Profile

Professor Picanol is currently working as an Assistant Professor and Faculty Advisor for the Undergraduate Psychology and Criminal Justice Program at Albizu University. He works at the University for over three years, teaching courses in Psychology, Philosophy, and Criminal Justice.

Professor Picanol is a licensed mental health counselor and has a master degree in Mental Health Counseling which he obtained at Albizu University.

As a counselor, he have been in the field for fourteen years and worked for more than five companies providing individual therapy to clients diagnosed with mental disorders. He also worked for a duel diagnosis program where he facilitated group therapy, as well as supported, monitored, and actively advocated on behalf of clients in order to sustain independent living.

Professor Picanol experience includes individual and family therapy sessions for the community as well as an extensive work for the Department of Corrections where he was actively involved in daily crisis intervention for inmates in confinement with suicidal ideation.

Faculty
Assistant Professor Education Programs 
Miami CampusEducation Programs
Email: farbelo@albizu.edu
Phone: 305-593-1223 ext. 3165

Biography of Floralba Arbelo

Dr. Floralba Arbelo Marrero, Associate Professor of Education at Carlos Albizu University has been involved in higher education for over twelve years. Dr. Arbelo-Marrero has had the privilege of developing educational programs and collaborating with NGO projects in Puerto Rico, Haiti, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and in the U.S. in the areas of immigration policy, curriculum development, social justice programs, instructional design, LMS administration, board governance, strategic planning, and grant writing. Research interests include: the academic persistence of Hispanic nontraditional students, academic persistence at Hispanic Serving Institutions, the socio-cultural factors that affect achievement for Hispanic, and collaborative models across sectors to improve Hispanic student success. Dr. Arbelo-Marrero has earned degrees from Brooklyn College, Milano Graduate School for International Affairs, and a doctorate from Liberty University and has collaborated on research projects with the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad del Sagrado Corazon, New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, and the Center for New York City Affairs . Dr. Arbelo-Marrero lives in South Florida with her husband Michael and their two children.

Dr. Santana is a Licensed Psychologist in the States of Massachusetts and Florida. He graduated as a psychologist from the University of Havana with concentration in Clinical Psychology. He received his PhD in neuropsychology from Moscow State University where he worked with the renowned professor and researcher Dr. Esther Simernitskaya, head of Pediatric Neuropsychology in Luria’s school. Dr. Santana completed a clinical internship in School Street Counseling Institute in Massachusetts. He has presented at several international conferences and published in neuropsychology of learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental disorders. He is the author of the Neuropsychological Laterality Test. Relevant publications include:

Santana R.A. (2006).  El cerebro, la conducta y el aprendizaje, neuropsicología para padres y maestros. Editorial de la Universidad Estatal a Distancia: San José, Costa Rica.

Santana R.A. (2009). Un reto a la validez psicométrica en la evaluación neuropsicológica. Revista de Psicología, Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, 1, 45-56

Santana R.A. (2010). Neuropsicología para padres, maestros y especialistas en el área. Fondo Editorial, Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, Lima, Perú.

Santana R.A. (2010). Objetividad y subjetividad en la evaluación neuropsicológica. Editorial Proyectos BiiK, Santo Domingo. República Dominicana.

Associate Professor, received a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1968, an M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1973, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1973. His research interests are assessment and selection.

Adjunct Professor, received a B.S. in Biology from the College of Charleston in 1981 and an M.A. in Human Resources Development from Webster University in 1997. Her research interests are performance excellence and organizational management.

Adjunct Professor, received a B.S. in Psychology from Union Institute & University in 1994, an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Post-Master’s in School Counseling K-12 from St. Thomas University in 1996, and an Addiction Counselor Certificate from the Addiction Training Institute in 1992.  Her research interests are children of immigrants and adaptation vs. loss of cultural identity.

