Elena Padrón, Ph.D., is a Latinx Associate Professor of Psychology at California Polytechnic University, Humboldt. Her research focuses on the developmental psychopathology of attachment, particularly disorganized attachment, and the intergenerational transmission of attachment and trauma.

She is a clinical and developmental psychologist with specializations in early childhood and developmental psychopathology research. She has clinical experience with children and families, and populations exposed to trauma. Her research centers on the intersection of early childhood mental health, parent-child attachment relationships, and trauma, specifically in minoritized populations.

Her clinical experience is in the area of early childhood mental health and dyadic and family therapy with multicultural populations, especially with Latinx families and children. She has completed academic and clinical work with Latino and international populations in both her native Venezuela and in the United States. 

Grace (she/her) is working to complete her 2nd year as a counseling program graduate student. She is invested in integrating attatchment theory in therapy. 

In Spring of 2026, Grace will be cofacilitating the neurodivergent group for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

As the content team leader, members of the lab look to Grace for advice and mentorship.

She hopes to work with marginalized groups in the future. Grace notes the diversity in the ITA lab's team as a reason for joining. 

Elly (she/her) is in her 5th year at Cal Poly Humboldt and is interested in studying trauma and somatic therapy. "Looking at language and finding indicators of attachment styles and trauma" is what drew Elly to the ITA lab, but she also loves dance and walk in nature.

Elly is part of the content coding team, where she has been organizing codes for analysis. She is also the action item manager that keeps the team focused on what to address next. 

Bryan (he/him/his) is a graduate student working in the lab. He enjoys reading, baking, watching movies and TV, as well as playing video games!

"I wanted to be part of the lab to have an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of trauma and attachment theory. As a clinician in training, I really wanted to ensure I would have a solid foundation for my own practice, I wanted to ensure I am a trauma-informed psychotherapist. I also greatly appreciate all that I've learned regarding attachment and I see so much clinical utility just with having a deep understanding of the attachment system. I wanted to take a developmental lens across the lifespan to inform treatment."

Kayt (she/her) is in her 4th year at Cal Poly Humboldt. Her favorite pastimes are making art, practicing her sourdough-baking skills, and hanging out with her pet pigeon, Smorgasbord. Attachment theory is what primarily drew Kayt to this lab; she is interested in learning more about the evolutionary mechanisms behind the formation of different attachment styles and how trauma interrupts healthy attachment. 

Working to support new and future students joining the lab, Kayt enjoys taking on roles that help her fellow lab members succeed. She also works to support current members and keeps the lab's website up to date with Keith.