Research Assistants

Brynn Chouinard, B.A.
Brynn Chouinard graduated with a B.A. in Neuroscience and Behavior from Mount Holyoke College in 2022. She is a Clinical Research Assistant at Bradley Hospital, collaborating on and recruiting for several AMHC studies along with fulfilling clinical roles on the Adolescent Inpatient Unit. She is planning to pursue a PhD in Neuropsychology with focus on current therapeutic effectiveness and alternative therapy influence on verbal and nonverbal communication within the ASD field.
Email: brynn_chouinard@brown.edu

 

 

Yael Turk, B.A.
Yael Turk graduated from Muhlenberg College in 2021. She is working as a Clinical Research Assistant with Dr. Jackie Nesi on her studies. Yael plans on pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on understanding the role of social media and other interpersonal and social factors that influence adolescents’ and young adults’ psychopathology and development, with a particular focus on how it impacts sexual and gender minority youth.

 

 

Emily Olenik, B.S. 

Emily Olenik graduated with a B.S. in Psychology and Sociology from Union College in June of 2023, earning departmental honors in both majors. She is working as a Clinical Research Assistant with Dr. Sarah Thomas, Dr. Elizabeth Thompson, and Dr. Samuel Meisel on their respective studies. Emily is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. In her spare time, she enjoys working on art for her small business and traveling.

 

 

Sydney Goldstein, B.S.
Sydney Goldstein graduated from Northwestern University in March 2023. She works as a Senior Psychology Assistant on the Adolescent Inpatient Unit at Bradley Hospital with Dr. Jennifer Wolff and Dr. Katie Affleck. She is hoping to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology and is especially interested in learning more about adolescent suicide risk and prevention.

 

 

Amy Palumbo, B.S.
Amy Palumbo graduated from Bridgewater State University Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Psychology in May 2023, also earning departmental honors in Psychology. Amy works as a Senior Psychology Assistant on the Adolescent Inpatient Unit at Bradley Hospital with Dr. Jennifer Wolff on the STEP study, which focuses on enhancing positive emotions in teens that struggle with suicidal ideation and behaviors. Amy plans to pursue a PhD in Developmental Psychology, specifically focusing on research. Amy’s research interests include exploring how psychosocial and family environment influence the development of mental health challenges in children, adolescents, and adults, and how economic stress impacts psychological stress in teens. 
Email: amy_palumbo@brown.edu

 

Celia Roberto, B.A. 

Celia Roberto graduated from Vanderbilt University in May 2024 with a B.A in Psychology. She is a Clinical Research Assistant with Dr. Anastacia Kudinova on the Teen Mind Study and Teens’ Attitudes Toward Self Study. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a focus on teen suicide prevention and risk. In her free time, Celia enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family.
Email: celia_roberto@brown.edu

 

 

Sarah Cunningham, B.S.

Sarah Cunningham graduated with degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology from Virginia Tech in 2024. She works as a Clinical Research Assistant with Drs. Jennifer Wolff and Anastacia Kudinova on their respective studies. She plans to pursue her PhD in Clinical Psychology. Sarah is specifically interested in the psychopathology and neurobiology of internalizing disorders in children and adolescents. She loves spending time outdoors, reading, trying to complete crossword puzzles, and spending time with her loved ones.

Email: sarah_cunningham1@brown.edu

 

 

Elle Zelakiewicz, B.S.

Elle Zelakiewicz graduated from The Ohio State University in 2024 with Honors Research Distinction in Psychology. She works as a Clinical Research Assistant for Dr. Jennifer Wolff at Rhode Island and Bradley Hospital. Elle plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, with a particular interest in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In her spare time, Elle enjoys baking cupcakes, puzzling, and spending time in the sun.

Email: elle_zelakiewicz@brown.edu