Maggi Price, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Dr. Maggi Price is a licensed psychologist and an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Boston College where she runs the Affirm Lab. She also serves as a Psychology Associate in the Department of Psychology at Harvard University. Dr. Price is an applied health equity researcher who studies stigma as a critical driver of mental health inequities. She has two active complementary arms of research. The first explores how stigma, such as racism and sexism - across multiple levels, such as discrimination and laws/policies - create and sustain mental health inequities. Her second research arm focuses on developing and testing multilevel interventions to reduce stigma (e.g., in mental health care, schools).
Dr. Price's contributions to research in stigma and diversity have been highlighted in awards from the Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (JCCAP), the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Psychological Association (APA). Teaching and mentoring: Dr. Price is a passionate and dedicated teacher and mentor, qualities that have been recognized in her receipt of the Yale University Doctoral Internship in Clinical & Community Psychology Leadership Award and the Boston College Donald J. White Teaching Excellence Award. Clinical expertise: Dr. Price earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Boston College in 2018, her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Hawaii Hilo in 2012, and her B.S. in psychology and sociology from the University of Oregon in 2010. Dr. Price completed her clinical training at Yale University School of Medicine after finishing clinical practica as a Harvard Medical School fellow at Cambridge Health Alliance and Massachusetts General Hospital. Across these settings, she trained in culturally-responsive practice for children, adolescents, and adults and gained extensive experience treating trauma. Dr. Price completed her postdoctoral research fellowship in clinical child psychology at the Laboratory for Youth Mental Health. |
Affirm Lab Members
Kara Johansen, B.A. (she/her/hers)
Kara Johansen is the research coordinator and the lab manager for the Affirm Lab. Kara graduated from Boston College in 2022 with a major in Sociology and a minor in Economics. Kara's undergraduate thesis is titled "Cleaning During COVID: Navigating Working Arrangements for House Cleaners and Their Employers in Boston and Dallas." She received the McCarthy prize which is awarded to the best undergraduate thesis in Boston College's Social Sciences, as determined by the dean's reviewers. She also received the Scholar of the College award and the Karp Award, which awarded to one particularly outstanding senior thesis in Sociology. Curriculum Vitae (CV). |
Patrick Mulkern, LCSW (they/he)
Patrick is the IMPACTS project coordinator and a first year doctoral student in the Boston College School of Social Work. Patrick earned an MSW and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work from the University of California, Berkeley in 2016. After graduating, Patrick worked with the San Francisco Unified School District coordinating a high school Wellness Center and later as a Central School Worker providing district wide crisis response and support to students and families experiencing homelessness. They also serve as the Past President of the California Association of School Social Workers and the Western Representative for the School Socia. Work Association of America. Patrick’s research interests are informed by the tension of schools as sites of oppression and potential sites for liberation. They are interested in utilizing Youth PArticipatory Action Research to create sustainable equitable school environments where queer students are connected, safe(r), and successful. |
王梓蔚 Ziwei Wang, M.S. (she/they)
Ziwei is a senior research assistant at Affirm Lab. After graduating from Wuhan University with a double major in Economics and Mathematics in 2021, Ziwei enrolled in the MS program in Economics at Tufts University. During their studies, they took various psychology-related courses, which ultimately led them to discover their passion for Clinical Psychology. Ziwei's research interests lie in understanding and addressing the impact of structural discrimination on stigmatized groups such as LGBTQ+ communities, women, people living in poverty, individuals with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities. They aspire to pursue a Ph.D. program in the future to advance their knowledge in this area. In addition to their academic pursuits, Ziwei has a love for traditional music! Not only have they frequently performed with the Chinese Traditional Orchestra of Wuhan University in school performances, but they have also gone to Germany for exchange performances. They enjoy attending concerts and exploring new forms of music. |
August Wei B.S. (he/him/his)
August is a volunteer research assistant in the Affirm Lab. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill (go heels!) in 2021 with a major in psychology. After graduating, he completed a year as an Intramural Research Training Award fellow at the NIMH, where he studied the implementation of suicide risk screening programs in medical settings. He is interested in bridging LGBTQ+-affirmative research to community-based interventions. To this end, August will be pursuing a PhD in Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware beginning August 2024. |
Maddi Condon, (She/Hers)
Maddi is an undergraduate research assistant in the Affirm Lab. She is currently a senior at Boston College, pursuing degrees in Psychology and English. While working as an intern and administrative assistant at Wellness Therapies Spokane, she developed an interest in counseling and clinical psychology. She is passionate about children and creating safe spaces for them to grow and has worked closely with them over several years. Her dedication to fostering healthy environments for growth and interest in psychology are what brought her to the Affirm Lab. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in clinical or counseling psychology, specifically working with youths. |
