The Team

Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and is a licensed clinical psychologist. She serves as Director of the UCLA Tarjan Center, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and is the Founding Director of the UCLA PEERS Clinic, which provides parent and caregiver assisted social skills programs for individuals from preschool to adulthood.

Dr. Laugeson has held numerous leadership roles, including Program Director for UCLA’s Predoctoral Psychology Internship Program in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (2016–2024), Program Director for the Dissemination, Outreach and Education Core of the UCLA Autism Center of Excellence (2017-2022), Training Director for the UCLA Tarjan Center (2014–2021), Founding Director of The Help Group–UCLA Autism Research Alliance (2007–2017), Director of the UCLA Early Childhood Clubhouse Program (2007–2010), and Associate Director of the UCLA Parenting and Children’s Friendship Training Program (2007–2010). She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University, completed her predoctoral internship at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, and is a two-time recipient of the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award.

As the creator of PEERS, one of the only evidence-based and globally recognized social skills programs for neurodivergent individuals, Dr. Laugeson has trained tens of thousands of professionals, educators, and families worldwide. Her programs are used in over 150 countries, translated into a dozen languages, and focus on improving social functioning across the lifespan.

A principal investigator on numerous nationally funded studies, she has authored five books, including the critically acclaimed, The Science of Making Friends. Her work has been featured in People Magazine, USA Today, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and in the Emmy-winning Netflix series Love on the Spectrum.

Shannon Bates, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in Los Angeles. Dr. Bates facilitates our parent/social coach groups across our preschool, teen, and young adult programs. She also leads PEERS^® Training Seminars for the adolescent, school-based, and young adult curricula. Dr. Bates was the UCLA PEERS^® Clinic Coordinator from 2010 to 2012, during which time she led teen, young adult, and parent/caregiver groups. She also co-led domestic and international PEERS^® Training Seminars alongside Dr. Laugeson. Dr. Bates obtained her undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech and her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She completed her internship training at the VA Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center and her postdoctoral fellowship at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, where she specialized in the treatment of young adults and adults with severe mental illness, including trauma, chronic depression, addiction, suicidality, and self-harm.

Christine Moody, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Director of Research at the UCLA PEERS® Clinic. In her role, Dr. Moody facilitates many of our research efforts on the efficacy and implementation of the various PEERS® social skills programs. She also coordinates a large team of research assistants and contributes to the professional development of these aspiring clinicians and researchers in the field through various forms of mentorship. Dr. Moody is also a licensed clinical psychologist and serves as a group leader in our programs. Dr. Moody first joined the UCLA PEERS® team in 2018 and has experience in all of our groups, including the newer PEERS® for Careers and PEERS® for Dating research interventions. Outside of PEERS®, Dr. Moody leads the postsecondary education and employment initiatives at the UCLA Tarjan Center. Specifically, she is involved with multiple partnerships with the California Community College Chancellor's Office and California Department of Rehabilitation to support those serving young adults with developmental disabilities in these systems. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from UCLA and has been working with youth and young adults with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families for over fifteen years. She is especially passionate about the importance of mental health, positive relationships, and bolstering systemic supports and awareness at all levels (e.g., families, schools, society) to promote positive outcomes.

Dr. Elina Veytsman is a licensed clinical psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist. She is an attending psychologist at the UCLA PEERS^® Clinic and facilitates youth and parent/social coaching groups across our preschool, adolescent, and young adult programs. She also facilitates groups for the PEERS^® for Dating and PEERS^® for Careers research programs. In addition, Dr. Veytsman leads PEERS^® Certified Training Seminars for mental health professionals and educators and PEERS^® Boot Camps for families and professionals. Dr. Veytsman obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology at UCLA and her PhD in School Psychology at UC Riverside, where she studied the experience of youth with developmental disabilities and their parents during their transition into adulthood. She completed her doctoral internship at The Help Group, where she specialized in providing therapy and parent training, and conducting diagnostic assessments for neurodiverse youth in school and outpatient settings. Dr. Veytsman began working with the UCLA PEERS^® Clinic in 2014 as a clinic coordinator and has since conducted the PEERS^® program in group and individual formats across clinical and school settings. She conducts individual PEERS^® with a limited number of clients through the Center for Pediatric Neuropsychology, a private practice in Los Angeles.

