Lab Personnel. |
Dr. Naomi Goldstein, Professor and Lab Director
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Naomi Goldstein, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology, Co-Director of the J.D./Ph.D. Program in Law and Psychology, and Director of the Juvenile Justice Research and Reform Lab at Drexel University. Dr. Goldstein collaborates with community stakeholders to use social science research to improve juvenile justice policy and practice. For more than 20 years, her work has focused on the role of adolescent development in legal decision making and legal outcomes, as well as on the development, implementation, and evaluation of best practices in juvenile justice contexts. She currently focuses on cross-systems efforts to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline, reform juvenile probation systems, establish positive policing practices, and reduce racial and ethnic disparities within the justice system.
Dr. Goldstein has served as primary investigator, co-investigator, or consultant on more than $20 million in federal, state, and foundation grants and has authored or co-authored more than 100 publications, including peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, forensic assessment tools, juvenile justice treatment manuals, police training curricula, and several books on juvenile justice. Additionally, Dr. Goldstein has authored, co-authored, and contributed to national and state juvenile justice legislation, policy reports, and amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court. Dr. Goldstein has served on the editorial boards of multiple academic journals, strategic planning and research advisory committees of national organizations, and juvenile justice work groups and policy committees. Dr. Goldstein received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and completed her clinical internship at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She obtained her B.A. in Psychology from Wesleyan University. | ||
Our Team
Rena Kreimer
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| Rena's Curriculum Vitae |
Rena Kreimer, MSW, currently serves as the Deputy Director of Drexel University's Juvenile Justice Research and Reform Lab. In this role, she facilitates communication between the Lab and diverse stakeholders and research partners; helps integrate empirical findings into state and local justice strategies; leverages grant funding to support change-making research, implementation, and evaluation projects; and provides technical assistance to jurisdictions engaging in data-informed juvenile justice initiatives. She also helps to lead the Lab’s contributions toward improving programs and systems through creative, data-driven translations of research, practice, and policy.
Prior to joining the Lab, Ms. Kreimer coordinated Philadelphia's Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) for the City of Philadelphia's Department of Human Services and Family Court, where she led and facilitated multiple reform projects to improve detention and juvenile justice practices, with a focus on juvenile probation enhancement. She previously gained professional experience in child-focused systems in California and Pennsylvania. Ms. Kreimer earned a B.A. in Psychology from Pitzer College, and an M.S.W. from the University of Pennsylvania.
Prior to joining the Lab, Ms. Kreimer coordinated Philadelphia's Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) for the City of Philadelphia's Department of Human Services and Family Court, where she led and facilitated multiple reform projects to improve detention and juvenile justice practices, with a focus on juvenile probation enhancement. She previously gained professional experience in child-focused systems in California and Pennsylvania. Ms. Kreimer earned a B.A. in Psychology from Pitzer College, and an M.S.W. from the University of Pennsylvania.
Amanda NeMoyer
Assistant Research Professor
| Amanda's Curriculum Vitae |
Amanda NeMoyer, J.D., Ph.D., is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Drexel University. In the Juvenile Justice Research and Reform Lab, she serves in a leadership role for several federally funded and foundation-sponsored research projects, including the Lab’s evaluation of a city-wide record expungement clinic initiative and an investigation into the patterns of verbal and physical violence in schools to lay the foundation for implementation and evaluation of a peer coaching intervention for non-classroom school climate staff.
With training in both psychology and law, Dr. NeMoyer enjoys evaluating current juvenile justice practices, investigating the potential need for reform, and advocating for policy change. In particular, her research has focused on alternatives to detention and incarceration for justice-involved youth, including diversion and probation initiatives.
Before joining the Lab in her current role, Dr. NeMoyer completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Disparities Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, with support from Harvard Medical School and the National Institute of Mental Health, and completed her clinical internship at Emory University School of Medicine/Grady Health System in Atlanta, GA. Dr. NeMoyer earned a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, a J.D. from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University.
With training in both psychology and law, Dr. NeMoyer enjoys evaluating current juvenile justice practices, investigating the potential need for reform, and advocating for policy change. In particular, her research has focused on alternatives to detention and incarceration for justice-involved youth, including diversion and probation initiatives.
