Kameron Stout

Kameron is a first-generation student who graduated from CSU Long Beach. He received a degree in Psychology and a minor in Spanish, for which he was awarded Magna Cum Laude. 

Kameron is continuing his educational career and is pursuing his master's degree at CSULB under the mentorship of Dr. Caplan. His research focuses on equitable care for children with autism in the Latinx community. Kameron is striving for a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, where he can devote his career to creating a better future for children on the spectrum across all demographics. Currently, Kameron is working on his thesis that analyzes how parent-therapist alliance and Parent Engagement are moderated by language and ethnicity match in community-based Early Intervention for Autism. 

When Kameron is not in the Lab, he enjoys rock climbing outdoors.

Karely Valdez Lopez

Karely is a first-generation Latina who graduated from UC Santa Cruz. She double majored in Psychology and Spanish Studies and is continuing her education at CSULB in the MAPR program under the mentorship of Dr. Caplan. Karelys research interests are focused in working with children and families in underrepresented populations. In particular, she is interested in promoting equity in the Latinx community in order to support children with developmental disabilities.

She aims to obtain her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, where she strives to address the sacrifices, inequities, and obstacles that often impact physical and mental health within her community. During her free time, Karely enjoys hiking, running, and spending time with her family. 

Amirah Mohamed Rafi

Amirah received a B.A. in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and is now pursuing a master’s degree in Psychological Research under the guidance of Dr. Caplan. Amirah’s primary research interests are neurodiversity and intersectionality, as influenced by past experiences of teaching and supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. 

Striving to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical or social psychology, Amirah hopes to conduct research that centers the perspective of underrepresented groups. Outside of work and studies, Amirah enjoys swimming, exploring nature trails, photographing animals, and trying new foods. 

Gabriela Quijas

Gaby is a fourth-year student at California State University of Long Beach pursuing a degree in psychology. Her research interests are centered around providing equitable access to Latinx communities and mental health disorders among children and adolescents. She has previously worked with children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and a range of other disabilities. This is her second semester in the CARE lab, and under Dr. Caplan’s mentorship, she strives to improve her understanding of the research process and gain experience by taking on new lab tasks.

Gaby aims to obtain a doctorate degree in clinical or counseling psychology, where she will help destigmatize mental health among underrepresented communities. In her free time, she enjoys working out at a CrossFit gym and spending time with her family.

Natalie Flores

Natalie is a 1st generation student at California State University, Long Beach, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Child Development & Family Studies. Her field of interests are in clinical and child psychology. In the CARE Lab, she hopes to gain research experience and expand her knowledge of evidence-based interventions. Natalie hopes to become a clinical psychologist and plans to attend graduate school in clinical psychology focusing on helping children.

Outside of her academics, Natalie enjoys baking, listening to music, traveling, and spending time with family.

Allison Navarro

Allison is a senior at California State University, Long Beach, where she majors in Psychology and Forensic Science. Her primary areas of interest include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and developmental therapy. Allison has substantial experience working in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a Behavioral Therapist, where she provides services to families and individuals with developmental disabilities. She employs diverse therapeutic strategies in early intervention to foster skill development, improve adaptive behaviors, and enhance the overall quality of life for her clients. 

Additionally, in the CARE Lab, Allison aspires to work under Dr. Caplan's mentorship to advance ABA services and refine strategies for identifying disparities in service quality for minority and marginalized communities. 

Allison plans to further her education in Counseling Psychology (MFT) to provide specialized services to individuals who have experienced trauma and abuse. Upon obtaining her license, she aims to represent minorities and families who have faced hardship, advocating for equitable access to mental health services. Her goal is to develop culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches that address the unique needs of these communities. Allison is dedicated to using her expertise to support healing and resilience in her clients, ensuring they receive compassionate and effective care tailored to their specific circumstances.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Allison enjoys Pilates, spending time with her family, dog, and exploring different foods.

Xavier Desales

Xavier Desales is a first-generation latino student at California State University, Long Beach, where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Xavier has experience working in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) as a behavior technician, providing services to children with developmental disabilities. Under Dr. Caplan’s mentorship in the CARE Lab, Xavier strives to learn about community-based research and its implementation. 

