Board Member Bios

Colleen L. Eddy, M.A., SAS Co-Chair

Colleen is a 5th-year doctoral candidate in counseling psychology and a Senior Graduate Research Assistant with the Missouri Prevention Science Institute. Her research interests are in youth mental health in schools, supporting teachers to cope with stress, and improving working conditions for teachers. She is currently a practicum clinician with the Boone County Schools Mental Health Coalition and previously was a multi-systemic therapist working with youth referred through the juvenile office. Colleen also previously served as a program representative and regional coordinator for SAS! Her personal interests include her two dogs and cats, and running and biking with her spouse around Columbia, Missouri.

Leticia Martinez, SAS Co-Chair

Leticia is a 3rd-year doctoral student at the University of Missouri–Columbia. Originally from Colorado, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder and completed post-baccalaureate research at the University of Denver. Leticia’s research interests include Latinx identity, academic development, and mental and physical health. She is currently training as a practicum student at DBT Vitality and Fulton State Hospital. Leticia’s favorite self-care activities include traveling, exploring Missouri’s trails, and spending time with her loved ones.

Gloria McGillen, M.A., SAS Co-Chair

Gloria is a 3rd-year Ph.D. candidate at the University of Missouri–Columbia and a psychological trainee at the University of Missouri Counseling Center. Gloria was raised in western Pennsylvania and has a background in organizing and policy advocacy for racial and class equity in higher education. Her research uses an intersectional lens to examine identity development and academic and career issues among members of the U.S. working class and poor. She is an advocate for research and teaching methods that are responsive to social movements, and she maintains a strong interest in the work of liberation social psychologist Ignacio Martín-Baró. In addition to her engagement in SAS, she is a member of Division 17’s vocational psychology section. She is an animal and music lover and enjoys hiking, road trips, and concerts in the park with her husband and their dog, Lola.

Rachel Reimers, Secretary

Rachel is a master’s student in the counseling psychology program at the University of Missouri–Columbia. She also works for AmeriCorps, Jumpstart as a team leader. Before this, she worked for AmeriCorps City Year as a corps member. She is from Dallas, Texas and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi. She is interested in health psychology, child psychology, and multi-cultural counseling. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, running, and spending time with friends and family.

Anthony Schmiedeler, M.S., Treasurer

Anthony is a 1st-year Ph.D. counseling psychology student at the University of Missouri–Columbia. He works at Mizzou as a Positive Psychology Graduate Teaching Assistant and Graduate Advisor for Honors College students. Anthony was born and raised in Topeka, KS. He received a B.A. in human biology with a minor in religious studies from the University of Kansas and then a M.S. in psychology from Avila University. His broad research interests are at the convergence of topics relating to vocational and mental health concerns. Anthony’s favorite self-care activities include adventuring to new places with his wife, long-distance running and working out, and spending time with family.

Daisy (Xiaotian) Hu, M.S., Data Manager

Daisy is a 3rd-year doctoral student at the University of Missouri–Columbia and a psychological trainee at Missouri University of Science and Technology Counseling Center and Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Born and raised in China, she received her Bachelor of Science in Management at Anhui Normal University and Master of Science in Business at University of Science and Technology of China (USTC).  Her research interests include career development and big data. In addition to her engagement in SAS, she is a member of Division 17, Division 35, and Division 5. Her hobbies include writing, traveling, and organizing.

Michael Breske, MSE, Excellence and Innovation Co-Chair

Mike is a 3rd-year Ph.D. student at the University of Missouri and is currently a psychology student trainee at Fulton State Hospital in Fulton, MO. Mike is from Blacksburg, VA where he obtained a BS in Psychology from Virginia Tech. He also has a background in Sport & Exercise Psychology, earning his Master’s degree from the University of Kansas. His current research interests are related to issues of masculinity and student-athlete mental health. Mike enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his partner and their dog.

Chan Jeong “CJ” Park, M.A., Excellence and Innovation Co-Chair

CJ is a fourth year doctoral candidate at the University of Missouri. Born in South Korea, CJ received her Bachelor’s in Social Sciences from the University of Hong Kong and Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea. Her research and clinical interests include multicultural issues in vocational and positive psychology, sleep, and alcohol use. Her dissertation is on academic experiences of female students of color in STEM.

Yuxuan Zhao, Growth and Sustainability Co-Chair

Yuxuan is a 2nd-year master’s student at the University of Missouri–Columbia. She is an international student from Beijing, China. Yuxuan received her Bachelor of Art in psychology at Case Western Reserve University. Her research interests include mental health well-being of immigrants, international students, LGBTQ+ community and lower-SES population, as well as influenced of intersectionality. She currently works at a free clinic serving lower SES population as a student clinician. Yuxuan enjoys manga, anime, video games, and J-pop music. She is currently working on making Japanese a third language of hers.