Before joining the Lab in her current role, Dr. NeMoyer completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Disparities Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, with support from Harvard Medical School and the National Institute of Mental Health, and completed her clinical internship at Emory University School of Medicine/Grady Health System in Atlanta, GA. Dr. NeMoyer earned a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, a J.D. from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Drexel University.
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Briana Huett
Research Fellow/Data Manager |
Nili Gesser
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Briana Huett, Ph.D., is the Data Manager for the Juvenile Justice Research and Reform Lab’s evaluation of the city-wide expungement initiative in Philadelphia. Her previous research has focused largely on understanding the factors that determine and affect individuals’ perceptions of social, social welfare, and social justice policy issues, with the goal of understanding how communication barriers surrounding these topics can be overcome to generate policy action.
Dr. Huett completed her Ph.D. in Public Policy as a Distinguished Doctoral Fellow at the University of Arkansas while also completing an M.S. degree in Statistics and Analytics. |
Nili Gesser, Ph.D., is a research fellow at the Juvenile Justice Research and Reform Lab. She works mainly on the Positive School Safety Program, an intervention intended to train school personnel in the School District of Philadelphia on trauma-informed practices for working with youth. Her former research focused on street prostitution, substance use, sexual violence prevention, and agent-based modeling (ABM). Dr. Gesser is interested in assessing the impact of peer support interventions (support from people with similar lived experience) in different contexts.
Dr. Gesser received her Ph.D. in criminal justice from Temple University, her LL.B. (JD) from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and her master’s in law from Bar Ilan University. She is a former prosecutor and a victim advocate. Before joining the lab, Dr. Gesser completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Anderson Sexual Violence Prevention Lab in the Department of Psychology at the University of North Dakota. | ||||
J.D./Ph.D. Students
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Kelly Eom is a third-year student in the J.D./Ph.D. Program in Law and Psychology. Her clinical and research interests are in forensic psychology, focusing on topics of childhood stress and trauma in children and youth whose lives intersect with the justice system. She is particularly interested in adversity and its intersection with cultural and socioeconomic differences in ethnically minoritized and marginalized populations. She hopes to foster more discussion and compassion on issues of health, education, and equity. Kelly earned her B.S. in Psychobiology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in 2017.
Jamie Kessler
Doctoral Student
Jamie Kessler is a first-year student in Drexel's J.D./Ph.D. program in Law and Clinical Psychology. Her clinical and research interests are in juvenile justice, particularly with regards to childhood stressors, exposure to violence, resilience, and intersections with the justice system. Jamie is also passionate about conducting community-based participatory action research, and she seeks to develop longstanding partnerships with the communities she works with. As she further hones her clinical and research interests, she hopes to produce work that facilitates change in the juvenile justice system. Jamie graduated with a B.S. in Psychology and Criminal Justice & Criminology from Loyola University Chicago in May of 2021.
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Kayla McKeon is in her second year of Drexel’s J.D./P.h.D. Program in Law and Psychology. She’s particularly interested in assessing the effectiveness of various criminal justice system structures and alternatives to incarceration. Having previously worked in a social psychology lab, she is passionate about conducting research that effects social change and promotes equity and inclusion. Kayla obtained a B.A. in Law, Jurisprudence, and Social Thought and Psychology from Amherst College in 2022.
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Ph.D. Students
Lea Parker
Doctoral Student
Lea Parker is a fifth-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program, currently completing her internship with the Office of Forensic Mental Health Services in WA. Her research and clinical interests in forensic psychology focus on promoting positive outcomes for at-risk and system-involved youth by 1) reducing racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system, 2) advancing juvenile diversion policies and programs to prevent youth entry into the juvenile justice system, and 3) enhancing trauma-informed school behavior management practices for youth with trauma histories to prevent system-involvement. Lea received her A.B. in Psychology from Harvard University in 2015.
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Lena DeYoung
Doctoral Student
Lena DeYoung is a third-year Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student in the JJR&R Lab in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Drexel University. Lena’s work in the JJR&R Lab involves partnering with states and counties to enhance their juvenile probation systems using a graduated response approach to juvenile case management. She also leads a project with legal and community organizations to implement and evaluate a city-wide initiative to expunge individuals’ criminal records with an eye toward creating a national best practice model. Lena graduated with a B.S. from Fordham University and coordinated research at Bradley Hospital/Brown University and McLean Hospital/Harvard University.