Dr. Yasamin Bolourian, Ph.D., is the Research Supervisor at the UCLA PEERS^® Clinic. She received her doctorate in Education from the University of California, Riverside. Outside of PEERS^®, Dr. Bolourian is the Director of Outreach and Dissemination at the UCLA Tarjan Center. Her research focuses on neurodiversity, including postsecondary outcomes for neurodivergent students and service pathways for autistic youth and their families in community and school settings. She has led a number of initiatives aimed at reducing disparities and service inequities for families of youth with developmental disabilities in Inland Southern California that have been supported by the California Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS), the UC Riverside Center for Health Disparities Research (HDR), and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD). Dr. Bolourian serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research and is the Co-Chair of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Special Interest Research Group for the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD). 

Dr. Rebecca Kammes is a licensed marriage and family therapist and completed her doctoral degree in Couple and Family Therapy as well as postdoctoral research training at the Center for Research in Autism, Intellectual, and other Neurodevelopmental Disabilities both at Michigan State University. Rebecca has 10 years of experience working as a couple and family therapist for autistic individuals and other intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families. Rebecca’s research and clinical area of expertise is on the systemic risks and challenges of developing positive sexual identities and romantic relationships for older autistic adolescents and adults and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her work is based in the principles of community-based participatory research, with an emphasis on program evaluation to inform wider policy and practice issues. She has significant experience working in developing and delivering social skills trainings for individuals and families with disabilities across the lifespan. Rebecca is currently a clinical attending in the PEERS^® clinic and primarily works with the parents and social coaches in the teen and young adult programs, as well as running the PEERS^® for Dating program.

Dr. Lucy Vo, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and the owner of a private practice in Newport Beach, CA. Her practice specializes in providing comprehensive outpatient therapy for adolescents and adults facing challenges related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and mood concerns. She obtained her undergraduate degree from UCLA and earned her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University. Dr. Vo's professional journey includes roles at the UCLA Early Childhood Partial Hospitalization Program and the Kasari Lab. Her early involvement with the UCLA PEERS^® team as a research assistant in 2009 marked the beginning of her enduring passion for social skills training, a theme that has remained central throughout her career. Dr. Vo is PEERS^® certified and is bilingual in Vietnamese and English. Throughout her training, Dr. Vo demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusivity in mental health care. She completed her predoctoral clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Western Youth Services, a community mental health clinic that specializes in trauma-informed care for children, youth, and families. During this period, Dr. Vo developed expertise in various evidence-based treatments, including Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Functional Family Therapy (FFT). Her passion is motivated by her interest in helping individuals learn how to navigate the social world in areas such as making friends, dating, career and stress-management.  

PEERS^® Clinic. Dr. Bruce also works in private practice at Spectrum Psych LA, where she provides individual therapy, family therapy, and diagnostic assessment to neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan and their families. Her areas of clinical interest and expertise include the intersection of autistic and LGBTQIA+ identities, complex clinical presentations, and family systems. Dr. Bruce earned her doctorate in clinical psychology at the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium, where she received advanced training in the treatment and assessment of autistic individuals. Dr. Bruce completed her postdoctoral fellowship at The Help Group and UCLA’s Semel Institute, where she provided clinical services to autistic individuals and their families and contributed to autism research. Currently, Dr. Bruce facilitates the PEERS^® for Young Adults clinical groups.

Leila Glass, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist specializing in comprehensive, evidence-based assessment in private practice as well as serving as a clinical attending in the UCLA PEERS® Clinic. Dr. Glass is PEERS® certified and has experience working across preschool, adolescent, and young adult programs. Dr. Glass received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and previously worked at the NIH as a trainee. She completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in San Diego and completed her internship and postdoctoral training at the UCLA Semel Institute. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Glass has been the recipient of several NIH grants and her research has focused on understanding the academic, behavioral, and cognitive outcomes associated with prenatal alcohol exposure, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and other developmental disabilities. Her primary interests lie in understanding individual neurobehavioral profiles to guide treatment planning for best outcomes.

Kyra Fisher is a Clinic Coordinator for the UCLA PEERS® Clinic. She manages aspects of the PEERS® for Adolescents, the PEERS® for Preschoolers, and the PEERS® Virtual Boot Camp. She serves as a behavioral coach in these groups. She has also been involved with the PEERS® Social Skills Classes for Adolescents and Young Adults and has done research for the PEERS® Dating and the PEERS® for Careers Research studies. Kyra graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and disability studies. Kyra intends to pursue a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology in the future. Her research interests include the early assessment and intervention of autistic young adults and adolescents, and adults and adolescents with mood and anxiety disorders, and the intersection between these disorders and chronic illnesses.

