UMB Team Member Bios
Below are descriptions of researchers who are part of our research team and are collaborators at UMB. Together, we study issues related to heterosexism and transphobia and how they influence diverse LGBTQ+ communities as well as issues related to LGBTQ+ self-expression, identity, joy, and connection.
Eunhu Chang, M.A., MSE.d., (they/them) is interested in impact of social stigma on and enhancing resiliency of LGBTQ+ populations and the influence of social and family environments on their mental health.
Kensie Faldoski (she/her) interests broadly focus on LGBTQ+ mental health and resilience, identity-affirming practice, and liberatory psychology.
Kelsey Kehoe, MA, (they/them) is interested in studying LGBTQ+ gender and identity formation and its relationship with resilience.
Nicholas "Nick" Pierorazio (he/they) is a student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program at UMass Boston. Their research focuses on psychological trauma and its sequelae, oppression-based stress and trauma (e.g., heterosexism and transphobia-related stress), and psychotherapy process and outcome.
Ally Hand, MA, (they/them) is studying LGBTQ+ mental health interventions and psychotherapy processes.
Sarah Swanson, MA, (she/her) is interested in researching the prevention of coercive sexual encounters in young adult populations, the experiences of queer individuals receiving mental health services, and understanding the influence of racism and other forms of oppression on academic performance.
Kayla Sliz, M.Ed. (she/her) is interested in the effects of intersectional stigma on mental health, identity-affirming care for LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse populations, eating disorder prevention, and athlete mental health and well-being.
Heidi Levitt, PhD, (she/her) is a Professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her research focuses on LGBTQ+ gender and healing from stigma-related experiences.
Sharon Horne, PhD, (she/they) is a Professor in the Counseling Psychology PhD Program at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her research focuses on international LGBTQ+ issues, legislation, and politics. https://www.umb.edu/faculty_staff/bio/sharon_horne