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Nivedita Anjaria
Doctoral Student
Nivedita Anjaria is a first-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at Drexel University. Her research interests relate to addressing systemic inequities in the criminal legal system, such as breaking the cycle of cumulative disadvantage and analyzing racial disparities. She currently leads a project training school personnel on trauma-informed practices for working with youth. Nivedita received her M.S. in Psychology from Drexel University in 2023 and her B.A. in Psychology from George Mason University in 2020.
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Master's Students
Nick Hare
Master's Student
Nick Hare is a first-year master’s student studying psychology at Drexel University. His research interests include improving outcomes for justice-involved youth, examining the experiences of individuals after incarceration, and addressing racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Nick received his B.S. in neuroscience and psychology from Central Michigan University in 2023.
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Our Research Assistants |
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Kellina Anderson, Daniela Olivas-Lopez, Maura Mealy, Dru McIver-Jenkins, Ben Barsky, Hunter Cheng, Adonia Easie, and Liz Gray
If you would like to be a research assistant, contact Nivedita Anjaria. |
Featured Alumni. |
Kevin J. Bethel, M.S., is the Chief of School Safety for the School District of Philadelphia. He is also a retired Deputy Police Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department, the fourth-largest police department in the nation, with more than 6,600 sworn personnel. Prior to his retirement in January 2016, he commanded Patrol Operations for the city. This appointment included oversight of the 21 Patrol Districts, Neighborhood Services Unit, Philadelphia School District Police, and Community Relations Unit. Previous assignments throughout his 29 years of service with the Philadelphia Police Department include positions within the Special Investigative Bureau, Narcotics Strike Force, Narcotics Field Unit, Narcotics Intelligence Investigative Unit, and the Internal Affairs Division, as well as Commanding Officer of the 17th Police District.
Chief Bethel has done extensive work in the juvenile justice field, including developing the Philadelphia Police School Diversion Program. The program diverts youth who commit low level offenses and have no history of delinquency away from justice involvement and toward voluntary community-based services..
Chief Bethel also serves on various committees and boards in the field of juvenile justice. He testified before the President's 21st Century Task Force, co-chaired by Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, on the need for a concerted effort by law enforcement leaders to address the school-to-prison pipeline across the nation. He currently serves on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Disproportionate Minority Contact Subcommittee and is a former member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Law and Justice.
He is also a member of the Youth Violence Collaborative and Youth Engagement for the National League of Cities Collaboration, a member of the Philadelphia Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative, a faculty member for the International Association of Chiefs of Police Juvenile Justice Leadership Institute, and a regular lecturer on school diversion and racial and ethnic disparities at Georgetown University.
Chief Bethel received numerous accolades and awards throughout his 29 years in the Philadelphia Police Department, including his selection as the recipient of the Philadelphia Daily News 2008 Fencl Award, bestowed upon a police officer who brings a unique blend of courage, integrity, and determination to the job.
Chief Bethel holds a Master's Degree in Public Safety from St. Joseph's University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Chestnut Hill College. He is also a member of the Chestnut Hill Libris Society, an honor given to graduates of the College who distinguish themselves in their personal and professional lives while exemplifying the College motto: Fides. Caritas. Scientia. Faith. Charity. Knowledge.
Chief Bethel has done extensive work in the juvenile justice field, including developing the Philadelphia Police School Diversion Program. The program diverts youth who commit low level offenses and have no history of delinquency away from justice involvement and toward voluntary community-based services..
Chief Bethel also serves on various committees and boards in the field of juvenile justice. He testified before the President's 21st Century Task Force, co-chaired by Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, on the need for a concerted effort by law enforcement leaders to address the school-to-prison pipeline across the nation. He currently serves on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Disproportionate Minority Contact Subcommittee and is a former member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Law and Justice.
He is also a member of the Youth Violence Collaborative and Youth Engagement for the National League of Cities Collaboration, a member of the Philadelphia Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative, a faculty member for the International Association of Chiefs of Police Juvenile Justice Leadership Institute, and a regular lecturer on school diversion and racial and ethnic disparities at Georgetown University.
