clinically, Rachel has received training in working with LGBT+ individuals through the Sexual and Gender Identity Clinic at the Gronowski Center and working with individuals with Severe Mental Illnesses through San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. Currently, she is gaining experience working with substance use disorders and dual diagnosis in residential and outpatient settings through the First Step program at the Palo Alto VA. Rachel is a student member of the APA divisions 56 (Trauma Psychology), 19 (Military Psychology) and 18 (Psychologists in Public Service) and of ISTSS. Rachel currently serves as the student representative of the VA section of Division 18.

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Rachel N. Ward CV

Amanda graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2016, with a bachelor's in psychology and a minor in marriage and family therapy. She began the clinical psychology Ph.D. program at Palo Alto University (PAU) in 2017 and has completed specialized training within the trauma area of emphasis. Amanda has first-authored several manuscripts including peer-reviewed journal articles, a book chapter, Division 56 newsletter contributions about individual and global experiences of trauma, and co-developed a COVID-19 decision aid. Most recently, she defended her dissertation looking at clusters of childhood maltreatment experiences that influence adulthood symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. During her time at PAU she served as secretary for the Association of Traumatic Stress Studies student group and Campus Ambassador for APA. She will begin her internship at the VA-Southern Nevada Healthcare System in the summer of 2021. Her research interests include trauma/PTSD, severe mental illness, and personality. Amanda is a student affiliate of APA Division 56 (Trauma Psychology), the Association for Psychological Science (APS), as well as the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS).

Mandana Mostofi graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2015 with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Education. As an undergraduate, she worked as a research assistant at the Berkeley Early Learning Lab where she assisted with experimental studies on cognitive function and development. She also conducted research at the Center for Human Sleep Science where she was involved in investigating the role of sleep in human health disorders. Following graduation, Mandana worked as a family support counselor and provided community-based mental health services to minors and their families. In 2017, she began the Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at Palo Alto University (PAU). Her research and clinical interests include aging, trauma, and diversity. Mandana first-authored a book chapter titled "Cultural Competence and Disaster Mental Health". Currently, she is continuing her passion for research on the role of sleep in cognitive aging as a visiting scholar at Memory and Aging Center (MAC) at the University of California - San Francisco as well as Sierra Pacific MIRECC at VA Palo Alto Health Care Systems. In 2018, she was the recipient of the Pacific Research Society First Place Award for excellence in research design and presentation. Mandana serves as a co-chair for the Aging Policy and Social Activism Special Interest Group of APA Division 20 (Adult Development and Aging). She is also on the student committee for APA Division 52 (International Psychology). 

Juliet Sobering received a B.A. in Psychology from Quinnipiac University in 2008. She continued her education at Manhattan College where she earned an M.A. in Counseling Psychology in 2011 and became licensed as a School Counselor in New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. From 2012-2017 Juliet worked at McLean Hospital as a Community Residence Counselor and then as a School Counselor at the Arlington School. In 2017 she began the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program at Palo Alto University with an emphasis in adult trauma. Juliet has received clinical practicum training at Gronowski Clinic working with the general population and with the LGBTQ community. She is currently receiving training at the Palo VA Health Care System Community Living Center, Geropsychiatry Unit. Juliet will be at the Oakland Vet Center for the 2020-2021 training year. She was an extern at the National Center for PTSD working on a telehealth study for women veterans with military sexual trauma. Juliet’s clinical and research interests are focused on veterans, aging, older adults, trauma, and animal-assisted interventions. At Palo Alto University, Juliet is the Public Relations Officer for the Animal-Assisted Therapy Club. She is a student affiliate of APA divisions 20 (Adult Development and Aging), 19 (Military Psychology), and 56 (Trauma Psychology).