Adjunct Professor, received a B.A. in Psychology/Sociology from Queens College in 1979, an M.S. from the Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies in 1979, and a Ph.D. in Social/Personality Psychology from the University of California–Santa Cruz in 1987. His research interests are cross-cultural psychology, race, and psychopathology.

Adjunct Professor, received a B.A. in Psychology from Florida International University in 1991, an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from the Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies in 1994, and a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology from Carlos Albizu University in 2000. Her research interests are neuropsychology, neurological testing and its cultural influences, and vocational rehabilitation.

Adjunct Professor, received a B.S. in Clinical Psychology from Universidade Santa Úrsula in 2000, an M.S. in Psychology with a major in Marriage & Family Therapy from Carlos Albizu University in 2003, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Sexology from the American Academy of Clinical Sexology at Maimonides University in 2007. Her research interests are clinical and health psychology, stressful life events, mental and physical health outcomes, particularly in the area of women’s health, and empirical research on the interrelationship between psychology and spirituality to better understand the role of spirituality in physical and mental health.

Adjunct Professor, received a B.S. from St. Thomas University in 1984, an M.S. from the Miami Institute of Psychology in 1986, and a Ph.D. from the Miami Institute of Psychology in 1990. His research interests are new medications and their application and social issues.

Professor and Practicum Coordinator, received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Delaware in 1972, an M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Personnel from the University of Delaware in 1974, and a Ed.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Virginia in 1977. His research interests are forensic psychology, forensic issues, and hypnosis.

Adjunct Professor, received a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Social Welfare from Florida International University in 2001, an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Thomas University in 2003, and a Ph.D. in Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2009. Her research interests are blended family dynamics and stepfathers’ roles.

Adjunct Professor, received a B.A. in Speech Arts from Hofstra University in 1967, an M.A. in Counseling from Manhattan College in 1975, and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 1984. Her research interests are attention deficit, hyperactive children and adolescents, and addictive behaviors of children and adults.

Assistant Professor and Practicum Coordinator, received a B.A. in Psychology from Bellarmine University in 1972, an M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Louisville in 1975, and an Ed.D. in Education with majors in Organizational and Higher Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2014. Her research interests are grants and funding for higher education, transitions to college of non-traditional students, and strategies for engagement of online students.

Professor and Practicum Coordinator, received a B.S. in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 1993, an M.S. in General Psychology from the Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies in 1995, and a Psy.D in Clinical Psychology from the Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies in 1999. Her research interests are multicultural issues and the psychological and social development of children reared in a same-gender family matrix.

Adjunct Professor, received a B.A. in Psychology from Florida International University in 1988, an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 1991, and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies in 1999. His research interest is bereavement issues in child development.

Adjunct Professor, received a B.S. in Psychology from the Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies in 1992 and an M.S. in Psychology with majors in School Counseling and Mental Health Counseling from the Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies in 1994. Her research interests are depression, anxiety, and anger management.

Adjunct Professor, received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Hawaii in 1978 and an M.S.W. from Florida International University in 1990. His research interests are dependency; mental health counseling; and continuing education.

Adjunct Professor, received a B.S. in Psychology from Barry University in 1988, an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 1991, a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Neuropsychology from Carlos Albizu University in 2001, and an M.S. in Clinical Psychopharmacology from Nova Southeastern University in 2009. His research interests are pediatric neuropsychology and neurorehabilitative treatment; neuropsychopharmacological treatment for mental illness; psychoneuroimmunology and stress-related illnesses; and negative environmental influences and their impact on behavioral issues.

Professor and Practicum Coordinator, received a B.S in Psychology from Barry University in 1994, an M.S in Counseling with a dual major in Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Barry University in 1988, and a Ph.D. in Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2008. Her research interests are Bowenian approaches and other multigenerational therapies to case staffing and consultation and qualitative research.

