Meet the Team!

Meet the amazing lab director, graduate and undergraduate students that work here at the Autism and Neurodevelopment Lab at Montclair State University! Get to know more about the team members and what they do!

Lab Director & Doctoral Students

  • Dr. Erin Kang (she/her/hers) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Montclair State University. Dr. Kang received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Stony Brook University in 2020 with an advanced graduate certificate in Quantitative Methods. She has received several awards and grants, including the 2022 INSAR Slifka/Ritvo Innovation in Autism Research Award, 2022 SRCD Small Grants Program for Early Career Investigators, and 2022 Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Young Investigator Grant, as well as President’s Award to Distinguished Doctoral Students and the JCCAP Future Directions Launch Award. Her research focuses on integrating science and practice by understanding processes that shape clinical presentations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), investigating neural mechanisms of clinical phenotypes and plasticity in ASD, and applying these insights to evidence-based interventions for social functioning. Her research incorporates contemporary analytic methodologies including advanced quantitative methods and neuroscience.

    Email: kange@montclair.edu

    Links: CV | Google Scholar

  • Mary Isaac Cargill (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the PhD Program in Clinical Psychology. Mary Isaac received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Montclair State University and her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Virginia. Her research interests include identifying differences in the presentation of autism across different genders, sexualities, and cultures, as well as developing diagnostic materials that reflect those differences. She is also interested in understanding perceptions of autism in order to reduce stigma surrounding the condition. She plans to utilize these findings to develop specialized, evidence-based interventions to improve the quality of life of autistic people.

  • Arabella Peters (she/her/hers) is a first-year student in the Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from Emory University in May 2022. She is interested in employing evidence-based approaches like CBT in tandem with neural markers (EEG) to tailor interventions in adolescents on the autism spectrum. Additionally, she is interested in the development and implementation of emotional regulation skills in neurodevelopmental disorders.

  • Rachel McDonald (she/her/hers) is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology PhD Program. She is currently completing her doctoral internship at Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School. Previously, Rachel received a Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University in Psychology and Master of Professional Science degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Maryland. Her research interests include the presentation and underlying mechanisms of co-occurring mental health disorders in autism. She is also interested in mediating and moderating factors of treatment in autism and co-occurring conditions. She plans to utilize these findings to develop specialized interventions for autistic individuals.

  • Caroline Freden (she/her/hers) is a third-year student in the Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Science and Arts in Biology from The University of Texas at Austin in May 2019. She is interested in dissemination and implementation science research that aims to increase public awareness and acceptance of autism.

Master Students

  • Charleene Polanco (she/her/hers) is a 2024 graduate of MSU's Clinical Psychology M.A. program. She received her BA in psychology at Rutgers State University-New Brunswick in 2018. Her research interests include autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how ASD presents itself across different ethnic minorities. Having completed her MA degree, Charleene plans to enroll in a doctorate program and continue working with children with developmental disorders.

  • Zeina Ghanem is currently an M.A. student in Clinical Psychology on the Child/Adolescence concentration track. She graduated with a BS in Psychology and a minor in English from Hollins University in 2024. Her research interests focus on how cross-cultural differences/identities, environmental factors, interpersonal relationships, and genetics contribute to the development of psychopathology, such as anxiety and depression, in both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals, leading to the creation of tailored interventions. Additionally, she is interested in the role of emotion dysregulation, trauma, and rumination and its contribution to suicidality. She aspires to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology.

  • Dante is in his final year of MSU's Clinical Psychology M.A., with a focus on Child and Adolescence. He received her BA in psychology from Moravian College in 2014 and has also earned a Master's in School Counseling in 2017. He presently serves as full-time elementary school counselor in Bergen County. Dante hopes to earn admission in a doctoral program with the goal of obtaining a Psy.D. His interests include interventions related to childhood and adolescent anxiety, depression, and trauma. Specifically, Dante is interested in treating the child adolescent population as well as serving as a consultant to further equip school-based mental health professionals with tools that improve case conceptualization as well as counseling techniques applied in the therapeutic environment. 

  • Greg is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Montclair State University, currently pursuing a BA in Psychology with a double minor in social work and German. After graduation, he plans to go on to obtain a master’s in social work. His interests include the sociocultural influences on abnormal behavior and the relationship between language and perception.

  • Alexandra Tangarife (she/her/hers) is a second year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology Masters program. Alexandra received her bachelors in English and Psychology from Rutgers University. She also graduated with an English Literature Masters at Montclair State and is a current Assistant Professor of Literature at Essex County College. She adjuncts currently for Kean University and Union County College for both the humanities and social sciences. Her research interest lies in looking at the mental health impact on parents with children with autism and investigate the long-term effects post-diagnosis. Her curiosity and dedication stems from her two beautiful daughters with autism named Sula and Omega. She aims to create a better space in the world for children on the spectrum and their hard-working families. 

  • Nora May is in her final year of MSU’s Clinical and Forensic Psychology M.A. program. She received her BA in psychology from Columbia University in 2020. She is interested in studying emotional regulation and cognition in neurodivergent and neurotypical populations. Nora also hopes to identify ways to reduce the stigma surrounding neurodivergence. In the future, Nora plans to enroll in a doctoral program in order to pursue her dream of becoming a university professor.