Cecilia Rabayda B.A. (she/her/hers)
Cecilia is a research assistant for the Affirm Lab. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a distinguished major in Global Public Health. After graduating, Cecilia conducted research as the Mental Health Policy Fellow at the nonprofit Girls Inc. This project culminated in the manuscript “Youth eating disorders soared during COVID-19: Schools can help”. Throughout her experiences in design and academic research, Cecilia has cultivated a passion for the power of human-centered methodologies and their ability to address the unique needs of vulnerable populations. Her interests lie at the intersections of mental health, identity, and design. She plans to pursue a PhD in social psychology and a future career in research. Curriculum Vitae | Website |
Affirm Lab Graduates
Lisa Collins, MSW, MEv (she/her/hers)
Lisa Collins is currently working at The Home for Little Wanderers as a group coordinator/clinician. LinkedIn | Email
Lisa Collins is currently working at The Home for Little Wanderers as a group coordinator/clinician. LinkedIn | Email
Tara Deonauth, B.A. (she/her/hers)
Tara is a chaplain at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital and she wishes to subsequently pursue a Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology. Email
Tara is a chaplain at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital and she wishes to subsequently pursue a Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology. Email
McKenzie E. Sheridan, M.A. (she/her/hers)
McKenzie began working on a Clinical Psychology Psy.D. with a concentration on children and families of adversity and resilience at William James College in August 2020. LinkedIn | Email
McKenzie began working on a Clinical Psychology Psy.D. with a concentration on children and families of adversity and resilience at William James College in August 2020. LinkedIn | Email
Hilary Skov, B.A. (she/her/hers)
Hilary has been working on her Ph.D. in School Psychology in the Child and Family Lab at Tulane University since August 2020. LinkedIn | Email
Hilary has been working on her Ph.D. in School Psychology in the Child and Family Lab at Tulane University since August 2020. LinkedIn | Email
Gabrielle Kaufman, M. A. (she/her/hers)
Gabi will is working on a PhD in Counseling Psychology at the University of Denver since September 2020. Email
Gabi will is working on a PhD in Counseling Psychology at the University of Denver since September 2020. Email
Emma Bokhour, B.A. (she/her, they/them)
Emma works for Cambridge Health Alliance as a Sexual and Reproductive Health Counselor and Educator for a school-based clinic in Everett, MA. Emma is planning to get a Masters in Social Work or Public Health or eventually pursue a Ph.D. LinkedIn | Email
Emma works for Cambridge Health Alliance as a Sexual and Reproductive Health Counselor and Educator for a school-based clinic in Everett, MA. Emma is planning to get a Masters in Social Work or Public Health or eventually pursue a Ph.D. LinkedIn | Email
Colleen Johnston, B.A., M.S.W. (she/her/hers)
Colleen graduated with her MSW in May 2021 and began her career in medical social work at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) in June 2021. Email
Colleen graduated with her MSW in May 2021 and began her career in medical social work at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) in June 2021. Email
Nathan L. Hollinsaid, B.S. (he/him/his)
Nathan is a graduate collaborator in the Affirm Lab and Clinical Science PhD student in the BEST Lab at Harvard. ResearchGate | Twitter | Email
Nathan is a graduate collaborator in the Affirm Lab and Clinical Science PhD student in the BEST Lab at Harvard. ResearchGate | Twitter | Email
Irene Mapfunde, B.A (she/her/hers)
Irene is currently a graduate student at the Boston College School of Social Work. Email | LinkedIn
Irene is currently a graduate student at the Boston College School of Social Work. Email | LinkedIn
Gabi Ortiz, B.A., M.A. (she/her/hers)
Gabi is a Ph.D. student in BCSSW.
Gabi is a Ph.D. student in BCSSW.
Erick DuShane, B.A., M.S.W. (he/him/his)
Erick graduated from BCSSW in spring 2022. He is moving to NYC and working with urban youths in a community based program. Email | LinkedIn
Erick graduated from BCSSW in spring 2022. He is moving to NYC and working with urban youths in a community based program. Email | LinkedIn
Halina Tittmann, B.A. (she/her/hers)
Halina graduated from Boston College in Spring 2022, majoring in Sociology and minoring in International Studies (Ethics and Social Justice). After graduation, she moved to LA to pursue her future career. Email | LinkedIn
Halina graduated from Boston College in Spring 2022, majoring in Sociology and minoring in International Studies (Ethics and Social Justice). After graduation, she moved to LA to pursue her future career. Email | LinkedIn
姜帅 (Shuai Jiang) "Eddy", B.A. (he/him/his)
Eddy graduated from Boston College in Spring 2022 with a double major in Applied Psychology and Theology.
Eddy graduated from Boston College in Spring 2022 with a double major in Applied Psychology and Theology.
Marina Rakhilin, B.S., M.S.W (they/them)
Marina graduated from BCSSW in Spring 2023 with a degree in Macro Social work. They are staying in Boston and looking for work designing psychosocial interventions. Email | LinkedIn
Marina graduated from BCSSW in Spring 2023 with a degree in Macro Social work. They are staying in Boston and looking for work designing psychosocial interventions. Email | LinkedIn
Marissa Allen, B.A. (she/her/hers)
Marissa graduated from Boston College's Mental Health Counseling program in Spring 2023 with a master's degree and plans to continue her education in pursuit of a Psy.D. degree. Marissa hopes to eventually have her own counseling practice and become a Psychology professor.