Adjunct Professor, received a B.S in Psychology from Bhopal University, India, in 1971, an M.S. in Sociology from Bhopal University, India, in 1973, an M.A. in Applied Psychology from Long Island University, Conolly College, in 1979, and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Carlos Albizu University in 1994. His research interests are the history of ethnicity and cultural differences.

Associate Professor, received a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1968, an M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1973, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1973. His research interests are assessment and selection.

Adjunct Professor, received a B.A. in Psychology from Wesleyan College in 1995, an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2002, and an M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Carlos Albizu University in 2012. Her research interests are training and talent management, followership, and leadership.

Professor and Practicum Coordinator, received a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Miami in 1987, an M.S.W. from Florida International University in 1989, and a Ph.D. in Social Welfare from Florida International University in 1994. Her research interests are assessment centers, selection, legal issues, leadership, and teams/work groups.

Director of the Master in Psychology Programs and Professor, received a B.A. in Psychology from Florida International University in 1990, an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in 1992, an M.S. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Carlos Albizu University in 2007, and an Ed.D. in Education with majors in Organizational and Higher Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2011. Her research interests are leadership, mentoring, professional development, academic resilience, psychotherapy outcomes, trauma-based disorders, and cross-cultural and minority issues.

Dr. Maria Perez-Abalo, Adjunct Professor, received an M.D. from the University of Havana in 1976, Medical Specialization in Pathological and Normal Physiology (Clinical Neurophysiology) from the Cuban Ministry of Health in 1978 and 1999, and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the National Center for Scientific Research, Havana, in 1988. Her research interests are research methodologies; neuroanatomy; and neuropsychological studies. Relevant publications include:

Perez-Abalo, M., Gaya, J., Savio, G., Perera, M., Ponce de Leon, M., Sanchez, M., Rodriguez, E. (2009). A 25-year review of Cuba’s Screening Program for early detection of hearing loss. MEDICC Review (International Journal of Cuban Health & Medicine), 11 (1): 21-8.

Perez-Abalo, M. (2008). Chapter IV: Elements of Psychophysiology. In Alvarez, M. ed. Principles of Neurosciences for Psychologists. Felix Varela Publishing, Havana.

Savio, G. & Perez-Abalo, M. (2007). Chapter Ten: Auditory Steady-State Responses and Hearing Screening.  In Rance, G. ed. The Auditory Steady-State Response: Generation, Recording, and Clinical Application. Plural Publishing, San Diego, California.

Savio, G., Perez-Abalo, M., Gaya, J., Hernandez, O., Mijares, E. (2005). Test accuracy and prognostic validity of multiple auditory steady state responses for targeted hearing screening. International Journal of Audiology, 45 (2): 109-120).

Picton, T.W., Dimitrijevick, A., Perez-Abalo, M., Van Roon, P. (2005). Estimating audiometric thresholds using auditory steady state responses. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 16: 140-146.

Dr. Regina Melchor-Beaupre, Adjunct Professor, received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Miami in 1984, an M.S. in General Psychology from Carlos Albizu University in 1992, and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Carlos Albizu University in 1998. Her research interests are health psychology and stress-related issues.

Dr. Francisco Sastre is a social scientist and public health researcher. He graduated from Florida International University (FIU) in 2011 with a Ph.D. in Comparative Sociology, specializing in Medical Anthropology. Dr. Sastre’s career has focused on HIV disparities research and on the improvement of public health services. His work linking health research and quality improvement began in 2002, when he led the evaluation of the HIV/AIDS programs at the Latino Health Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. Since then, Dr. Sastre has provided guidance to public health organizations throughout the United States in the area of research and evaluation to improve health services to minority communities. Since moving to Florida in 2005, Dr. Sastre completed graduate fellowship training at FIU’s Center for Research on U.S. Latino HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse, where he advanced his research on the intersection of culture and illness to improve access to and retention in care among Latinos living with HIV/AIDS. Most recently, he served as the Director of Quality Management and Improvement at Behavioral Science Research Corporation, where he led the team responsible for the quality management of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, Part A, in Miami-Dade County. Dr. Sastre has published several peer-reviewed articles on the intersection of culture and illness, HIV health disparities, and risk behavior among Latino immigrants.

