CURRENT LAB MEMBERS

Graduate Research Assistant & Lab Coordinator 

Adriana Perez (she/her) is a 2nd-year graduate student in the MA in Clinical Psychology program, Clinical Research track, at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She is the P.U.E.N.T.E lab coordinator and a CSU Sally Casanova scholar. She received her BA in Psychology and a minor in Community Engagement and Social Change from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). 

Her research interests include the implementation and dissemination of culturally responsive mental health interventions for youth and families in diverse community settings. Congruently, she is interested in addressing barriers to help-seeking, treatment engagement, and access to evidence-based mental health care among racial/ethnically minoritized communities. During her free time, Adriana enjoys watercolor painting, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and going on walks with her dog.

Graduate Research Assistant

Fatima Alfaro-Varnes (she/her) is a 2nd-year graduate student in the MA in Clinical Psychology program, Research track, at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She is a co-director of the Assessment clinic on campus and has been awarded a Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholarship for 2024-2025. She received her BA in Psychology and a minor in Community Engagement and Social Change from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Her research interests include bridging the gap between scientific research in Psychology and promoting evidence-based, culturally appropriate interventions that can be disseminated as accessible resources in minority Latinx communities. In her free time, Fatima enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her loved ones. She is also always planning her next project that’ll keep creative.  

Graduate Research Assistant

Isaac Bouchard (he/him) is a 2nd-year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology MA program, Clinical Research track, at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). He is co-mentored by Dr. Omar Ruvacalba and Dr. Jonathan Martinez. He received his BS in Psychological and Brain Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), with a minor in Applied Psychology.

His research interests involve the implementation and adaptation of integrated healthcare models and digital health tools within federally qualified health centers serving undocumented and refugee youth and families. Additionally, he is interested in building capacity among lay health workers to promote access and engagement with mental health services for these communities. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing, watching arthouse movies, and exploring new nature spots. 

Graduate Research Assistant

Melanie Menendez (she/her) is a 1st-year graduate student in the MA in Clinical Psychology program, Clinical Fieldwork track at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She received her BA in Psychology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). 

Her research interests include the investigation of the negative impact of underrepresentation for Central and South American college students. She intends to research innovative treatment methods and culturally-inclusive interventions to alleviate the negative effects of in-group marginalization. During her free time, Melanie enjoys watching new movies, going to Universal Studios, and spending time with her loved ones

Graduate Research Assistant

Julianna Martin (she/her) is a 1st-year graduate student in the MA in Clinical Psychology program, Clinical Fieldwork track at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She received her BA in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), with a minor in Journalism.

Her research interests include, but are not limited to, cultural psychology pertaining to child development, with a focus on marginalized communities and evidence-based early interventions. In her free time, you can find her either at the gym, being artsy, reading, or cooking!

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Celestino Melchor (he/him) is an undergraduate student at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). He will receive his BA in Psychology. He plans to pursue a Master’s in Social Work.

He is dedicated to men’s mental health and advocating for minority youth, focusing on culturally competent mental health interventions for underserved communities. In his free time, Celestino practices meditation and trains in Muay Thai.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Juan Silvestre (he/him) is currently a senior at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). He will receive his BA in Psychology, with a minor in Art. Juan plans to persue a master's insocial work to help bridge the gap between mental health and underserved communitees. In his free time, Juan enjoys attending concerts, reading graphic novels, and lifting weights.