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. 

Nicole Reyes-Camacho

Nicole is a first-generation student, she graduated from the University of California, Davis with a B.A. in Psychology and double minored in Human Development and Public Health Sciences. She is now currently pursuing a master’s degree in Psychological Research under the guidance of Dr. Caplan. Through her lived experiences in her community, Nicole’s research interests range from child and youth development, marginalized and underserved communities, intersectionality, and the effect of mental health stigmas on help-seeking behaviors.

Nicole aspires to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology or Neuropsychology. Her goal is to focus on, and advance the development of research-based, and community-centered interventions aimed at improving mental health services for underserved and marginalized communities, while also promoting education on developmental disorders and advocating for equity in clinical practice. Outside of her academics, she enjoys going to concerts and music festivals, the beach, working out, and spending time with her loved ones.

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.

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.

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.

Loren Thompson

Loren is a senior at California State University, Long Beach majoring in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. Her field experience as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Technician led her to the CARE Lab to further investigate building Equity in Autism intervention care. Loren’s research interests are in Developmental Psychology, Implementation Science, and Education. In the future, she aims to employ research in these areas to address educational gaps brought on by developmental anomalies for students in the public K-12 system. Loren will build upon this goal upon completion of her undergraduate degree by pursuing a Master’s degree in Implementation Science and thereafter a PhD. All in all her passions are in expanding access and equity for all people in public spaces and resources.

Outside of pursuing education and career goals, she participates as a Legislative Ambassador volunteer with the American Cancer Society (ACS) to fundraise and advocate for cancer research funding and support services. Between continuing her education and her ABA work, Loren enjoys getting outside as much as possible, music, cooking, and spending time with loved ones. 

Miranda Arnold

Miranda is a junior at California State University, Long Beach working towards her B.A. in Psychology. She is currently part of the CSULB BUILD Scholars program and works in the CARE Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Caplan. Her research interests include neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Miranda aims to obtain a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and become a Pediatric Neuropsychologist. She is committed to developing ASD diagnostic criteria to reduce disparities in diagnoses among underrepresented populations. 

Miranda is very passionate about psychological research and is always excited to share her love for it with others. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, drawing and playing piano. 

Amanda Hernandez

Amanda is a senior at California State University, Long Beach, and is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Child Development and Family Studies. Amanda’s main areas of interest include Child Development, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Psychology of Addiction. While working under the mentorship of Dr Caplan, she hopes to gain invaluable hands-on and background experience working on research surrounding the implementation & use of Evidence Based Interventions as well as getting to know the roles of professionals and parents.

Amanda aims to obtain an Ed.S in education, where she hopes to work on assessing and supporting students with disabilities and building their curricula. Alongside goals to continue research in this area, Amanda hopes to provide services to children and young teens with disabilities and special needs. She hopes to provide support and promote positive behavior within the community of students

David Chavelas

David is a first-generation Latino student who earned his B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach. He is currently gaining experience to prepare for graduate school, with plans in the future to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He hopes to build a career that combines both research and clinical practice. David is especially passionate about working with underrepresented communities, recognizing the importance of making mental health care and evidence-based treatment more accessible and culturally relevant. He is also interested in bridging the gap between research and practice to ensure that findings meaningfully inform and improve real-world mental health services. In the CARE Lab, he hopes to gain hands-on research experience and deepen his understanding of community-based research approaches.

Outside of academics, David enjoys binge-watching shows with his cat, Kiara, experimenting with new vegan recipes, and spending time outdoors hiking with family and friends.

Natalie Gomez

Natalie is a second year at California State University, Long Beach and is majoring in Psychology. Her fields of interest include Developmental Psychology and Pediatric Psychiatry. While working under Dr. Caplan’s mentorship in the CARE Lab, Natalie hopes to gain more research experience and learn useful information for her future endeavors. 

Outside of her academics, Natalie enjoys music, spending time with loved ones, and trying local coffee shops. Natalie is excited to expand her horizons and connect with others in the lab who share a common interest of learning and helping those in need.

Bianca Contreras

Bianca is currently an undergraduate psychology student at California State University, Long Beach. Her long-term goals include pursuing a career in pediatric neuropsychology, with a focus on sociocultural context in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological outcomes, as well as inclusive, translational research. In her free time, she enjoys baking, trying new foods, and watching TV shows.