Dr. Louise B. Silverstein, Adjunct Professor, received a B.A. in Political Sciences from Sophie Newcomb College in 1967, an M.A. in Educational Psychology from New York University in 1972, an M.S. with Certification in School Psychology from New York University in 1976, and a Ph.D. in School Psychology from New York University in 1981. Her interests are research in fatherhood, family therapy, and qualitative research. Relevant publications include:

Auerbach, C. F. & Silverstein, L. B.  Qualitative data. An introduction to coding and analysis.  Second Edition. New York: New York University Press. Manuscript in preparation.

Silverstein, L. B., Hidayatallah, N., Stolerman, M., Cohen, L., McDonald, T., Walsh, C. A.,  Marion, R. W., Dolan, S. M.  Paljevic, E., Marion, R. W., Wasserman, D., Dolan. S. M. (2014). Translating advances in cardiogenetics into effective clinical practice. Qualitative Health Research, Published online 11 August 2014, DOI: 10.1177/1049732314546754

Silverstein, L. B. & Auerbach, C. F. (2009). Comment. Using Qualitative Research to Develop  Culturally Competent Evidence Based Practice. American Psychologist, 64, 274-275.

Silverstein, L. B. & Auerbach, C. F.  (2008). Qualitative Research: Bridging the Gap between Science and Practice, New York State Psychologist, 13-16.

Silverstein, L. B., Auerbach, C. F., &, Levant, R. F. (2006).  Using qualitative research to enhance  clinical practice. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 37, 351-358.

Dr. Eshagh Shehniyilagh, Adjunct Professor, received a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in 1979, an M.S. in General Psychology from Tennessee State University in 1991, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Tennessee State University in 2000. His research interests are test construction and multiculturalism in psychology.

Dr. Christian F. Schoepp, Adjunct Professor, received a B.A. in Political Science from Florida International University in 2004, an M.A. in Public Administration from Florida International University in 2006; a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University in 2014, and Certificates in Human Resource Management and Conflict Resolution between 2006-2010. His research interests are E-learning; social media; and conflict resolution.

Dr. Steven L. Proctor, Adjunct Professor, received a B.S. in Psychology from Appalachian State University in 2007, an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Western Carolina University in 2009; and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2014. His research interests are evaluating addiction assessment procedures, instruments, and treatment services; and underlying mechanisms of problematic substance use that may influence or mediate treatment outcomes. Relevant publications include:

Proctor, S. L., Wainwright, J. L., Herschman, P. L., & Kopak, A. M. (2017). AiRCare: A naturalistic evaluation of the effectiveness of a protracted telephone-based recovery assistance program on continuing care outcomes. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 73, 9–15. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2016.10.003

Proctor, S. L., Wainwright, J. L., & Herschman, P. L. (2017). Patient adherence to multi-component continuing care discharge plans. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 80, 52-58. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2017.07.003

Proctor, S. L., Wainwright, J. L., & Herschman, P. L. (2017). Importance of short-term continuing care plan adherence on long-term outcomes among patients discharged from residential substance use treatment. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 43, 734–741. doi: 10.1080/00952990.2017.1329315

Proctor, S. L., Kopak, A. M., & Hoffmann, N. G. (2014). Cocaine use disorder prevalence: From current DSM-IV to proposed DSM-5 diagnostic criteria with both a two and three severity level classification system. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 28, 563–567. doi: 10.1037/a0033369

Proctor, S. L., Estroff, T. W., Empting, L. D., Shearer-Williams, S., & Hoffmann, N. G. (2013). Prevalence of substance use and psychiatric disorders in a highly select chronic pain population. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 7, 17–24. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0b013e318273863a

Dr. Rafael Martínez,

Adjunct Professor

Received a B.A. in Anthropology/Psychology from the University of Florida in 1972, an M.A. in Psychological Anthropology from the University of Florida in 1979, an M.S. in Adult Education and Human Resources Development from Florida International University in 1990, and an Ed.D. in Adult Education and Human Resources Development from  Florida International University in 1996. His research interest is cross-cultural issues.