His interests include clinical and industrial organizational (IO) psychology. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, he intends to apply to graduate school to further his knowledge of psychology.  In his free time, Xavier enjoys soccer, traveling,  and listening to music.

Cody Brunk

Cody is a senior at California State University, Long Beach, and is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy. Cody’s main areas of interest include Addiction Psychology, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Community Psychology. While working under the mentorship of Dr Caplan, he hopes to gain invaluable experience working on research surrounding the implementation & use of Evidence Based Interventions. 

Cody aims to obtain a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, where he hopes to continue work on Evidence Based Intervention / Treatment for those struggling with Substance Use Disorders. Alongside goals to continue research in this area, Cody hopes to provide services to at-risk youth and foster a sense of community and promote healthy habits for struggling adolescents.

Jeyleen Morales

Jeyleen is a first-generation Latina in her fourth year at CSULB studying Psychology. Her fields of interest include Clinical and Developmental Psychology. In Dr. Caplan's lab she is participating as a research assistant studying parent-therapist engagement with families of autistic children. In the near future, Jeyleen aims to obtain a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and learn how to provide clinical services to children with disabilities.  

Aside from her studies, Jeyleen enjoys going to Disneyland, reading, and discovering new coffee shops.

Lilly Pimentel

Lilly is a third-year student at California State University, Long Beach majoring in Psychology and minoring in Child Development.  She is currently participating as a research assistant in Dr. Caplan’s CARE Lab at CSULB. Her fields of interest include developmental, child, and school psychology. She aims to obtain her PhD in Child or School Psychology and achieve her career goal of becoming an educator. 

Outside of her studies, Lilly enjoys listening to music, spending time with friends, and volunteering in her community. 

Nghi Nguyen

Nghi is a first-generation college student who is currently attending her fourth year at California State University, Long Beach. She is working towards her B.A. in Psychology with minors in Comparative World Literature and Forensic Studies. She is interested in working in the fields of clinical and forensic psychology.  Nghi plans to go to graduate school for clinical psychology and hopes to have a career in therapy working with children and adolescents. 

She aims to work on researching underrepresented populations and addressing disparities within different communities emphasizing the need and access to care. Besides being occupied with her studies, Nghi enjoys reading, doing art, and watching movies.

Noah Simon

I am a senior at California State University, Long Beach, pursuing my undergraduate degree in Psychology. As both a queer student of color and an adult living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I am passionate about advocating for and supporting other underrepresented students.

I hope to pursue a master's degree in educational psychology, with a focus on public education reform. I aim to create more inclusive learning environments, better addressing the diverse needs of neurodiverse students. Most importantly, I want to enlighten and educate the population on the numerous contributions of neurodiverse brains and the value of unique thinkers.

Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy music, reading, and working with computers. I am excited to connect with others who share my commitment to educational equity and inclusion.

Samantha Varela

Samantha is a first-generation Latina undergraduate studying Psychology and Child Development at CSULB. Her fields of interest include developmental, behavioral and clinic psychology. Samantha is particularly interested in working with children in underserved and underrepresented communities as well as with children living with mental health disorders. 

Under the CARE Lab, she hopes to gain valuable experience and knowledge to use towards her future endeavors. Outside of her studies Samantha works at a mental health clinic and provides skill building skills and support to young people. She also enjoys hiking, the beach, and spending time with her nieces and nephews. 

Yashelyn Hernandez

Yashelyn Hernandez is a third-year student at California State University of Long Beach majoring in Psychology. She is passionate about helping others and learning, which fueled her initial interests in Psychobiology and Cognitive-Behavioral Psychology. Through research, she hopes to enhance and expand resources for underrepresented communities. She also hopes to gain experience that will expand her ongoing journey in the psychology field. She is interested in pursuing a career as a Clinical Psychologist and hopes to work with adolescents from underrepresented communities who struggle with mental health disorders.  

Outside of academic studies, she works with young leaders as a mentor and trainer who equips them with leadership skills. She has been working with a youth non-profit organization for four years and counting. She enjoys taking her dogs to the park, going out with friends, and playing the violin during her free time.