Maggi Price, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Dr. Maggi Price is a Counseling 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 mental health disparities researcher who studies and creates interventions to reduce disparities for youth with stigmatized identities, with an emphasis on transgender and non-binary youth. She also has a growing body of research examining the effects of structural stigma, defined as societal attitudes and laws/policies that inhibit the rights and wellbeing of people with stigmatized identities (e.g., girls, people of Color).
Dr. Price's contributions to research in stigma and diversity have been highlighted in awards given at the Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (JCCAP) Future Directions Forum and the American Psychological Association (APA) Convention. Finally, 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.
Training & Education: 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 evidence-based practice for children, adolescents, and adults with a focus on trauma-related psychopathology. Dr. Price completed her postdoctoral research fellowship in clinical child psychology at the Laboratory for Youth Mental Health.
Email| | CV (download here) | BC Faculty Page | ResearchGate | Twitter | Google Scholar
Dr. Maggi Price is a Counseling 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 mental health disparities researcher who studies and creates interventions to reduce disparities for youth with stigmatized identities, with an emphasis on transgender and non-binary youth. She also has a growing body of research examining the effects of structural stigma, defined as societal attitudes and laws/policies that inhibit the rights and wellbeing of people with stigmatized identities (e.g., girls, people of Color).
Dr. Price's contributions to research in stigma and diversity have been highlighted in awards given at the Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (JCCAP) Future Directions Forum and the American Psychological Association (APA) Convention. Finally, 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.
Training & Education: 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 evidence-based practice for children, adolescents, and adults with a focus on trauma-related psychopathology. Dr. Price completed her postdoctoral research fellowship in clinical child psychology at the Laboratory for Youth Mental Health.
Email| | CV (download here) | BC Faculty Page | ResearchGate | Twitter | Google Scholar
Marissa Allen, B.A. (she/her/hers)
Marissa is a research assistant in the Affirm Lab. She graduated from Georgetown College in 2021 with a B.A. in Psychology. During her time there, Marissa completed an Honors thesis focusing on culturally-informed treatments for Substance Use Disorder and worked as a research assistant on a project investigating the relationship between sex work and motherhood. Marissa also spent time abroad studying Developmental Psychology and Social Psychology at the University of Oxford. She is now a graduate student at Boston College studying Mental Health Counseling and she plans to continue her education in pursuit of a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. Marissa hopes to eventually have her own counseling practice and become a Psychology professor.
Marissa is a research assistant in the Affirm Lab. She graduated from Georgetown College in 2021 with a B.A. in Psychology. During her time there, Marissa completed an Honors thesis focusing on culturally-informed treatments for Substance Use Disorder and worked as a research assistant on a project investigating the relationship between sex work and motherhood. Marissa also spent time abroad studying Developmental Psychology and Social Psychology at the University of Oxford. She is now a graduate student at Boston College studying Mental Health Counseling and she plans to continue her education in pursuit of a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. Marissa hopes to eventually have her own counseling practice and become a Psychology professor.
Lisa Collins, B.A., M.ENVS (she/her)
Lisa is a research assistant in the Affirm Lab. She graduated from American University in 2007 with a B.A. in International Relations and from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Masters in Environmental Studies. Post-graduation, Lisa worked as a Junior Professional Associate at the Global Environment Facility in Washington, D.C., a program manager for a company in Atlanta, and is currently a Research Project Director at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine. In addition, she is on the Clinical track in Children, Youth, and Families at the Boston College School of Social Work and volunteers with the Trevor Project. Lisa is passionate about working with LGBTQ youth and excited to continue that work as part of the Affirm Lab.
Lisa is a research assistant in the Affirm Lab. She graduated from American University in 2007 with a B.A. in International Relations and from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Masters in Environmental Studies. Post-graduation, Lisa worked as a Junior Professional Associate at the Global Environment Facility in Washington, D.C., a program manager for a company in Atlanta, and is currently a Research Project Director at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine. In addition, she is on the Clinical track in Children, Youth, and Families at the Boston College School of Social Work and volunteers with the Trevor Project. Lisa is passionate about working with LGBTQ youth and excited to continue that work as part of the Affirm Lab.
Yang Fan, B.A. ( she/her/hers)
Yang is a research assistant in the Affirm lab. She graduated from Wake Forest University in 2020 with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Mathematics. While at Wake Forest, she actively engaged in research projects in Dr. Lisa Kiang’s Developmental Lab and Dr. Eranda Jayawickreme’s Growth Initiative Lab. After graduating, she worked as a research assistant at East China Normal University and Shanghai Mental Health Center in her hometown, Shanghai. Yang is interested in the etiology of youth depression and the effectiveness of real-life psychotherapy with stigmatized Asian youth, especially clinical populations. She is a graduate student of Boston College’s Mental Health Counseling Program aspiring to pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. She wants to work with Chinese youth in clinical settings and conduct research to find better and more culturally-appropriate psychotherapy for this population. Ultimately, Yang hopes to work on raising mental health awareness and de-stigmatizing mental illness for youth in China.