Chief Bethel received numerous accolades and awards throughout his 29 years in the Philadelphia Police Department, including his selection as the recipient of the Philadelphia Daily News 2008 Fencl Award, bestowed upon a police officer who brings a unique blend of courage, integrity, and determination to the job.
Chief Bethel holds a Master's Degree in Public Safety from St. Joseph's University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Chestnut Hill College. He is also a member of the Chestnut Hill Libris Society, an honor given to graduates of the College who distinguish themselves in their personal and professional lives while exemplifying the College motto: Fides. Caritas. Scientia. Faith. Charity. Knowledge.
Robert Listenbee, Esq., currently serves as First Assistant District Attorney at the Philadelphia Office of the District Attorney, where he is bringing his expertise and experience working at the local, state, and national levels on juvenile and criminal justice issues to this newly created position.
Previously, Mr. Listenbee was a Stoneleigh Visiting Fellow and Director of Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Initiatives at Drexel University’s Juvenile Justice Research and Reform Lab. In this role, he worked with the city and state’s juvenile justice, criminal justice, and child welfare agencies and organizations to advance shared policy priorities.
In 2013, Mr. Listenbee was appointed by President Barack Obama as Administrator of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), serving in this position until January 2017. During his tenure as Administrator, he focused on three overarching priorities: addressing the core protections outlined in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Act; reducing out-of-home-placements; and reforming the nation’s juvenile justice system so that it utilizes a developmental, trauma-informed approach with a focus on evidence-based practices and programs.
Prior to his appointment to OJJDP, Mr. Listenbee was Chief of the Juvenile Unit of the Defender Association of Philadelphia for 16 years and a trial lawyer with the Association for more than two decades. In this capacity, he was instrumental in developing several specialty court programs designed to divert youth out of the juvenile justice system and reduce their risk of residential placement. Mr. Listenbee has contributed his expertise on policy committees of the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, the National Juvenile Defender Center, the National Center for Juvenile Justice, and several other local, state, and national organizations. He played a central role in the Attorney General’s Defending Childhood Initiative and served as co-chair of the National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence. The MacArthur Foundation honored him as a Champion for Change in juvenile justice reform in 2011.
Mr. Listenbee holds a B.A. from Harvard University and a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley.
Previously, Mr. Listenbee was a Stoneleigh Visiting Fellow and Director of Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Initiatives at Drexel University’s Juvenile Justice Research and Reform Lab. In this role, he worked with the city and state’s juvenile justice, criminal justice, and child welfare agencies and organizations to advance shared policy priorities.
In 2013, Mr. Listenbee was appointed by President Barack Obama as Administrator of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), serving in this position until January 2017. During his tenure as Administrator, he focused on three overarching priorities: addressing the core protections outlined in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Act; reducing out-of-home-placements; and reforming the nation’s juvenile justice system so that it utilizes a developmental, trauma-informed approach with a focus on evidence-based practices and programs.
Prior to his appointment to OJJDP, Mr. Listenbee was Chief of the Juvenile Unit of the Defender Association of Philadelphia for 16 years and a trial lawyer with the Association for more than two decades. In this capacity, he was instrumental in developing several specialty court programs designed to divert youth out of the juvenile justice system and reduce their risk of residential placement. Mr. Listenbee has contributed his expertise on policy committees of the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, the National Juvenile Defender Center, the National Center for Juvenile Justice, and several other local, state, and national organizations. He played a central role in the Attorney General’s Defending Childhood Initiative and served as co-chair of the National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence. The MacArthur Foundation honored him as a Champion for Change in juvenile justice reform in 2011.
Mr. Listenbee holds a B.A. from Harvard University and a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley.
Post-Doctoral Fellow Alums
Leah Brogan, Ph.D.
Current Position: Psychologist, Center for Violence Prevention at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Associate Fellow, Center for Injury Research and Prevention at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Stephanie Brooks Holliday, Ph.D.
Current Position: Senior Behavioral Scientist, RAND Corporation.
Lindsey Cole, Ph.D.
Current Position: Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Indianna University Bloomington.
Joseph Gardella, Ph.D.
