Student Fellows

Allison M. Alford is a psychology doctoral student in Dr. Sarah Schnitker’s Science of Virtues Lab. Her current research interests revolve around the psychology of religion and spirituality. Specifically, she is interested in investigating the characteristics of one’s relationship with God, faith’s impact on experiences with chronic illness, and virtue development in adversity.

Cameron is a second-year doctoral student in school psychology, holding a bachelor's degree in psychology and prior experience in classroom teaching. Her research interests encompass developmental psychopathology, assessment reliability & validity, applications of artificial intelligence & technology, bilingual education, and shortages in education.

Janie is a doctoral student in School Psychology. Her research interests include caregiver stress and coping, promoting collaboration between medical and school settings, and improving access to equitable care for children and families from underserved backgrounds.

Brad is a psychology doctoral student dedicated to improving the education and mental health of children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. He is grateful for his amazing opportunities to serve clients, parents, and educators at the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities. 

Allison is a second-year doctoral student in School Psychology, holding a bachelor's degree in psychology and human development and family studies. Her research interests encompass parent engagement with autism and related developmental disabilities. Allison is dedicated to equipping families and their children with supports across the various systems that affect their well-being.

Shannon is a first-year doctoral student engaged in research examining faith and disability. She is particularly interested in bringing disability education to current congregational leaders and into theological preparation programs. 

Scarlett is a doctoral student in School Psychology. She specializes in conducting neurodevelopmental evaluations across the lifespan and providing therapy for neurodiverse children. Her research interests encompass the use of investigating the implementation of gold-standard autism assessments across school and clinical settings. 

Serena Garza is a 2nd year Ph.D. student in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Research interests include coaching caregivers to implement interventions and increasing accessibility of behavioral interventions for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Alia Henderson, MDiv candidate, is a graduate research assistant for the Bridges to Belonging project, a collaboration of the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities (BCDD), the Center for Church and Community Impact (C3i), and George W. Truett Seminary. 

Waco native and first-generation college student. Julie’s research interests include increasing independence in adults with IDD and training caregivers to implement evidence-based practices with their adult child with IDD (daily living skills).

Cassie is a doctoral student in School Psychology. Her research interests include assessment and supporting students through transition periods (e.g., when they return to school from hospitalization).

Hali is a current graduate student in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is proud to be a Project PEACE scholar and plans to make the most of the learning and research opportunities provided by Baylor University.

Monica Johnson is a first-year doctoral student in educational psychology specializing in special education. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) in Texas. With a strong background in supporting students with disabilities, her expertise includes transition planning, behavioral interventions, and school-based mental health. Her research interests focus on emotional and behavioral disorders, post-secondary transition for students with disabilities, and multiculturalism. She collaborates on Project DIVERSE, which centers on supporting culturally and linguistically diverse students and serves as a trainer in post-secondary transition and school-based mental health support.

Camille is a school psychology doctoral student at Baylor University. She has experience working with children, individuals with disabilities, and has also worked in the education system.

Dylan is a master’s student in the Educational Psychology department with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a project PEACE scholar. Dylan's research interests include working with children with challenging behavior.

Dani is a master’s student in the Educational Psychology department with a concentration in Applied Behavioral Analysis. She is focused on serving individuals with ASD and developmental disabilities along with their families. Dani is grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in providing evidenced-based practices for clients and families.

Renming has a research interest in teaching daily living skills and communication skills to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Sneha is a MSEd student with a concentration in Applied Behavioral Analysis. She has experience working with adults and kids with developmental disabilities.

Rachael is a current second year graduate student in the Sociology Ph.D. program at Baylor. She completed her undergraduate studies at Pepperdine University in California, earning a Bachelor’s degree in both psychology and sociology. Rachael’s research interests are in the intersection of health, well-being, and religion, and her recent master’s thesis analyzed the associations between belief in divine control, religious community support, and subjective well-being. She is excited to delve more into interdisciplinary work with the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities.

Ariana is a MSEd student in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Research interests include expanding the accessibility of behavioral interventions for families and individuals with developmental disabilities who are involved in the child welfare system.

Melanie Pacheco is a first-generation Latina of Dominican and Peruvian descent, born and raised in New Jersey. Her current studies as a Master of Divinity candidate at George W. Truett Theological Seminary were preceded by her undergraduate studies in Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University. 

Madeline is interested in the relationships between faith, mental health, and disability in schools and places of worship. 

Carol is a third-year doctoral student with over twenty years of experience as an educator. She is interested in creating and streamlining identification methods for determining optimal interventions, accommodations, and academic environments for students. Additionally, she plans to specialize in administering assessments and interventions for twice-exceptional individuals.

Abigail Roe da Silva is a first-year doctoral student in Educational Psychology, specializing in special education. As a former special education teacher in an international context, Abigail is passionate about meeting the needs of students with disabilities holistically and in culturally appropriate ways. Her research interests include the spiritual needs and experiences of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and inclusive practices in faith communities, in particular Latin American congregations. 

Ilse Schumm is a master's student in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Her research interests include investigating the relationship between coping skills and different behavioral outcomes, as well as training caregivers to apply behavioral strategies.

Kelsey is a 2nd-year doctoral student in the Educational Psychology department with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is passionate about serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by providing training and guidance to families. Kelsey is grateful for the opportunity to further her dedication and make a positive impact through her studies and work.

Brett Spivey, MDiv, MSW Candidate, is a Graduate Research Assistant for the Bridges to Belonging project, a collaboration of the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities (BCDD), the Center for Church and Community Impact (C3i), and George W. Truett Seminary.

Rachel is a first-year master’s student in Educational Psychology focused in Applied Behavior Analysis, holding a bachelor's degree in the science of elementary education. She greatly values the opportunity to serve individuals, families, and communities through the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities.

As a doctoral student in School Psychology, Kayla's current research interests include autism and related developmental disabilities, anxiety, and the cultural impacts on parenting. Kayla is proud to be involved in several research teams advocating for the fair and accurate assessment of culturally and linguistically diverse children.

Emily is a master’s student in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has experience providing in-home and school-based behavioral services and is a Project PEACE scholar. Her research interests include supporting teachers, parents, and siblings of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Sarah is earning a master's degree in educational psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has worked with children with developmental disabilities for four years and is excited to continue to positively impact their lives through the knowledge obtained through this graduate program.

Xi is a sixth-year doctoral student in Sociology. Her research focuses on aging and the life course, mental well-being, and cognitive health. She is committed to advancing the understanding of the social and psychological factors that contribute to health equity and promote healthy aging across diverse populations.