Yang is a research assistant in the Affirm lab. She graduated from Wake Forest University in 2020 with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Mathematics. While at Wake Forest, she actively engaged in research projects in Dr. Lisa Kiang’s Developmental Lab and Dr. Eranda Jayawickreme’s Growth Initiative Lab. After graduating, she worked as a research assistant at East China Normal University and Shanghai Mental Health Center in her hometown, Shanghai. Yang is interested in the etiology of youth depression and the effectiveness of real-life psychotherapy with stigmatized Asian youth, especially clinical populations. She is a graduate student of Boston College’s Mental Health Counseling Program aspiring to pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. She wants to work with Chinese youth in clinical settings and conduct research to find better and more culturally-appropriate psychotherapy for this population. Ultimately, Yang hopes to work on raising mental health awareness and de-stigmatizing mental illness for youth in China.
姜帅 (Shuai Jiang) "Eddy" (he/him/his)
Eddy is a research assistant in the Affirm Lab. He is an undergraduate student in Boston College’s Class of 2022 with a double major in Applied Psychology and Theology. As an international student who calls America his second home, Eddy hopes to eventually bring his academic and clinical experience back to China to spread mental health awareness. Specifically, he plans to conduct research, train psychologists, and work on creative projects with artists and filmmakers. He will be joining Boston College’s Mental Health Counseling program in fall 2022, and he aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology upon graduation. With the Affirm Lab as his first professional research experience, Eddy is excited to embrace the learning ahead of him and grow to become a more informed accomplice and social justice-oriented researcher. Email
Eddy is a research assistant in the Affirm Lab. He is an undergraduate student in Boston College’s Class of 2022 with a double major in Applied Psychology and Theology. As an international student who calls America his second home, Eddy hopes to eventually bring his academic and clinical experience back to China to spread mental health awareness. Specifically, he plans to conduct research, train psychologists, and work on creative projects with artists and filmmakers. He will be joining Boston College’s Mental Health Counseling program in fall 2022, and he aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology upon graduation. With the Affirm Lab as his first professional research experience, Eddy is excited to embrace the learning ahead of him and grow to become a more informed accomplice and social justice-oriented researcher. Email
Kara Johansen, (she/her/hers)
Kara Johansen is a research assistant in the Affirm Lab. Kara is an undergraduate student in the class of 2022, studying Sociology with minors in Economics and Applied Psychology. Kara is going on to get her Masters in Mental Health Counseling in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College next year. She hopes to continue and pursue a PhD in Counseling Psychology. Kara is currently working on her Seniors Honors Thesis and has received Scholar of the College Distinction for her work. Kara’s previous research experience includes working on Professer Charles Deber’s book Emergency Election and researching Texas policing policies for Meet the Momentum.
Kara Johansen is a research assistant in the Affirm Lab. Kara is an undergraduate student in the class of 2022, studying Sociology with minors in Economics and Applied Psychology. Kara is going on to get her Masters in Mental Health Counseling in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College next year. She hopes to continue and pursue a PhD in Counseling Psychology. Kara is currently working on her Seniors Honors Thesis and has received Scholar of the College Distinction for her work. Kara’s previous research experience includes working on Professer Charles Deber’s book Emergency Election and researching Texas policing policies for Meet the Momentum.
Marina Rakhilin, B.S. (they/them)
Marina is the research coordinator of the Affirm Lab. They graduated from Tufts University in 2018 with a major in Clinical Psychology and a minor in Religion. Working with Dr. Heather Urry, they wrote a senior honors thesis about mindfulness and experiential avoidance. Post-graduation, Marina worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation for two years, focusing on two PCORI-funded projects examining new interventions for bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. Now, they are on the Macro track at the Boston College School of Social Work and working part-time as a Graduate Intern of Communications at the Boston College Office of Graduate Student Life. Marina's core academic interests include implementation & dissemination science, social justice, access to care, trauma, spirituality, and serious mental illness. Email
Marina is the research coordinator of the Affirm Lab. They graduated from Tufts University in 2018 with a major in Clinical Psychology and a minor in Religion. Working with Dr. Heather Urry, they wrote a senior honors thesis about mindfulness and experiential avoidance. Post-graduation, Marina worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation for two years, focusing on two PCORI-funded projects examining new interventions for bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. Now, they are on the Macro track at the Boston College School of Social Work and working part-time as a Graduate Intern of Communications at the Boston College Office of Graduate Student Life. Marina's core academic interests include implementation & dissemination science, social justice, access to care, trauma, spirituality, and serious mental illness. Email
Bonnie (she/her/hers)
Bonnie is a 4-year-old Texas-born pitbull and one of the longest-term lab family members. Though she often sleeps through most lab meetings and events, she provides critical emotional support and affection.
Bonnie is a 4-year-old Texas-born pitbull and one of the longest-term lab family members. Though she often sleeps through most lab meetings and events, she provides critical emotional support and affection.
Affirm Lab Graduates
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
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
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
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
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
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
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. Email
Gabi is a Ph.D. student in BCSSW. 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 a Ph.D. candidate in School Psychology in the Child and Family Lab at Tulane University since August 2020. LinkedIn | Email
Hilary has been a Ph.D. candidate in School Psychology in the Child and Family Lab at Tulane University since August 2020. LinkedIn | Email
Halina Tittmann (she/her/hers)
Halina was a research assistant in the Affirm Lab. She graduated Boston College in Spring 2022, majoring in Sociology with a minor in International Studies (Ethics and Social Justice). After graduation, she moved to LA to pursue her future career. LinkedIn
Halina was a research assistant in the Affirm Lab. She graduated Boston College in Spring 2022, majoring in Sociology with a minor in International Studies (Ethics and Social Justice). After graduation, she moved to LA to pursue her future career. LinkedIn