Current Position: Post-Doctoral Fellow, Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools, University of Nebraska Lincoln
Siying Guo, Ph.D.
Current Position: Assistant Professor, School of Criminal Justice and Public Administration, Kean University.
Current Position: Psychologist, Center for Violence Prevention at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Associate Fellow, Center for Injury Research and Prevention at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Stephanie Brooks Holliday, Ph.D.
Current Position: Senior Behavioral Scientist, RAND Corporation.
Lindsey Cole, Ph.D.
Current Position: Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Indianna University Bloomington.
Joseph Gardella, Ph.D.
Current Position: Post-Doctoral Fellow, Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools, University of Nebraska Lincoln
Siying Guo, Ph.D.
Current Position: Assistant Professor, School of Criminal Justice and Public Administration, Kean University.
J.D/Ph.D. Student Alums
Stephanie Burke, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Educating jurors about false confessions with juveniles.
Current Position: Post-Doctoral Fellow, Forensic Psychology, Augusta University.
Jennifer Mayer Cox, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: The impact of juveniles' ages and levels of psychosocial maturity on judges' opinions of adjudicative competence.
Current Position: Forensic Examiner, Mental Health Management Services, Office of the Forensic Examiner, Concord, NH.
Meghann Galloway, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Remote sexual assault risk reduction: Changing sexual assault attitudes and beliefs of college men.
Current Position: Senior Counsel at the Office of Congressman Tony Cardenas, Washington, D.C.
Emily Haney-Caron, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: True and false confessions: Comparing self-reported likelihood of confession with actual confession behavior.
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York.
Jennica Janssen, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Public opinion on the appropriateness of juvenile sex offender registration and notification requirements.
Current Position: Associate Attorney, Giovanniello Law Group; CBT Therapist, Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Mindfulness
Sharon Kelley, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Addressing relative criteria for Miranda waivers: A comparison of juvenile justice youths' and adult offenders' understanding and appreciation of the rights to silence and legal counsel during police interrogations.
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences, Institute of Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy, University of Virginia.
Kim Larson, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: The effects of gender and length of time between commission of crime and trial on juveniles' trial outcomes.
Current Position: Associate Professor and Director of Doctor of Law and Policy Program, Northeastern University.
Constance Mesiarik, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Gender, suggestibility, and self-reported likelihood of false confessions.
Current Position: Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Narberth, PA.
Amanda NeMoyer, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Predictors of juveniles’ failure to appear at probation review hearings.
Current Position: Assistant Research Professor, Juvenile Justice Research and Reform Lab, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA.
Seyi Olubadewo, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: The relationship between mental health symptoms and comprehension of Miranda rights in male juvenile offenders.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
Lindsey Peterson, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Answering the ultimate legal question: A survey of lawyers and psychologists.
Current Position: Director of Intern Training, Springfield Hospital Center, Sykesville, MD.
Suraji Wagage, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Public opinion on juvenile solitary confinement.
Current Position: Co-Founder and Director, Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Mindfulness.
Melinda Wolbransky, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Capital jury sentencing recommendations: The relationship between mental illness-related mitigating factors and life versus death decisions.
Current Position: Director of Evaluations, Gateways Hospital CONREP, Los Angeles; Adjunct Professor, John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Heather Zelle, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Judges' treatment of the knowing and intelligent requirements for Miranda waivers.
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences; Associate Director of Mental Health Policy Research, Institute of Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy, University of Virginia.
Amanda Dovidio Zelechoski, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: The content of child custody evaluation reports: A forensic assessment principles-based analysis.
Current Position: Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
Dissertation: Educating jurors about false confessions with juveniles.
Current Position: Post-Doctoral Fellow, Forensic Psychology, Augusta University.
Jennifer Mayer Cox, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: The impact of juveniles' ages and levels of psychosocial maturity on judges' opinions of adjudicative competence.
Current Position: Forensic Examiner, Mental Health Management Services, Office of the Forensic Examiner, Concord, NH.
Meghann Galloway, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Remote sexual assault risk reduction: Changing sexual assault attitudes and beliefs of college men.
Current Position: Senior Counsel at the Office of Congressman Tony Cardenas, Washington, D.C.