BA/MA Students

  • Emily Lynch is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Montclair State University in the BA/MA Psychology Program. She is obtaining a minor in Child Advocacy and Policy. Her research interests include ASD, the effect of cognitive and developmental disorders in juveniles, in addition to the impact of trauma on development. Emily hopes to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology after graduation.

  • Wasayef Bsharat is a fourth-year undergraduate student. She is enrolled in the BA/MA Psychology Program here at Montclair State University with a minor in cognitive science. Her research interests includes therapeutic interventions, diagnostic assessments, and comorbid conditions with autism. Wasayef hopes to pursue a career in clinical psychology.

  • Will DeFilippo (they/them) is a fourth-year graduate student in the Psychology BA/MA program at Montclair State. They are currently halfway through their Masters in Psychological Sciences and are currently in the process of applying to clinical psychology PhD programs. Their goal is to be a therapist for adolescents with cancer related trauma, as well as for autistic individuals. Their research interests include autism spectrum disorder, gender studies, and trauma in adolescents.

Research Assistants

  • Haylee Garcia is a third-year undergraduate at Montclair State University. She is pursuing a BA in Psychology and she plans to further her education after she graduates. Her goal is to enter a masters program to pursue mental health counseling

  • Suleina Houston (she/her) is a third-year undergraduate student at Montclair State University. She is pursuing a BA in Psychology and plans to continue with her education to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology with the end goal of obtaining a PhD with a strong interest in research. She hopes to explore the areas of research along the way

  • Angela Castillo (she/they) is a third-year undergraduate student at Montclair State University. She is pursuing a BA in psychology and has a minor in visual arts. She intends to pursue further education after graduation and is interested in the field of art therapy. Angela is excited to learn more about research and to explore different aspects associated with it.

  • Michael House (he/him) is a senior undergraduate student at Montclair State University. He's pursuing a BA in Psychology and will be continuing his education with the Clinical Psychology program at Montclair. Michael plans continuing to further his education and is interested in researching and implementing novel intervention strategies for children with disabilities.

  • Natalia Cifuentes is a third-year undergraduate student pursuing a BA in Psychology, with a double minor in Chemistry and Korean. She is also part of the Pre-Medical Program at Montclair State University. Her goal is to attend medical school to become a psychiatrist, with a focus on the branch of neuropsychiatry.

  • Hailey Lynch is a second-year undergraduate student at Montclair State University. She is currently pursuing her BA in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. She plans to continue her education and receive a masters in Psychology. Her research interests include mental health, trauma, and working with children.

  • Susie Hreno is a 2023 graduate of the Psychology Bachelor’s Program. She plans to continue with her education and to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology, with the ultimate goal of earning a PhD. Her research interests include ASD, child development, and how trauma disrupts the brain.

  • Reem Ahmad is a third-year undergraduate student. Ahmad is also part of the Pre-Med Program at Montclair State University. They have always been interested in understanding how research at a lab works and looks forward to learning more about it. Ahmad hopes after graduation that they will go for their masters and still be working in research. One of their interests is how certain actions or environments can affect the developments of one's brain, especially in early development.

  • Haya Farhan is a third-year undergraduate student in the Psychology BA/MA Program at Montclair State University.  She is currently completing a minor in cognitive science alongside her undergraduate degree.  Her research interests include ASD, the impact of childhood maltreatment on adulthood, and the effects of substances on fetal neural development.  She hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical child psychology in the future.

  • Sydney Valentine is a third-year undergraduate, biochemistry major. She is currently a part of the Pre-Medical Program at Montclair State. In the future she hopes to study neuroscience or endocrinology and pursue a career in the medical field related to these interests.

  • Chelsea Sánchez is a third-year undergraduate at Montclair state university (MSU) pursuing a bachelors degree in biochemistry within the premed program. Wanting to further their education by attending pharmacy school after graduation. The concept of research and clinical work they find intriguing and believe working hands-on is a wonderful experience.

ALUMNI

Jada Adams, B.A.

Elvis Auqui - currently at Montclair State University’s Social Work MSW program

Sumin Bang, M.S.

Ava Costa, B.A. - currently at Montclair State University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A, program

Eden Fowler-Benton, M.A. - currently at Johns Hopkins University

Sara Germano, B.A. - currently at Montclair State University’s School Psychology M.A, program

Britney Jeyanayagam, M.A. - currently at St. John’s University’s Clinical Psychology PhD program

Sadaf Khawar, PhD - currently at University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Pediatrics

Nicole Macapagal, M.A.

Farah Mahmud, M.A.

Efi Mazis, B.A. - currently at Columbia University’s Counseling Psychology M.A. program

Sydney Przygoda, MPS

Michaela Reynolds, B.A. - currently at Montclair State University’s School Psychology M.A, program

Kristen Schiavo, M.A. - currently at Kean University’s School and Clinical Psychology PsyD program