Gabrielle Sotomayor (she/her) is a Clinic Coordinator for the UCLA PEERS^® Clinic. She manages aspects of PEERS^® for Young Adults and the UCLA College to Career Research Study. Additionally, Gabrielle supports PEERS^® for Preschoolers and PEERS^® Summer Boot Camps where she serves as a behavioral coach. Gabrielle graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology. Her career interests focus on researching early intervention and assessment of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. She is especially passionate about the importance of mental health in neurodivergent populations and working with children and their support systems to foster positive relationships and mental health outcomes.

Julianna Martinez is a Clinic Coordinator at the UCLA PEERS® Clinic. She primarily manages aspects of the PEERS® for Preschoolers social skills intervention and the UCLA PEERS® Certified Training Seminars. Julianna also supports the PEERS® for Adolescents and PEERS® Summer Boot Camps where she serves as a behavioral coach. Julianna graduated from the University of San Diego where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a double minor in Biomedical Ethics and Business Administration. She intends to pursue a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology in the future. Her research and clinical interests include culturally adapting evidence-based care and addressing mental health disparities for underserved autistic youth and their families.

Olivia is a senior research assistant in the PEERS® Clinic and a 4th-year undergraduate at UCLA. She is pursuing a major in Neuroscience (BS) and a minor in Public Affairs. At the PEERS® Clinic, Olivia assists with organizing and training research assistants for PEERS® Bootcamps, serves as a behavioral coach in PEERS® Bootcamps and Educational Classes, and is part of the PEERS® for Careers data coding team. Olivia plans to attend medical school and hopes to continue working with autistic individuals as a psychiatrist in the future

Gabby Slater (she/her) is a Clinic Coordinator for the UCLA PEERS® Clinic. She coordinates the PEERS® for Dating research study. Gabby graduated from Pepperdine University with a Master's Degree in Psychology in 2020 and is pursuing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the same university. Her career interests focus on research and clinical practice to support under resourced and socially marginalized populations, especially transgender and non-binary youth.

Diana Rodriguez is an Administrator for the UCLA Tarjan Center and the PEERS^® Clinic. She provides administrative and financial support for the programs. Administratively she assists with meeting planning, coordination of events, and the director's calendar, general staffing support and reimbursements for all Tarjan PEERS^® faculty and staff.  Diana joined the UCLA Tarjan Center and PEERS^® clinic in November of 2023. Her previous experience includes 7 years at the UCLA Department of Internal Medicine as an Administrative Assistant and 5 years in Family Medicine at St. John's Hospital as a Medical Assistant. 

Giselle Salinas is a postdoctoral fellow at UCLA's Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior in the PEERS Clinic. Dr. Salinas earned her Ph.D. in Special Education at UC Riverside, focusing on the transition to adulthood experiences of young adults with developmental disabilities and their parents. As a graduate student, she supported Spanish-speaking families at a free autism screening clinic, offering guidance in special education advocacy and autism assessments. She also engaged in community-building initiatives with neurodevelopmental organizations in the Inland Empire to further connect families seen at the screening clinic. Her future research aims to explore the transition to adulthood for neurodiverse young adults while emphasizing cultural diversity and fostering community partnerships. In the PEERS^® Clinic, Dr. Salinas currently assists with the PEERS^® for Young Adults and the Educational groups.

Dr. James Yang is a postdoctoral fellow at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior in the UCLA PEERS^® Clinic. He earned his PhD in Human Development and Psychology at UCLA, where he studied the employment and post-secondary education attainment of autistic high school students under the mentorship of Dr. Connie Kasari. Dr. Yang has provided trainings and supported teachers from underserved communities to promote self-determination in students with developmental disabilities in school settings. His clinical and research interests include further understanding the role of adaptive functioning skills, self-determination, and co-occurring conditions on employment and educational outcomes of neurodiverse individuals. Currently, Dr. Yang supports the PEERS^® for Young Adults clinical groups and facilitates the PEERS^® for Careers research program. He also provides individualized format of PEERS^® for adolescents and young adults in clinical settings.

Dr. Blake Warner (he/him) is a postdoctoral fellow at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior in the Program for Education Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) Clinic and the Tarjan Center. He received his PhD with a dual specialization in Clinical and Disaster Psychology from the University of South Dakota, where he was a two-time Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) trainee. Dr. Warner's research and clinical interests center on disability-related policy and advocacy training as well as interventions focused on the intersection of gender, sexuality, and neurodiversity.