Emily Haney-Caron, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: True and false confessions: Comparing self-reported likelihood of confession with actual confession behavior.
Current Position: Assistant Professor of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York.
Jennica Janssen, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Public opinion on the appropriateness of juvenile sex offender registration and notification requirements.
Current Position: Associate Attorney, Giovanniello Law Group; CBT Therapist, Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Mindfulness
Sharon Kelley, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Addressing relative criteria for Miranda waivers: A comparison of juvenile justice youths' and adult offenders' understanding and appreciation of the rights to silence and legal counsel during police interrogations.
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences, Institute of Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy, University of Virginia.
Kim Larson, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: The effects of gender and length of time between commission of crime and trial on juveniles' trial outcomes.
Current Position: Associate Professor and Director of Doctor of Law and Policy Program, Northeastern University.
Constance Mesiarik, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Gender, suggestibility, and self-reported likelihood of false confessions.
Current Position: Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Narberth, PA.
Amanda NeMoyer, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Predictors of juveniles’ failure to appear at probation review hearings.
Current Position: Assistant Research Professor, Juvenile Justice Research and Reform Lab, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA.
Seyi Olubadewo, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: The relationship between mental health symptoms and comprehension of Miranda rights in male juvenile offenders.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
Lindsey Peterson, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Answering the ultimate legal question: A survey of lawyers and psychologists.
Current Position: Director of Intern Training, Springfield Hospital Center, Sykesville, MD.
Suraji Wagage, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Public opinion on juvenile solitary confinement.
Current Position: Co-Founder and Director, Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Mindfulness.
Melinda Wolbransky, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Capital jury sentencing recommendations: The relationship between mental illness-related mitigating factors and life versus death decisions.
Current Position: Director of Evaluations, Gateways Hospital CONREP, Los Angeles; Adjunct Professor, John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Heather Zelle, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: Judges' treatment of the knowing and intelligent requirements for Miranda waivers.
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences; Associate Director of Mental Health Policy Research, Institute of Law, Psychiatry, & Public Policy, University of Virginia.
Amanda Dovidio Zelechoski, J.D., Ph.D.
Dissertation: The content of child custody evaluation reports: A forensic assessment principles-based analysis.
Current Position: Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
Ph.D. Student Alums
Keisha April, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Let’s “talk” about the police: The role of race and intergenerational transmission of police legitimacy attitudes in the legal socialization of youth.
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Criminology, Rutgers University
Leah Brogan, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Sexual health knowledge and behaviors among young adults with and without juvenile justice system involvement.
Current Position: Psychologist, Center for Violence Prevention at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Associate Fellow, Center for Injury Research and Prevention at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Elizabeth Gale-Bentz, Ph.D.
Dissertation: The role of the juvenile probation officer in the review hearing process: Impact of probation officer recommendations on judges’ decision.
Current Position: Psychologist, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital, Worcester, MA.
Christy Giallella, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Are crossover youth a distinct group? Comparing the mental health and substance use needs of crossover youth and delinquent-only youth.
Current Position: Clinical Director, Behavioral Health and Justice-Related Services Division, Department of Behavioral health and Intellectual disAbility Services, City of Philadelphia.
Kathleen Kemp, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Characteristics of developmental immaturity: A cross-disciplinary survey of psychologists.
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University and Director of the Rhode Island Family Court Mental Health Clinic.
Rachel Kalbeitzer, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Evaluating legal learning: The effects of time and development on adolescents' understanding of legal rights.
Current Position: Psychologist, U.S. Department of Defense.
Jeanne McPhee, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Impact of Juvenile Risk Assessment Information on Judges’ and Probation Officers’ Decisions about Residential Placement and Restrictive Sanctions.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Scholar, Juvenile Justice Behavioral Health Lab, UCSF
Doug Osman, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Relationship between academic achievement and Miranda rights comprehension and false confessions.
Current Position: Director, Clinical Science, MedAvane-ProPhase.
Mina Ratkalkar, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Effects of trauma and child welfare history on decisions made by potential sentencing jurors for youth prosecuted in criminal court.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, Lepage Associates, Durham, NC.
Christina Riggs Romaine, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Juvenile decertification in Philadelphia County: A model for jurisdiction-specific research.
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Wheaton College.