Bo Hyun Lee, M.A., Justice and Equity Co-Chair

Bo is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Missouri. Bo was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea and received bachelor of art/science in Education/Mathematics Education and Master of Arts in Counseling at Korea University. Her research interests include career development of marginalized groups (e.g., persons of color, women); multicultural counseling; and social justice/advocacy training. She is a community member of St. Francis House where she volunteers, serving meals for homeless or food-insecure people weekly, to put her beliefs into practice. In addition to her involvement in SAS, she is a member of Division 17’s vocational psychology and international sections, having served student rep and subcommittee. In her free time, she enjoys painting, travel, and spending time with her loved ones.

Robina Onwong’a, Justice and Equity Co-Chair

Robina Onwong’a is a Maryland native with Kenyan roots. She received her undergraduate degree from University of Maryland and is currently a doctoral candidate in Mizzou’s Counseling Psychology program. She is a co-chair for SAS’s Equity & Justice pillar. Robina’s research focuses on psychological trauma, ethnic identification, sense of belonging, and well-being, particularly for members of the African Diaspora. Clinically, Robina has experience providing career/vocational counseling, providing one-on-one and group therapy, conducting full psychological assessments, and providing non-conflicted case management to families with social, behavioral, and emotional health concerns. She aspires to pursue a career that allows her opportunities to combine her research and clinical experiences to advocate, consult, teach, and/or develop interventions that will facilitate healing and liberation, support the mental health of her population of interest, and ultimately, spread love. A few things Robina engages in for fun and soul care are photography, traveling, listening to music, working out, and journaling.

Nick Neibergall, Wellness and Positive Development Co-Chair

Nick is a 4th-year doctoral student at the University of Missouri. Nick is originally from Des Moines, Iowa and attained a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Psychology and Spanish from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and attained a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology. His clinical specialty areas broadly include Geropsychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, Veterans, and LGBTQ aging. Nick’s primary research interests are related to LGBTQ health disparities, physician cultural competence, religion/spirituality, end of life issues/palliative care, and dementia caregiver/support. In his free time Nick enjoys cooking, taking naps, eating at new restaurants, and watching documentaries.

Alexis Rhames, M.S., Wellness and Positive Development Co-Chair

Alexis is a native of Orlando, Florida and a 2nd-year Ph.D. student at the University of Missouri–Columbia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida and earned a master’s degree in School Counseling along with a Post Master’s Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. Her research interests include exploring the cultural and systemic factors that impact the academic achievement and mental health outcomes of racial/ethnic minority students in K-12 settings. As an applied researcher, Alexis hopes to design and implement culturally-relevant prevention and intervention strategies to address the mental health needs of youth in school settings. Outside of her involvement in professional organizations such as SAS, Alexis enjoys poetry, podcasts, live music, dancing, and traveling.

Apoorvee Sawhney, Communications Chair

Apoorvee is a 2nd-year Ph.D. student at the University of Missouri–Columbia and a psychological trainee at the University of Missouri Counseling Center. Apoorvee was raised in India and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from India before she came to Columbia, MO, to pursue her Master’s degree in 2016. Her research interests include well-being of international students, career development among multicultural populations, and positive psychology constructs. She is passionate about advocating for diversity and is currently teaching a class on experiencing cultural diversity in the U.S. In addition to her engagement in SAS, she is a student representative for the Division 17 Hospitality Space. She practices Buddhism, which helps in her spiritual growth and building relationships in the community. Finally, Apoorvee is a dog lover and also enjoys dancing.

Amelia Gardiner, B.A., Social Media Chair

Amelia is a 2nd-year master’s student at the University of Missouri–Columbia studying counseling psychology with an emphasis in sport. She was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and received a BA in psychology and exercise and sport science from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. As a previously competitive Irish dancer and a current Irish dance teacher, Amelia is passionate about supporting athletes and ensuring that barriers to services aiding in their overall well-being are removed. In addition to her work within SAS, she is a career counselor at the MU Career Center and provides sport psychology support to a local gymnastics team. Outside of counseling activities, she enjoys reading historical fiction and learning to play guitar.

Nick Dawson, M.S., Webmaster

Nick is a 1st-year doctoral student in at the University of Missouri–Columbia. Born and raised in eastern Kentucky, he received his Bachelor of Science in psychology at Morehead State University and Master of Science in counseling psychology at University of Kentucky.  His research interests include masculinity; mental health and well-being among trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming individuals; and body image and related outcomes.  He also loves quantitative methods and psychometrics. Although he has limited clinical experience, he would like to practice with students at university counseling centers.  His hobbies include playing guitar, light gaming, cat whispering, and cooking.