Marissa graduated from Boston College's Mental Health Counseling program in Spring 2023 with a master's degree and plans to continue her education in pursuit of a Psy.D. degree. Marissa hopes to eventually have her own counseling practice and become a Psychology professor.
Yang Fan, B.A. ( she/her/hers)
Yang graduated from Boston College’s Mental Health Counseling Program in Spring 2023 and aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. She hopes to work on raising mental health awareness and de-stigmatizing mental illness for youth in China.
Yang graduated from Boston College’s Mental Health Counseling Program in Spring 2023 and aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. She hopes to work on raising mental health awareness and de-stigmatizing mental illness for youth in China.
Moumina Khan (she/her/her)
Moumina graduated from Tufts University with a major in Clinical Psychology and minor in English in Spring 2023. She is particularly passionate about mental health and mental health care as it pertains to stigmatized and minority communities, particularly BIPOC communities. Email
Moumina graduated from Tufts University with a major in Clinical Psychology and minor in English in Spring 2023. She is particularly passionate about mental health and mental health care as it pertains to stigmatized and minority communities, particularly BIPOC communities. Email
Sarah Reilly (she/her/hers)
Sarah earned her M.S.W. from Boston University in 2022 and her B.A. in History of Art and Architecture with a secondary in economics from Harvard University in 2014. At Boston University, Sarah was a clinical track student and completed a Trauma and Violence Specialization. Sarah is passionate about expanding health equity and access to care for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults.
Sarah earned her M.S.W. from Boston University in 2022 and her B.A. in History of Art and Architecture with a secondary in economics from Harvard University in 2014. At Boston University, Sarah was a clinical track student and completed a Trauma and Violence Specialization. Sarah is passionate about expanding health equity and access to care for LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults.
Dylan Reyes (he/they)
Dylan graduated from Boston College's mental health counseling master’s program in Spring 2023, and completed their practicum at the Counseling Center at Simmons University. They hope to pursue a PhD in the field of Community Psychology where they hope to use a participatory-action research model to collaborate and research the ongoing effects of trauma at the southern border.
Justine Lee, B.A. (she/her/hers)
Justine graduated from the University of Virginia in 2022 with a major in psychology. She is interested in the creation of scalable interventions for adolescent anxiety and related disorders, and she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
Atlas Sanogo (he/they)
Atlas Sanogo is a junior at Harvard College from Ottawa, Canada. They are concentrating in Psychology and also pursuing a secondary in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. In the long term, Atlas would like to pursue a PhD in Social or Clinical Psychology. Beyond graduate school, they are committed to working directly on research and applications that concern LGBTQ+ youth in the education, sports, clinical, or nonprofit sector.
薛雯青 (Wenqing Xue) “Shelly” (she/her/hers)
Shelly is a current undergraduate at Boston College pursuing double majors in Applied Psychology and Philosophy. With a passion for liberal arts, Shelly embraces all kinds of academic and career possibilities through constant learning and managing to discover her path.
余泊林 (Bolin Yu) "Ella" (she/her/hers)
Ella is an undergraduate research assistant in the Affirm Lab. She is currently studying Applied Psychology at Boston College. In the future, she aspires to continue endeavors on strengthening cross-cultural relationships, as well as becoming a counseling or clinical psychologist supporting individuals with diverse identities.
Dylan graduated from Boston College's mental health counseling master’s program in Spring 2023, and completed their practicum at the Counseling Center at Simmons University. They hope to pursue a PhD in the field of Community Psychology where they hope to use a participatory-action research model to collaborate and research the ongoing effects of trauma at the southern border.
Justine Lee, B.A. (she/her/hers)
Justine graduated from the University of Virginia in 2022 with a major in psychology. She is interested in the creation of scalable interventions for adolescent anxiety and related disorders, and she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
Atlas Sanogo (he/they)
Atlas Sanogo is a junior at Harvard College from Ottawa, Canada. They are concentrating in Psychology and also pursuing a secondary in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. In the long term, Atlas would like to pursue a PhD in Social or Clinical Psychology. Beyond graduate school, they are committed to working directly on research and applications that concern LGBTQ+ youth in the education, sports, clinical, or nonprofit sector.
薛雯青 (Wenqing Xue) “Shelly” (she/her/hers)
Shelly is a current undergraduate at Boston College pursuing double majors in Applied Psychology and Philosophy. With a passion for liberal arts, Shelly embraces all kinds of academic and career possibilities through constant learning and managing to discover her path.
余泊林 (Bolin Yu) "Ella" (she/her/hers)
Ella is an undergraduate research assistant in the Affirm Lab. She is currently studying Applied Psychology at Boston College. In the future, she aspires to continue endeavors on strengthening cross-cultural relationships, as well as becoming a counseling or clinical psychologist supporting individuals with diverse identities.