Jennifer Serico, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Clinical decision-making in the juvenile justice system: Effects of comorbidity on accuracy of diagnosis and treatment planning.
Current Position: Psychologist, Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD.
Martha Strachan, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Development of a theory-based, Miranda rights education program: Are there cognitive developmental limitations to legal learning?
Current Position: Assistant Professor, School of Medicine, University of Central Florida.
Lori Thomas, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Physical abuse or physical discipline: How do clinicians decide?
Current Position: Independent Contractor, Wynns Family Psychology, Raleigh, NC.
Jennifer Weil, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Developing a substance use screening instrument: The Juvenile Offender Substance Abuse Screen.
Current Position: Managing Consultant, The Lewin Group, Washington, DC.
Dissertation: Let’s “talk” about the police: The role of race and intergenerational transmission of police legitimacy attitudes in the legal socialization of youth.
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Criminology, Rutgers University
Leah Brogan, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Sexual health knowledge and behaviors among young adults with and without juvenile justice system involvement.
Current Position: Psychologist, Center for Violence Prevention at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Associate Fellow, Center for Injury Research and Prevention at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Elizabeth Gale-Bentz, Ph.D.
Dissertation: The role of the juvenile probation officer in the review hearing process: Impact of probation officer recommendations on judges’ decision.
Current Position: Psychologist, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital, Worcester, MA.
Christy Giallella, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Are crossover youth a distinct group? Comparing the mental health and substance use needs of crossover youth and delinquent-only youth.
Current Position: Clinical Director, Behavioral Health and Justice-Related Services Division, Department of Behavioral health and Intellectual disAbility Services, City of Philadelphia.
Kathleen Kemp, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Characteristics of developmental immaturity: A cross-disciplinary survey of psychologists.
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University and Director of the Rhode Island Family Court Mental Health Clinic.
Rachel Kalbeitzer, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Evaluating legal learning: The effects of time and development on adolescents' understanding of legal rights.
Current Position: Psychologist, U.S. Department of Defense.
Jeanne McPhee, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Impact of Juvenile Risk Assessment Information on Judges’ and Probation Officers’ Decisions about Residential Placement and Restrictive Sanctions.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Scholar, Juvenile Justice Behavioral Health Lab, UCSF
Doug Osman, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Relationship between academic achievement and Miranda rights comprehension and false confessions.
Current Position: Director, Clinical Science, MedAvane-ProPhase.
Mina Ratkalkar, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Effects of trauma and child welfare history on decisions made by potential sentencing jurors for youth prosecuted in criminal court.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, Lepage Associates, Durham, NC.
Christina Riggs Romaine, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Juvenile decertification in Philadelphia County: A model for jurisdiction-specific research.
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Wheaton College.
Jennifer Serico, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Clinical decision-making in the juvenile justice system: Effects of comorbidity on accuracy of diagnosis and treatment planning.
Current Position: Psychologist, Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD.
Martha Strachan, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Development of a theory-based, Miranda rights education program: Are there cognitive developmental limitations to legal learning?
Current Position: Assistant Professor, School of Medicine, University of Central Florida.
Lori Thomas, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Physical abuse or physical discipline: How do clinicians decide?
Current Position: Independent Contractor, Wynns Family Psychology, Raleigh, NC.
Jennifer Weil, Ph.D.
Dissertation: Developing a substance use screening instrument: The Juvenile Offender Substance Abuse Screen.
Current Position: Managing Consultant, The Lewin Group, Washington, DC.
Master's Student Alums
Carolyn Appleton, M.S.
Thesis: IQ differences between male and female adolescent offenders.
Current Position: Clinical Director, Woods Services, Langhorne, PA
Madeline Barry, M.S.
Thesis: Comparing perceptions of conflict mediation strategies between school administrators and non-administrators.
Current Position: Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Psychology, Fordham University.
Andrea DeWitt, M.S.
Thesis: Review of the MacArthur violence risk assessment study data: A look at neighborhood context and peer influence as factors increasing patients’ impulses to commit violent acts in the community.
Current Position: Director, Medical Information Systems, Quality and Regulatory Compliance, Saint John Vianney Center, Downingtown, PA.
Kelley Durham, M.S.