Sandra Gomez, BA, Membership Co-Chair
Sandra Gomez is a 2nd-year Master student in the counseling psychology program at Mizzou under the direction of Dr. Lisa Y Flores. Sandra is currently a graduate clinician at the Integrated Behavioral Health Center in Columbia Missouri. Her research interests are in ethnic identity development, acculturation and mental health outcomes with Latinx populations. She is invested in social justice work, and weaving that lens throughout research and practice. She is a member of the National Latinx Psychological Association. Sandra is originally from Illinois, but has strong ties to Durango, Mexico. In undergrad she was part of the cross country and track team and continues being an athlete with running clubs in the community. She loves traveling and attempts to take every opportunity to do so when presented.

Morgan Christie, M.A., Region 2 Coordinator (IA, IL, MN, ND, NE, WI)

Morgan (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology program at Southern Illinois University. She received her B.A. in psychology from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2016 and her M.A. in psychology from Southern Illinois University in 2018. Her research interests include racial socialization, racial identity, and gender affirmative healthcare. Morgan is also a fellow at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, where she conducts research on midwifery and its policy implications both nationally and throughout Illinois. In her clinical work, Morgan enjoys working with clients from a feminist framework, and is especially interested in issues related to identity, eating concerns, and trauma.  Morgan enjoys reading and traveling, but her true passion is napping.

John “Wes” Wyble, MS, Region 3 Coordinator (KS, LA, MO, OK, TX)

Wes is a 3rd-year doctoral student at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX. Born and raised in Texas, he received his Bachelor of Arts in music and psychology from Texas State University, and a Master of Science in clinical psychology at St. Mary’s University. His research interests include serious mental illness, psychological assessments and single session therapy, criminalization of immigrant populations, as well as factors assisting successful reintegration of criminal offenders. He engages in self-care by working out, running (completing his fifth Rock ‘n’ Roll ½ marathon this year), checking out the food scene in San Antonio, and taking drives out to the Texas hill country.

Nuha Alshabani, Region 4 Coordinator (DC, IN, MD, MI, OH, WV)

Nuha is a 4th-year doctoral student at The University of Akron.  Born and raised in Cleveland Ohio she received her Bachelor of Science in psychology at Baldwin Wallace University and her Masters of Arts in counseling psychology from The University of Akron. Her research interests include trauma and resiliency among immigrant and refugee communities, culturally appropriate trauma specific treatments, and building prevention and outreach self-efficacy for graduate students.  She is a member of the Div. 17 prevention section, Div. 35, and Div. 9.  Nuha’s hobbies include running, hiking, traveling, and cooking.

Zach Dschaak, M.A., Region 5 Coordinator (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, TN, VA)

Zach is a third-year doctoral candidate in Counseling Psychology at the University of Kentucky. He received a B.S. from Minot State University with majors in Psychology and Addiction Studies and a M.A. in Counseling from the University of North Dakota. Zach is a member of the HAMMER Lab and his research interests include substance use help seeking and rural mental health. Clinically, he has worked with veterans in the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program at the Robley Rex Veteran Affairs Medical Center and is currently completing a practicum at Eastern State Hospital.

Melissa M. Ertl, M.S., Region 6 Coordinator (MA, NJ, NY, PA)

Melissa is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in Counseling Psychology at the University at Albany-State University of New York.  She received an M.S. in Counseling Psychology with a certificate in Health Disparities from University at Albany in 2019 and a B.A. in Spanish and Psychology from University of Wisconsin in 2015.  Melissa’s research interests center on health disparities, health risk behaviors, and intersectionality of identity and health among marginalized populations.  Her dissertation, which received the 2019 Division 17 Prevention Section Research Award, focuses on risk and protective factors associated with sexual risk behaviors among Latina college students.  Melissa served as a SAS Program Representative from 2016-2018 before becoming Regional Coordinator in September 2018, and she received the Regional Coordinator of the Year Award in 2019.  Melissa is the Student Mentor for the 2019-2020 Division 17 Leadership Collaborative and serves on the Division 17 Special Task Group on Sex Positivity.  She enjoys running half and full marathons, traveling, and reading in her free time.

Jocelyn Jimenez-Ruiz, Programming Co-Chair

Jocelyn Jimenez-Ruiz is a 1st-year master’s student in Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri–Columbia. She is a Miami native and was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, minoring also in Spanish, at the University of Georgia. Her research interests include minorities/people of color, sexual assault/domestic abuse survivors/victims, trauma, and immigration. She is striving to pursue her Ph.D. after completing her master’s program and hopefully one day be able to provide services to low-income communities. Aside from grad life, she enjoys traveling, trying new cuisine, and reading whenever possible.

Xinling (Ling) Liu, M.A., Programming Co-Chair

Ling is a 3rd-year doctoral student at the University of Missouri–Columbia.  Born and raised in Jilin China, she received her Bachelor of Science in psychology and Master of Art in applied psychology at Northeast Normal University, China. Her research interests include career development, wellbeing and mental health among people of color. College students are the main serving population, and she has been working at a college career center and college counseling center.  Her hobbies include traveling, swimming, music, and go-kart racing.