Our TeaM

Dr. Barbara Caplan

Dr. Barbara Caplan is a licensed psychologist and an Assistant Professor of Psychology at CSU Long Beach. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at UCLA. She completed her predoctoral clinical internship with the UC San Diego/VA Psychology Internship Program and her postdoctoral training at UC San Diego and the Child and Adolescent Services Research Center (CASRC). Dr. Caplan’s research has focused on the experiences of families of children with developmental disabilities from a basic and applied lens. Her early work characterized family processes and developmental psychopathology in youth with autism and other developmental disabilities. Currently, she studies community services for families of children with autism and strategies to improve the implementation of evidence-based practices for autism in the community. Dr. Caplan has specific interests in family engagement in services, and in identifying and addressing disparities in service access and quality for Latino families and other historically marginalized populations.

Dr. Caplan also has a professional interest in diversifying science by promoting the academic advancement of students that are historically underrepresented in the sciences. She has a strong track record of mentoring students and trainees from underrepresented backgrounds (e.g. racial/ethnic minority, low income, first generation), and highly encourages students from these backgrounds to apply to work in her lab. Science. Needs. You.

2024 Staff and Scholars

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 Developmental or 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.

Raelynn Chavez

Raelynn is a first-generation undergraduate studying Psychology and Human Resource Management at California State University, Long Beach. Her fields of interest include clinical, behavioral, developmental, and rehabilitative psychology. She has experience servicing adults with disabilities, which supports an understanding of community services, case management, disability justice, and a range of psychological and developmental disorders. Under the mentorship of Dr. Caplan, Raelynn's research focuses on how the intersectionality of mental health diagnoses and factors of identity can affect treatment outcomes.

Raelynn plans to pursue a graduate degree in Social Work, where she will receive proper training and education in working with diverse populations and providing community services and specialized care. In particular, she aspires to work for community agencies that provide mental healthcare, education, and other services to individuals with disabilities (all ages). Outside of her studies, Raelynn enjoys volunteering in her community, baking, painting, connecting with nature, and discovering new music.

Gabriela Quijas

Gaby is a third year student at CSULB majoring in psychology. Her research interests are focused on providing access towards underrepresented communities. She is participating as a research assistant in Dr. Caplan’s CARE lab. Currently, she is working on a review paper that examines cultural differences in Latino vs. non-Latino parent responses to their child’s autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Gaby is working towards her career goal of obtaining a PhD in Clinical Psychology. In her free time she enjoys exercising and reading.