Meet the DREAM Team

Kelsey is a junior majoring in Biobehavioral Health. She joined the DREAM LAB in hopes of learning more about racial inequities amongst children and how these can affect childhood development, overall expanding her knowledge of adolescent development, the role of race in family structures, and effects of various inequities on children. Kelsey’s interest in these topics stems from her time at Penn State as a BBH major, allowing her to take classes that focus on many different inequities that cause large gaps in the accessibility of healthcare, food, and other human necessities. After graduating, Kelsey plans on taking a gap year to do research and attending medical school to become a pediatric surgeon. Apart from being an RA for DREAM Lab, Kelsey is heavily involved in Penn State THON, a 46-hour dance marathon that focuses on raising money for pediatric cancer research and therapies. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys going on runs and spending time with family and friends. She hopes to educate communities and understand different perspectives of race and marginalized youth, in order to help in the dismantling of racial stereotypes for a more equitable and healthy future for children.

Email: ktn5133@psu.edu

Simone is a sophomore at the Pennsylvania State University, majoring in psychology. She is currently Vice President of the Multicultural Women’s Forum, as well as an active member of U-Belong club, NoRefund Theater, and the We Are Runners Club. Last year, she served as a program coordinator for the Bellisario Alliance for Multicultural Students. She hopes to join Centre Helps as a student volunteer this upcoming semester and establish a club dedicated towards bringing minority psychology students together to foster growth and learn from one another. Given the lack of representation in the field and the gaps that still exist among under-serviced communities, Simone believes it is vital to come together to discuss these issues and create a more inclusive future. This past summer, Simone was able to work at S.A.F.E. counseling as a student intern. During this experience she shadowed a licensed clinician, learned different psychological approaches, and interacted with members of her community.

Email: sxw5840@psu.edu

Kennedy is currently a junior at The Pennsylvania State University, majoring in Biology with a focus in Vertebrae Physiology with a minor in Sports Studies. After graduation Kennedy hopes to attend medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon. As a doctor, Kennedy wants to provide impactful experiences through research and treatment. She hopes to work with professional athletes and address the toxic mindset surrounding injuries and athleticism. Kennedy has firsthand experience surrounding the stigmas around mental health in communities of color and thus realizes how detrimental racism is to various healthcare fields. As such Kennedy wants to work to bridge this gap. She joined the DREAM lab to gain experience with understanding the relationship between mental health and racial inequalities. By doing so she hopes to instill confidence within communities of color through outreach and education. Outside of the DREAM lab Kennedy is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability for the Performing Arts Council (PAC). In her free time, Kennedy likes to read, listen to music, and draw. She also makes time to take walks around campus.  

Email: kfp5384@psu.edu

Kristen is a senior at Penn State majoring in psychology, with minors in health policy and administration and women’s studies. As a Black woman, her experiences have fueled a passion for supporting racial minorities, particularly Black communities and immigrants, in the areas of mental health and relationships. She aims to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and become a relationship and sexuality therapist, helping people of color navigate intimacy in a culturally affirming way. Kristen’s academic background and personal journey drive her commitment to creating inclusive, safe spaces for clients to explore their sexual and emotional well-being. Her involvement in the DREAM Lab deepens her understanding of mental health disparities among marginalized communities, particularly youth of color. The lab’s focus on culturally relevant, strengths-based interventions aligns with her goal of providing inclusive therapy to support the well-being of people of color. 

Luke Shine is a sophomore majoring in Psychology and minoring in Labor and Human Resources. Luke is passionate about helping others and mental health and plans to pursue a master's degree in Clinical Psychology and possibly pursue a doctoral degree. Luke is currently in training to be a Volunteer Hotline Counselor at Centre Helps where he is learning counseling skills while also getting the opportunity to help others in need. Luke plans to have a career where he is actively helping others and making a positive impact. The DREAM lab’s commitment to addressing mental health disparities among racial and ethnic minoritized youth while also helping them get the care they need aligns perfectly Luke's goal of helping and having a meaningful and positive impact on others. In my free time, Luke likes to work out and spend time with his family. Faith, Family, and Health are essential parts of his life as they allow him to be at his best.  

Angiemarit is a first-year graduate student at J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School at Penn State, majoring in Applied Clinical Psychology. She received her bachelor's at Pennsylvania State University in Psychology and minored in Human Development and Family Studies. Angiemarit has gained experience in the field working as a Behavioral Health Technician, working with children and adolescents in the community who face mental health problems. After graduation, Angiemarit plans to continue education and pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her goal is to become a clinical psychologist, primarily working with minorities. She is also interested in research. Angiemarit would be delighted to travel and conduct research in other countries in relation to clinical psychology and share her experiences with the public. Angiemarit is motivated to contribute and help the field grow, representing those who feel unrepresented in the conversation about mental health.  

Email: afg5467@psu.edu