Elsa Cincione is a Clinical Psychology Intern in the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Treatment Track at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.  As an intern, she is involved in the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) Clinic, the Tarjan Center at UCLA, and the Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Clinic. She is a PEERS® Certified provider and has experience with PEERS® for Young Adults, PEERS® for Adolescents, and PEERS® for Preschoolers. She is also a PsyD candidate at the PGSP-Stanford Consortium, where she completed training and research in the Stanford Autism Center. Elsa's research revolves around enhancing and supporting problem-solving and planning skills within neurodiverse communities.

Danica (She/Her/Ella) is a Clinical Psychology Intern in the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Assessment Track at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at The Ohio State University, a Master of Professional Studies in Clinical Psychological Science at the University of Maryland and is currently a doctoral candidate at Brigham Young University. She is deeply committed to promoting greater access to assessments and evidence-based treatments for marginalized communities. After receiving her doctorate, Danica aims to practice in a clinical setting where she can deliver comprehensive bilingual (English and Spanish) assessments and interventions. As an intern at UCLA, she works in the Child and Adult Neurodevelopmental (CAN) Clinic, the Spanish Speaking Psychosocial (SSPC) Clinic, the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS), and the Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Clinic.

Samara Wolpe is a practicum student in PEERS®. She is a PhD candidate at UCLA studying under the mentorship of Dr. Jeffrey Wood, and was a UC Leadership Education and Neurodevelopment and Related Disabilities (LEND) trainee. Samara is a PEERS® Certified provider with experience working with PEERS® for teens and young adults, an Educational Psychologist for autistic and neurodivergent teens and young adults, and a published researcher who advocates for neurodiversity-forward, community partnership based research in the autistic community. Samara is passionate about improving outcomes in employment, education, social and emotional welfare, and quality of life in autistic adults.

Tara Anderson is a 3^rd year UCLA student pursuing a double major in Psychology and Disability Studies and a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology. Tara currently serves as a senior research assistant for PEERS® for preschoolers and previously served as senior research assistant for PEERS® f for Adolescents. Tara broadly supports various PEERS® clinical group efforts. Her research interests include child psychopathology, specifically autism, ADHD, and anxiety. After she graduates, she hopes to pursue graduate school with the intention of becoming a Clinical Psychologist, specializing in disabled youth. Tara primarily works in the PEERS for Preschoolers groups and the PEERS for Adolescents groups. Aside from her work in PEERS, she is involved in UCLA Club Beach Volleyball and the Association of Students for Child Development (ASCD).

Aaron is third year at UCLA, pursuing a degree in Psychology with a double minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Spanish. Currently. Currently Aaron serves senior research assistant for PEERS for Young Adults. He hopes to become a therapist one day and plans on continuing to study Psychology in graduate school and is interested in bringing mental health support to marginalized communities. In his free time, he enjoys working as a barista, reading, and playing the clarinet in the UCLA Bruin Marching Band.

Britney Nguyen is a senior research assistant and behavioral coach at the UCLA PEERS Clinic. She has been involved in the PEERS for Adolescents groups, PEERS summer Boot Camps, and PEERS for Dating research study. Britney earned her B.A. in Psychology from UCLA and aspires to become a developmental pediatrician. Outside of PEERS, Britney also works as a developmental therapist, utilizing the DIR Floortime model of therapy to support youth on the autism spectrum. Her clinical and research interests include increasing access to mental health care and reducing health disparities in underserved communities.

Natalie is a senior research assistant supporting the PEERS Virtual Social Skills Classes and Summer Bootcamps. After graduating from Northwestern University with a degree in Human Development and Psychological Services, Natalie completed Teach for America in the Bay Area and earned her Master’s in Special Education. She is currently a Resource Specialist for LAUSD working with students in grades K-5. In her free time, Natalie enjoys going to the beach and walking her (very old) dogs.

Fiona Smith Sonoma State University graduate with a B.A. in Philosophy. She currently works as a research assistant at the UCLA PEERS® Clinic. Fiona currently serves as a behavioral coach in PEERS® Summer Bootcamps and assists with aspects of PEERS® for Preschoolers. Additionally, Fiona helps code observational measures for the UCLA College to Career Research Study. Her professional interests include healthcare and technology policy. Fiona's role at the UCLA PEERs clinic includes participating as a behavioral coach in PEERs for adolescents and assisting in PEERs for Careers research.

