An internationally recognized center of innovation in child and family mental health, the Yale Child Study Center (YCSC) is dedicated to promoting healthy development and psychological well-being across the lifespan. YCSC clinical practice faculty, staff, and trainees care for children and adolescents whose families are concerned about their child’s development and behavior.
YCSC training programs share a common goal of providing a deep understanding adaptive and maladaptive development in children and their families. This is gained through supervised clinical intervention delivery, didactic experiences, and involvement in research initiatives designed to increase knowledge and inform clinical decision-making.
The clinical practice welcomed the following outstanding interns and practicum students this summer. Abbreviated bios are included below.
Dawn Shahar Amram received her bachelor's degree in Sociology from California State University, Chico, and is currently attending Columbia University's School of Social Work to obtain her Master's in Social Work, with a focus on Advanced Clinical Practice, and concentration in Health, Mental Health, and Disabilities.
Adrienne (A-DREE-N) DiGioia received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in social work and visual arts at Iona College. She is currently getting her master’s degree at Southern Connecticut State University in marriage and family therapy.
Julia Galuppo is a second-year student in the Master of Social Work program at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). Julia completed her bachelor's degree at SCSU in Interdisciplinary Studies, concentrating in Psychology, Sociology, and Public Health. Julia's goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and work with children and adults in mental health settings.
Kwaku (QWAY-KU) Gyasi, MSN, PMHNP received his bachelor's from CUNY College of Staten Island and is presently training to be a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner at the Yale School of Nursing. He recently completed an internship at the Yale Psychiatric Hospital working with young adult patient's presenting with acute, episodic, or chronic psychiatric disorders in the inpatient setting. He also completed an internship at the Bridgeport Hospital offering psychiatric consults, under supervision, to geriatric patients.
Nikita Joshi, BA received her bachelor’s in psychology at Boston University. In her time during her undergraduate education, she conducted research at the Social Learning Lab, investigating how children learn about the world. She is currently a first-year doctoral student at the University of Hartford, studying to receive her PsyD in Child Clinical Psychology.
Patricia (Pat) Lucas received a bachelor’s in fine arts/elementary education from Russell Sage College and a master’s of education from Springfield College in counseling/industrial psychology. Currently, Pat is attending Lesley University obtaining a second master’s degree, in clinical mental health with a specialized modality in art therapy. Her YCSC internship is with the Fathers for Change Program in New Haven.
Frankie L. McLaurin received his master's in social work at New York University, and he is presently completing his master's in nursing with a specialty in psychiatric/mental health. He recently completed an internship at the Connecticut Mental Health Center focusing on adults presenting with psychosis. Prior to entering the nursing profession, he practiced as a psychotherapist using evidence-based models for children and adults in community-based and private settings.
Uchechi (OO-CHAY-CHEE) Onyebuchi (ON-YAY-BOO-CHEE), RN received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Amherst College in 2015 and spent several years working as a counselor in a crisis stabilization center for teens in Springfield, pivoting to HR and serving as a recruiter for a healthcare technology startup in Boston, then moving to oversee all recruiting at MIT’s endowment (MITIMCo) before returning to school to pursue my passion of becoming a PMHNP.
Imani (EE-MAH-NEE) Parks-Williams received her bachelor's degree in psychology and biology with a minor in Family Studies at Erskine College, and she is currently pursuing her master's in clinical mental health counseling at University of New Haven. Her YCSC internship is with the center’s outpatient clinic. She has experience in both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment, and she is in the process of submitting her research on the influence of admission specifics on rehabilitated individuals' views of social interaction as a component of recovery for publication.
Derrick Roberts (he/him/his) is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at the University of Hartford’s Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology (GIPP). A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst licensed in the state of Connecticut, he earned a bachelor’s degree in experimental psychology and a master’s degree in special education. He worked in school, clinical, and in- home settings providing robust therapeutic treatment to children and families. He is also a member of GIPP’s Multicultural & Diversity Committee where students address issues related to social injustice and racial inequality.
Durell (DIR-ELLE) Snow received a bachelor's degree in sociology/psychology from Fairfield University and is currently enrolled in the master’s in social work program at Southern CT State University. He recently completed an internship at the Taking Initiative Center in New Haven, providing individuals and group therapy to adults with substance use/mental health disorders. He is excited to be joining the YCSC working with trauma exposed families is his area of interest.
Tiffany Turnbull, MSW received a bachelor’s in psychology and sociology at Southern Connecticut State University, as well as a master’s in social work. She completed an internship at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven.
Thomas Westphal received a bachelor’s in psychology at Columbia University and is currently completing a master’s in social work at Fairfield University. He spent ten years working in Vietnam and Cambodia for Tiffany & Co. performing gemological training and managing overseas diamond grading operations. He has also completed internships with New York State Psychiatric Hospital, where he worked with families impacted by the world trade center attack.