Emma Lucas received her Master in Social Welfare at the University of California, Berkeley and her Master in Public Health at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. She earned her Bachelor of Science in biology and psychology from the University of Alabama. After gaining valuable experience working for several mental health and health care organizations, she began the Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at Palo Alto University in 2015 with emphases in neuropsychology and trauma. She is currently training at the University of California, San Francisco Memory and Aging Center, Stanford University Center for Neuroscience in Women’s Health, and the Feeling Good Institute. Her clinical and research interests include neurobehavioral and neuropsychiatric disorders and exploring how trauma, chronic stress, and the social determinants of health affect physical and mental health across the lifespan. Emma is a student member of the Association of Neuropsychology Students in Training (ANST) at Palo Alto University, the International Neuropsychological Society (INS), the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN), and APA Divisions 40 (Society for Clinical Neuropsychology), 22 (Rehabilitation Psychology), 56 (Trauma Psychology), and 38 (Society for Health Psychology).

Nicole Newman graduated from the University of Southern California in 2015 with a B.A. in Psychology and later from University of Pennsylvania with a M.S. in Counseling and Mental Health Services. In 2016, she began the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program at Palo Alto University. She completed PAU's Neuropsychology area of emphasis in May 2019 in preparation for becoming a board-certified neuropsychologist. Nicole has completed clinical practicum rotations at the Gronowski Center with specific training in Accelerated Experiential-Dynamic Psychotherapy, the Neuropsychology General Medical Clinic and the Acute Inpatient Psychiatry Unit at the VA Palo Alto . She began her Doctoral Internship at the Sacramento VA in July 2020 for specific training in neuropsychological assessment, cognitive rehabilitation, severe mental illness, and motivational interviewing. She is working toward furthering her understanding of cognition, neuropsychological assessment, and the biomechanisms of psychopathology and trauma. Nicole is passionate about advocacy and education as well, teaching college courses at San Quentin State Prison. She is a student member of APA Divisions 56 (Trauma Psychology), 40 (Clinical Neuropsychology), 19 (Military Psychology), 12 (Clinical Psychology) as well as the International Neuropsychological Society (INS).

Mayra A. Gomez is a fifth year PhD doctoral candidate in the adult trauma track, clinical psychology program at Palo Alto University (PAU). In June, 2020, she was selected to be a Psychology Summer Institute Recipient for the prestigious American Psychological Association (APA), Minority Fellowship Program. Mayra is currently doing her predoctoral internship at the San Francisco VA Healthcare System this year. She received a Psychology B.A. in 2011 from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and her psychology M.S. at PAU. Prior to her graduate training, Mayra spent several years working in research at UCSD and at the VA San Diego. Her research and clinical interests centers around adult trauma related psychopathology, comorbid disorders, substance use, neurocognitive functions, risk and resilient factors, behavioral medicine, health disparities among marginalized groups, and Latinx psychology. She is a student affiliate of the APA, International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), and National Latino/a Psychological Association (NLPA). 

Katie Carlson graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2015, earning her B.A. (Honors) in Psychology with a concentration in Therapeutic and Community Psychology. In 2016, she began the Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at Palo Alto University, specializing in the Adult Trauma Area of Emphasis in preparation for a career as a board-certified clinical psychologist. In 2019, Katie received her MS in Clinical Psychology from PAU. She has completed clinical practicum rotations at the Gronowski Center, LifeMoves homeless shelter network, and the San Francisco VA PTSD Team (PCT). Katie will begin her predoctoral internship at the McGuire VA in Richmond, Virginia in August of 2021. Her clinical and research interests primarily include moral injury, PTSD, and trauma treatment in active-duty military and veteran populations. Katie has previously held research positions with both the San Diego and San Francisco VA Healthcare Systems. During her time at Palo Alto University, she has served as the Co-President for the Student Veteran’s Organization and as the APA Division 19 (Military Psychology) Campus Representative. She is passionate about public service and aspires to a career dedicated to providing excellent trauma treatment for military veterans, education and teaching, and research advancing the field of trauma psychology. She is a student member of APA Divisions 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology), 18 (Psychologists in Public Service), 19 (Military Psychology), and 56 (Trauma Psychology) as well as the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

