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.
Jonathan Briseño, MA, (he/him) is interested in woking with LATINX and LGBTQ immigrant population focusing on asylum work and access to services for this population (mental health, medical, legal, etc.). He provides services in English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese.
Jolie Chaleff (she/her) is interested in LGBTQ+ psychotherapy interventions and accessibility to gender-affirming mental health care. She is also interested in understanding the relationship between minority stress and identity formation within LGBTQ+ individuals.
Kelsey Kehoe, MA, (they/them) is interested in studying LGBTQ+ gender and identity formation and its relationship with resilience.
Chia Po Cheng, M.S.Ed., M.Phil.Ed., LPC, (he/him) is interested in the impact of policy on LGBT people's mental health in global setting, particularly in Asia.
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.
Sophie Schuyler, MA, (she/her) is interested in identifying and reducing the barriers to academic success and psychological wellbeing faced by college students that are part of marginalized groups, with an emphasis on LGBTQ and first generation students.
Bakhtawar Ali, MS, (they/them) is interested in studying the formation and/or development of queer identities in the context of collectivistic, South Asian cultures, particularly the impact of restrictive religious and familial norms, the role of shame and the honor culture, and the importance of traditional healing practices and spirituality, as well as the use of psychedelics and alternative practices to explore and work with queerness.
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.
Rebecca Worden, MS, (she/her) is interested in providing LGBTQ+ affirming mental health care to youth and researching the intersection of community supports, mental health, and queer identity.
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