Thesis: Depression and anxiety as predictors of adult offenders’ likelihoods of false confession.
Current Position: Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Psychology, Drexel University.
Kristen Fescoe, M.S.
Thesis: The relationship between comprehension of specific legal vocabulary words and comprehension of the Miranda rights warning.
Current Position: Clinical Advisor, Resility Health, Jacksonville, FL.
Holly Hinz, M.S.
Thesis: Hostile attribution bias as a mediator of the relationship between psychosocial maturity and aggression.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, Psychiatry and Law Service, Emory School of Medicine.
Rachel Kalbeitzer, M.S.
Thesis: Assessing the “evolving standards of decency”: Public perceptions of capital punishment for juveniles.
Current Position: Psychologist, U.S. Department of Defense.
Angela Pollard, M.S.
Thesis: Impacts of school transfer on academic achievement and attendance following school-based arrests.
Current Position: Doctoral student, University of California Santa Barbara.
Sadia Rharbite, M.S.
Thesis: Relational aggression among college students involved and uninvolved in the Greek-life system.
Current Position: Math Teacher, Future Leaders Institute Charter School, New York, NY.
Stephanie Burke, M.S.
Thesis: Psychometric properties of the Perceptions of Confession behavior in the Holding and Interrogation Process (P-CHIP).
Current Position: JD/PhD student, Department of Psychology, Drexel University.
Stephanie Taormina, M.S.
Thesis: Young adults’ perceptions of police interrogation techniques with juvenile suspects.
Current Position: Chief Resident, Psychiatry, Hahnemann University Hospital.
Marchelle Thomson, M.S.
Thesis: Treating self-mutilation in female juvenile offenders.
Current Position: Judge, National Association of Women’s Gymnastics Judges, San Diego, CA.
Thesis: IQ differences between male and female adolescent offenders.
Current Position: Clinical Director, Woods Services, Langhorne, PA
Madeline Barry, M.S.
Thesis: Comparing perceptions of conflict mediation strategies between school administrators and non-administrators.
Current Position: Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Psychology, Fordham University.
Andrea DeWitt, M.S.
Thesis: Review of the MacArthur violence risk assessment study data: A look at neighborhood context and peer influence as factors increasing patients’ impulses to commit violent acts in the community.
Current Position: Director, Medical Information Systems, Quality and Regulatory Compliance, Saint John Vianney Center, Downingtown, PA.
Kelley Durham, M.S.
Thesis: Depression and anxiety as predictors of adult offenders’ likelihoods of false confession.
Current Position: Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Psychology, Drexel University.
Kristen Fescoe, M.S.
Thesis: The relationship between comprehension of specific legal vocabulary words and comprehension of the Miranda rights warning.
Current Position: Clinical Advisor, Resility Health, Jacksonville, FL.
Holly Hinz, M.S.
Thesis: Hostile attribution bias as a mediator of the relationship between psychosocial maturity and aggression.
Current Position: Postdoctoral Fellow, Psychiatry and Law Service, Emory School of Medicine.
Rachel Kalbeitzer, M.S.
Thesis: Assessing the “evolving standards of decency”: Public perceptions of capital punishment for juveniles.
Current Position: Psychologist, U.S. Department of Defense.
Angela Pollard, M.S.
Thesis: Impacts of school transfer on academic achievement and attendance following school-based arrests.
Current Position: Doctoral student, University of California Santa Barbara.
Sadia Rharbite, M.S.
Thesis: Relational aggression among college students involved and uninvolved in the Greek-life system.
Current Position: Math Teacher, Future Leaders Institute Charter School, New York, NY.
Stephanie Burke, M.S.
Thesis: Psychometric properties of the Perceptions of Confession behavior in the Holding and Interrogation Process (P-CHIP).
Current Position: JD/PhD student, Department of Psychology, Drexel University.
Stephanie Taormina, M.S.
Thesis: Young adults’ perceptions of police interrogation techniques with juvenile suspects.
Current Position: Chief Resident, Psychiatry, Hahnemann University Hospital.
Marchelle Thomson, M.S.
Thesis: Treating self-mutilation in female juvenile offenders.
Current Position: Judge, National Association of Women’s Gymnastics Judges, San Diego, CA.