Katie J. Carlson CV

Tristan Hansell graduated from the University of Vermont in 2007, earning her Bachelors in Geology, with a minor in sociology.  During 2006, Tristan studied abroad in South Africa, allowing her the opportunity to fall in love with the country and continent, while gaining hands on experience in restorative justice and transitional societies.  Aiming to develop on these skills, Tristan attended the University of Amsterdam, earning her Master’s in Political Science, with a concentration in International Conflict Resolution in 2011.  Completing her thesis on acculturation strategies and effects on ethnic identity in immigrant populations in Amsterdam, her career quickly took a turn into psychological aspects of political instability.  She entered Palo Alto University in 2015, to earn her PhD in Clinical Psychology to focus on refugee and immigrant population mental health during political instability.  In 2016, Tristan joined the Risk and Resilience Lab at Palo Alto University to develop these interests.  She is currently working on projects related to disaster awareness and global mental health.

Minsu Kim received his B.A. (with honors) in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley in 2014. After graduation, he began research on North Korean defectors living in South Korea with PTSD at the Committee for the Democratization of North Korea. In 2015, he enrolled in Palo Alto University’s Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program, specializing in the Trauma Area of Emphasis.  He is currently working on his dissertation using the dataset of National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study at National Center for PTSD as well as continuing his research on Mental Health issues among North Korean defectors in the Risk and Resilience Research Lab at Palo Alto University. He has been providing clinical services at Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) in San Jose, CA. His research interests include trauma-related mental health issues among people experiencing cultural transition, such as immigration, military discharge, forced repatriation, etc. He is a student member of APA divisions 56 (Trauma Psychology) and 52 (International Psychology), and a member of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies since 2015.

Peter Louras received his B.A. in Journalism from Western Washington University in 2004. From 2009 to 2016 Peter was employed as a Lead Research Coordinator for Harborview Medical Center, the Level-1 Trauma Center in Seattle, WA. In 2014 he began the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Palo Alto University (PAU), in the Trauma Area of Emphasis, and received his M.S. Psychology from PAU in 2016. Currently, Peter works as a research coordinator with the Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR), and receives clinical training at the VA Menlo Park Division Community Living Center, providing inpatient mental health services with older Veterans. Peter’s research interests focus upon how the mind, brain and body respond to trauma, stress and adversity, and how to best foster resilience or change in health, performance and wellbeing. He is a graduate student member of APA divisions 19 (Military Psychology), 20 (Adult Development and Aging), 38 (Health Psychology), 47 (Exercise and Sports Psychology), and 56 (Trauma Psychology), Gerontological Society of America (GSA), World Affairs Council, and International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS).

Osnat Persky received her LL.B. (Bachelor of Law) from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel in 2002. Following graduation, she worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Israel. Osnat received her Masters of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University in 2007, where she focused on International Law and Conflict Resolution. Following graduation, Osnat was officiated as an attorney in NY in 2008. From 2009 until May 2013 Osnat worked as a criminal defense attorney at the Manhattan law firm of Brafman & Associates, where she litigated state and federal criminal cases. In 2015, Osnat began her Ph.D. studies at Palo Alto University and is currently in her second year of school. Osnat is also in her second year practicum at the Gronowski Center in Los Altos, CA. She was recently admitted to Palo Alto Veterans Affairs for her second-year practicum (2017-2018). Osnat’s interests include the fields of Trauma and Forensic Psychology, and she is specifically interested in the Veteran population. Osnat is currently working with Dr. Lisa Brown in the Risk and Resilience Research Lab. She is a student member of the American Psychology Association and of APA Division 41 (The American Psychology-Law Society). In April, 2016 Osnat received the Gary and Dana Shapiro Israeli Student Fellowship Award.