Dr. Edel Lemus, Adjunct Professor, received a B.S. in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University in 2007, an M.I.B.A. in International Business from Nova Southeastern University in 2009, and a D.B.A. in Accounting from Argosy University in 2015. His research interests include accounting, finance, and international business. Relevant publications include:

Lemus, E. (2016). Resistance to Changes in Financial Reporting Standards. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.

Lemus, E. (2015). IFRS Qualitative Research Study Approach. In Interactivity and Social Networks (pp. 496-513). West Palm Beach: Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences Press (JAPSS Press) and Grupo de Investigacion Concilium, Universidad Complutense (Madrid, Spain).

Otto, F., Palwal, D., Rivero, O., Orta, M., & Lemus, E. (March, 2015). Exploring the Possible Role of Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy for the Economic Empowerment of Women.

Lemus, E. & Orta, A., M. (February, 2015). The Unprecedented Business Ethical Dilemma in the World Financial Markets. Global Journal of Management and Business Research: D, Volume 15, Issue 1.

Lemus, E. & Orta, A., M. (February, 2015). Leading Innovation Change in Today’s Competitive Environment. Global Journal of Management and Business Research: A, Volume 15, Issue 2.

Dr. Sharrie R. Dean,

Adjunct Professor

Received a B.S. in Professional Studies from Barry University in 1985, an M.S. in Education from Nova Southeastern University in 1990, a Ph.D. in Curriculum Design from Union Institute and University in 1997, and Certificates in Educational Leadership, Reading, and ESOL Endorsement between 1990-1997.  Her research interests are distance learning and reading.

Dr. Irene M. Bravo, Professor and Program Director, completed her undergraduate studies in psychology at Florida International University (FIU) in 1990 and received a Ph.D. in Developmental and Clinical Psychology in 1998. Dr. Bravo completed a pre-doctoral clinical internship at the Miami Heart Institute and post-doctoral work at Escovar and Associates, Inc. She is a licensed psychologist and maintains a private practice in Miami, Florida. Her research interests include lifespan anxiety and somatic symptomatology; marital infidelity; and prevention strategies for youth at risk. Relevant publications include:

Bravo, I. M., & Noya, M. (2014).  Culture in prenatal development:  Parental attitudes, availability of care, expectations, values, and nutrition. Child & Youth Care Forum,43, 521-538 doi:10.1007/s10566-014-9251-4.

Bravo, I. M., & Roca, C. S. (2013).  Assessing somatoform disorders in the Hispanic client (pp. 293-307).  In L. T. Benuto (Ed.) Guide to psychological assessment with Hispanics. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Co.

Bravo, I. M., & Lumpkin, P.  (2010). The complex case of marital infidelity: An explanatory model of contributory processes to facilitate psychotherapy.  The American Journal of Family Therapy, 38, 421-432.

Silverman, W.K., & Bravo, I. M.  (2003). Childhood therapies that help:  A much needed resource.  Contemporary Psychology, 48, 280–284.

Bravo, I. M., & Silverman, W. K.  (2001).  Anxiety sensitivity, anxiety, and depression in older patients and their relation to hypochondriacal concerns and medical illnesses. Aging and Mental Health, 5, 349-357.

Dr. Evangelina Alonso,

Adjunct Professor,

Received a B.S. in Psychology from the Miami Institute of Psychology in 1994 and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Carlos Albizu University in 1999. Her research interests are multicultural psychology; physiological psychology; neuropsychology; forensic psychology; and child and adolescent psychology.