Emma currently is a behavioral coach for PEERS® Virtual Social Skills Classes. Formally, Emma served as a Senior Research Assistant in Thursday PEERS® for Adolescents groups held online via Zoom and also served as a behavioral coach in PEERS® summer boot camps.

Ellen Choi is a senior research assistant at the UCLA PEERS Clinic and a student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Brain Sciences. After obtaining her degree, Ellen intends to continue working with the neurodivergent community and obtain a doctorate in clinical psychology.

Currently, Ellen serves as a behavioral coach in PEERS® Virtual Social Skills Classes and also contributes to PEERS® data entry. Formally, Emma served as a Summer Research Assistant where she acted as a behavioral coach in PEERS® summer boot camps.

Kavya Juwadi graduated from UCLA with a degree in psychobiology. At PEERS she serves as a behavioral coach in PEERS for Young Adults and also supports our PEERS for Careers social media team. Kavya also currently works as a research assistant at the Children’s Institute and is passionate about research regarding health disparities. In her spare time, she likes to hike and cook/bake!

Sami Mamoun is a Junior Research Assistant affiliated with the UCLA PEERS Clinic. In this capacity, he has supported as a behavioral coach for both the PEERS for Young Adults Group and the PEERS for Adolescents Group and now supports with data entry and administrative tasks. Currently, in his fourth year at UCLA majoring in Neuroscience and aspires to pursue a career in the medical field upon completing his undergraduate studies. Drawing from prior experience in a clinical setting, he is enthusiastic about broadening his knowledge within the realm of neuroscience through his contributions to the PEERS Clinic. Beyond his academic pursuits, Sami finds delight in various interests including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, chess, tennis, and surfing.

Lynne Zhao is a fourth year pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology and minor in English. Currently, Lynne previously served as a behavioral coach in PEERS® for Young Adults and now supports aspects of PEERS® for Dating. Throughout her college career, she has had previous experience providing in-home services for autistic children, teaching children and adolescents in multilingual summer camps and coordinating volunteer teams to serve the homeless population of Skid Row, Los Angeles and Santa Monica. She plans to attend Physician Associate school upon completing her undergraduate education with the intention of entering the field of psychiatry or pediatrics to continue to advocate for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Ella Hou is a third year undergraduate student at UCLA, pursuing a degree in Human Biology & Society paired with a minor in Disability Studies with the intent of going into the field of Speech-Language Pathology. Currently, Ella supports efforts for PEERS® for Preschoolers and contributes to PEERS® data entry. After graduating, she hopes to specialize in pediatric rehabilitation and wants to positively impact underrepresented communities.

Jake Duhagon is an undergraduate student at UCLA, majoring in Sociology. Currently, Jake serves as a behavioral coach at PEERS Summer Bootcamps and also is a PEERS® Clinic lab assistant where he supports managing the clinic spaces, various efforts for PEERS® Clinical Groups, and also PEERS® data entry. He plans to pursue a graduate degree in Psychology after graduation, with the goal of establishing a career in private practice.

Hannah Isabella Doroteo is a research assistant/behavior coach at the PEERS Clinic. She received her BA in Psychology from UC San Diego in 2023. Along with supporting the PEERS for Young Adults groups, she also works as a behavior interventionist in schools throughout Los Angeles county. Hannah is an aspiring school psychologist and loves learning about evidence-based practices to support individuals with developmental disabilities.

Aishwarya Manga is currently an undergraduate student at UCLA pursuing a degree in Psychobiology (B.S.). She hopes to attend medical school following graduation. She is passionate about advancing research and interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders, fostering both academic and real-world growth. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys dancing, running, and playing guitar.

Aanchal Patel (she/her) is a third-year Cognitive Science major at UCLA. She currently serves as a senior research assistant for PEERS for Careers and previously served as behavioral coach for PEERS Young Adult groups. She also contributes to the PEERS for Careers social media team. Aanchal aspires to pursue a healthcare career, focusing on supporting autistic individuals.

Tatiana Issaghoulian is a behavioral coach for the PEERS® for Adolescents group at the UCLA PEERS® Clinic. She is currently attending UCLA as a fourth year psychology major. In the future, she would like to become a clinical psychologist with a focus on neuropsychology due to her interest in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Tatiana seeks to utilize her empathetic and non-judgemental nature to positively impact those around her.

