Members/ MieMbros

Interested in joining as an undergraduate student?  Please complete this form.

Interested in joining as a doctoral student? Please see the admissions page of HSP faculty accepting students.

Haregnesh (Shay) Haile, M.A.

Clinical Psychology PhD Candidate (CUA)

After receiving my B.S. in Psychology at Fordham University, I worked at Massachusetts General Hospital. I have a deep clinical and research interest in serving the needs of socioeconomically and culturally diverse children and families. My research interests center on addressing the unique ecological factors that contribute to adverse behavioral, academic, and psychosocial outcomes among underserved children and families. I am currently on internship at Nemour Children's Health in Integrated Behavioral Health. 

Rebecca La Costa, M.A.

Clinical Psychology PhD Candidate (CUA)

I obtained my undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Spanish at Loyola University, Maryland. My interests center on children, language, behavior, and family systems.  Externship placements have included Children's National's Primary Care clinic and Kennedy Krieger Institute's Department of Neuropsychology. 

Mariafernanda Macias, B.S.

Clinical Psychology PhD Student (CUA)

I received my B.S. in Psychology and Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University in 2021. I am currently pursing my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, with a focus in Children, Families, and Cultures, at The Catholic University of America. My clinical interests include serving bilingual children and families, specifically Spanish-speaking families. My research interests focus on investigating contextual factors, unique to Latinx families, that promote risk or resilience to children’s behavioral, social, and emotional development, parenting behaviors, and family relationships. 

Melvin Elvira-Contreras

M.A. Student in Psychological Science (CUA)

I received my B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical and Developmental Psychology. My passion in the mental health field is focusing on serving the Latino community and minority children with anxiety disorders and mood disorders. I’m currently a 2nd year MA student in the Psychological Science program at CatholicU with a focus on Children, Families, and Culture. I am currently employed at a mental health residential facility for adolescents. I help guide kids ages 11-17 with psychological disorders and trauma to navigate through rough patches in their treatment journey. I plan to continue working with children and families throughout my career.