Skip to main content

Overview


I am a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student and a member of the Pain Prevention and Treatment Research Lab, under the supervision of Dr. Frank Keefe and Dr. Tamara Somers. The overall goal of our research is to develop, implement, & evaluate novel approaches to assess & treat persistent pain, symptoms (e.g. fatigue, distress), & the physical psychological demands associated with chronic medical illnesses (e.g. cancer).

Interventions include cognitive-behavioral interventions (e.g. pain coping skills training), smartphone-based mobile health interventions utilizing videoconferencing and web-based delivery, emotional disclosure protocols, mind-body interventions (i.e., mindfulness), & couples-based interventions. 

I am a practicum student in the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program rotation. 

Before coming to Duke, I was a Senior Research Specialist for the Department of Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine at Children's Hospital Los Angeles under the supervision of Drs. Jeffrey Gold and Lara Nelson. I coordinated research studies conducted in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit investigating delirium & associated cognitive dysfunction, medical trauma/PTSD, anxiety, & pain. Additionally, I worked with patients to assess the effectiveness of VR in reducing pain & anxiety during painful procedures.

I graduated from Pitzer College with a BA in Psychology (Hons.),minor in Sociology. My honors thesis evaluated the effects of expressive writing on resilience, depression & posttraumatic growth. I was lab manager for Pitzer's Behavioral Health Lab under the supervision of Dr. KaMala Thomas.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Recent Publications


Pilot Study of a Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Pelvic Exam Anxiety Among Survivors of Endometrial and Cervical Cancer

Journal Article Women S Reproductive Health · January 1, 2025 No evidence-based interventions exist for anxiety related to pelvic exams after cancer treatment. A 3-session cognitive behavioral intervention, Pelvic Examination and Anxiety Coping Skills for Empowerment (PEACE), was developed. We conducted a proof-of co ... Full text Cite

Assessing Fears of Negative Consequences in Children With Symptoms of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.

Journal Article Int J Eat Disord · December 2024 OBJECTIVE: Fear of Aversive Consequences (FOAC), such as choking or vomiting, is an important associated feature of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). However, the manifestation of FOAC in young children is poorly understood. This study aim ... Full text Link to item Cite

Symptom Communication Preferences and Communication Barriers for Young Adult Cancer Survivors and Their Health Care Providers.

Journal Article J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol · October 2022 Purpose: Effective communication between young adult (YA; aged 18-39 years) cancer survivors and their health care providers is critical for managing post-treatment symptoms. Yet, little is known about YAs' and providers' preferences for and barriers to sy ... Full text Link to item Cite
View All Publications