Grace is a senior research assistant for the PEERS for Dating study UCLA PEERS® Clinic under the mentorship of Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson. She previously served as a behavioral coach in PEERS® for Preschoolers. Grace has several years of experience working in clinical settings conducting intakes, scoring neuropsychological assessments, and assisting licensed psychologists. She also has experience working as a research assistant studying language acquisition in children at her undergraduate institution, Santa Clara University. She is currently completing her Master’s in Psychology at Pepperdine University and hopes to pursue a Clinical Psychology doctoral program. Her clinical research interests include the early assessment and intervention of adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder and mood and anxiety disorders.

Sydney Mazza is a senior research assistant and behavioral coach at the UCLA PEERS Clinic and primarily works with PEERS for Adolescence. She is currently a student at UCLA pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Spanish minor. After she graduates, she hopes to attend graduate school for clinical psychology. Her clinical interests include child development and psychopharmacology, and she hopes to address mental health disparities in her career.

Isabella Valente is a research assistant and behavioral coach at the PEERS Clinic. She has received a bachelor's of science from UCLA in Human Biology and Society. She plans to work as a healthcare professional and eventually attend medical school.

Ivy Nguyen is a fourth year molecular biology major with aspirations to become a Physician Associate in the future. She is currently involved in the PEERS for Preschoolers and Young Adult groups as a social coach. Outside of PEERS and her academic commitments, she enjoys thrifting, reading, staying active, and spending quality time with the people she loves.

Victor Ayaay is a second-year at UCLA pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science. Following graduation, he hopes to continue studying psychology and counseling in graduate school. His research interests include social and developmental psychology within youth and their families.

Gabriel Lavi graduated from New York University in the Spring of 2023 and is planning to attend medical school. He is a research assistant involved with PEERS for Young Adults and PEERS for Dating. He also volunteers with several organizations he is also passionate about, such as the One Life Project and United Against Fentanyl. Gabriel was previously a college-athlete and enjoys spending his free time exercising, writing, and spending quality time with his family.

Warsha is currently a Human Biology and Society majoring student at UCLA. She is a rising junior involved in various campus activities, including serving as the Internal Communications Director at the UNICEF branch at UCLA, a Researcher Director of the Student Education and Research on Contemporary Health organization, and a Logistical Director of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a nationwide organization supporting blood cancer patients! To gain insight and experience in healthcare, Warsha serves as a Student Intern and Volunteer at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and proudly serves her role as a clinical research assistant with the PEERS Clinic for Preschoolers at the Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA!

Ari Rubin recently graduated from Denison with a degree in Psychology with a main focus being in the child development field. He has a deep interest in understanding the development of social skills for children especially with special needs. He hopes to continue his work in child development research into the coming years ultimately leading to a higher degree.

Elijah Bautista is a third-year undergraduate at UCLA studying Psychology and intends to become a Clinical Psychologist. He is actively involved in neurodiversity advocacy on campus, is an editor for the UCLA Psychology Journal, and volunteers as a research assistant at the CARE in Youth Mental Health Laboratory. He hopes to address ADHD-related disparities affecting our neurodiverse and underrepresented communities in his current and future research and advocacy.

Karly Bundy is a Research Assistant and Behavioral Coach for the UCLA PEERS® Educational Classes. She is a fourth year at UCLA, currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Cognitive Science (B.S.) and minor in Linguistics. After she graduates, she plans to complete post-bacc research and attend a doctoral program in Clinical Psychology. She is passionate about working with neurodiverse populations and strengthening assessment measures to better accommodate underrepresented communities in clinical research.

Mateen recently graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with a bachelor's degree in clinical psychology. He plans to pursue a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in clinical psychology and hopes to focus on adolescent mental health. Mateen’s research interests involve exploring protective factors against adolescent depression and anxiety. He also has previous experience as a summer camp director and as a volunteer crisis counselor. During his free time he loves baking, playing board games and the outdoors.

Dahlia Kirov is a 4th year undergraduate student at UCLA studying psychobiology and applied developmental psychology. She serves as a research assistant for PEERS as well as a volunteer for their preschool programs. In addition to PEERS, she works as a clinical/research assistant at Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital’s Child OCD Intensive Outpatient Program, research assistant for UCLA's Center for Anxiety Resilience Education and Support, and research editor for the Undergraduate Journal of Psychology at UCLA. Her interests include early intervention, parent-child dynamics, and evidence-based treatments supporting the mental wellbeing of children, adolescents, and their families.