Elsa Gonzalez, M.S.
Assistant Professor
ESOL Program Coordinator

Elsa Gonzalez completed her higher education degrees at Albizu University, Miami Campus, where she has been employed for the past 20 years. In 2005, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, including an ESOL endorsement. She also earned two master’s degrees, both with Distinction: a master’s degree in education with a major in TESOL in 2007 and a master’s degree in psychology with a major in school counseling in 2011. She completed TESOL practicum at various public schools in the Miami area and school counseling practicum at Shelton Academy, a private K-12 academy in Doral.

Elsa began her Albizu University career in 2003 as a teaching assistant for undergraduate psychology courses and has been teaching ESOL courses at Albizu for more than a decade. She has taught psychology courses at the undergraduate level, including Foundations of Psychology, Psychology as Literature, Learning Memory and Cognition, Professional Writing, Professional Speaking, and various cross-cultural courses. In December 2014, Elsa was promoted to ESOL program coordinator. In 2016, she redesigned the ESOL program, adding three more levels to the already existing six-level program, an action that was approved without a single correction by monitoring and accrediting organizations such as the Commission for Independent Education, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

She is a member of Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology; Sunshine State TESOL; and Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education. She is also a member of Teaching Tolerance, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, and received a certificate signed by Rosa Parks. Elsa’s name is displayed on the Wall of Tolerance in Montgomery, Alabama.

Her principal research interests include immigrants learning ESOL, diversity, and cross-cultural studies, including alternative assessment and curriculum. At present, she teaches ESOL endorsement courses for the undergraduate education program.

Yamila Lezcano is an Assistant Professor in the Undergraduate Education Program at Albizu University. She has been in Higher Education for the past 10 years. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University, and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and has her private practice in the Miami area. She has over 10 years of experience in the Infant Mental Health Field and Early Childhood Developmental Disorders, with special interest in Autism. She has had the opportunity to train with experts in the field of Autism from the Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders; where she received training in various modalities such as DIR and ABA to therapeutically work with individuals diagnosed with ASD. In addition, she has training in Parent-Child Psychotherapy and holds several certifications in the field of Infant and Maternal Mental Health. she worked for 9 years at the University of Miami, Pediatrics Department, holding several positions while serving diverse populations, from drug dependency court clients, foster care, developmental disabilities to young children and their families. In her last years with the University of Miami, she worked as a Supervisor for the UM Developmental Care Program, which provided developmental screenings and therapy to the 0-3-year population in our community.

Faculty
Junior Research Associate
Miami Campus

Institutional Center for Scientific Research
Email: aellis@albizu.edu
Phone: Ext. 3233
Biography of Amy Ellis

Dr. Amy E. Ellis is a Junior Research Associate at Albizu University-Miami Campus. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University (NSU). During her doctoral education, she received intensive training at the Trauma Resolution and Integration Program (TRIP), a community mental health center clinic that applies a contextual approach to treating and understanding survivors of prolonged childhood sexual and physical abuse. Prior to NSU, she earned her Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Adelphi University and her undergraduate degree from Hofstra University. Dr. Ellis completed her predoctoral internship at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, a Harvard University affiliate, and completed her postdoctoral residency at The Renfrew Center of Coconut Creek.

Dr. Ellis’ research focuses on trauma-related disorders and more specifically, the role of attachment theory in the context of the therapeutic relationship, as well as the implications of social and peer support in symptomotology. She is also interested in understanding psychologists’ advocacy efforts and potential barriers to their participation in the field. Dr. Ellis also serves on the Editorial Board for two APA journals: Professional Psychology: Theory & Practice and Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, & Policy. She is also the Editor of the Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy (APA Division 29) website and is the Co-Chair for the Task Force on Web-Based Resources for the Trauma Psychology Division (APA Division 56). In addition to her work at Albizu University, Dr. Ellis has a private practice specializing in co-occurring trauma and eating disorders and also works as a statistical design and research consultant.