About the Current Team

Dr. Nicole (Nic) L. Johnson, Ph.D. (she/hers)

My program of research is dedicated to the exploration and implementation of prevention programming (primary, secondary, and tertiary) for gender-based violence (e.g., rape, intimate partner violence, LGBTQ+ violence). I have conducted research on a wide variety of factors related to gender-based violence including: cultural norms, social support, social reactions to disclosure, addiction, risky sexual behavior, and chronic health conditions (e.g., HIV, chronic pain). I have also assisted in the implementation of two shelter-based treatment programs for women with a history of intimate partner violence, as well as created/implemented a “bystander-plus” prevention program for college students, incorporating traditional bystander rape prevention programming with feminist consciousness raising techniques. My professional interests include: the implementation/evaluation of culturally sensitive treatment, advocacy, outreach, feminist theory and practice (including teaching, supervision, and mentorship) and mixed methods research. Personally, I love craft beer, yoga, coloring, my dog – Lilly, my nephew – Benjamin, and last but not least binging British Crime on Netflix.

Current Members

Natania Lipp, M.Ed. (she/hers)

Natania is a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program here at Lehigh. Her current research interests include gender-based violence, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence, reproductive health and agency, and improving trauma-informed service provision in medical, educational, and legal systems. Natania is also passionate about community-based collaborative intervention and providing mental health access to marginalized groups. In her free time, Natania enjoys spending time with friends, reading, being outdoors, and watching comedy specials. Contact Natania at nsl319@lehigh.edu

Morgan Benner, M.Ed. (she/hers)

Morgan is a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology department here at Lehigh University. Her research interests include intimate partner violence prevention and intervention, including cyber dating violence (intimate partner violence facilitated by technology), investigating best practices for implementing survivor-centered services, undergraduate peer counseling hotlines, psychotherapy processes and attachment. She enjoys spending time outside with family and friends, watching Jeopardy, rock climbing indoors and outdoors, and listening to as many podcasts as possible (to learn more random facts so that she can do better at Jeopardy). Contact Morgan at mjb519@lehigh.edu.

Meg/Megan Credit, M.A. (they/them/theirs)

Meg received their master’s in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Counseling Psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. They are currently a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program here at Lehigh University. Their research interests are understanding and preventing experiences of gender-based violence (GBV) against the transgender and gender diverse (TGD) community and the development of community support systems that are trans-inclusive and trans-specific. Specifically, they are interested in researching the following topic areas as they relate with experiences of GBV: gender identity development, intersectionality, embodiment, sexuality, and gender distress. In their free time, they enjoy film photography, camping, biking, cooking, and attending almost any event involving the arts. They have a pretty rad and vocal cat named Steven who gives them great comfort during times of stress. Contact Megan at mmc320@lehigh.edu.

Fauzia Saiyed, B.A. (she/hers)

Fauzia is a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program at Lehigh. Her research interests include understanding how culture, race, and gender differences affect the way individuals respond to treatment. Fauzia is interested in research and therapy approaches from a Feminist perspective. Fauzia also works in the CARE Lab studying attachment. In her free time, Fauzia likes biking, planting, reading, and hiking. Contact Fauzia at fas220@lehigh.edu.

Madison Tschauner, M.Ed. (she/her)

Maddie (she/her) is a student in the Counseling Psychology doctoral program. Her current research interests include how plant medicines such as psychedelics in combination with talk therapy may act as an trauma-treatment intervention for survivors of sexual assault. She is also interested in gender responsive and trauma-informed psychoeducational programming to counteract violence within communities. She enjoys roller skating, pressing specimens from nature, mapping her emotions with the moon cycle, drinking boba, and working on multimedia art projects. Contact Maddie at met220@lehigh.edu.

Bethany (Beth) Gen, B.A. (they/them)

Beth is a student in the Counseling Psychology doctoral program. Their current research interests include relationship health factors, queer community resilience, trans euphoria, transformative and restorative justice, and anti-carceral violence prevention–with a focus on queer, trans, and gender-diverse youth of color. They spend as much time outside as possible, and love running and playing soccer, crafting with textiles (knitting, sewing, crocheting, embroidering), gardening, and finding fun local vegan food! Contact Beth at bmg223@lehigh.edu.

Anna Piecuch, B.A. (she/her)

Anna is a graduate student in the Counseling Psychology program, on a Mental Health Counseling track for her M. Ed. Her research interests involve trauma-informed practice and policy, gender-based violence prevention, feminist theory, multicultural therapeutic approaches, parent-child conversation, and parenting’s role in child social and emotional development. She received a B.A. in psychology and journalism at Lehigh University. In her free time, Anna likes to do yoga, run, paint, read, spend quality time with friends (either in a cafe or on a hike), cook and listen to podcasts.

Elise Calene, B.A. (she/her)

Elise is a master’s student in the Mental Health Counseling program at Lehigh. Her research interests include most things feminist or queer. Elise spends her free time weight lifting, roller skating (quads>blades), and studying languages.

Former Members:

Nadia Ahmed, B.A. (she/hers)

Nadia is a graduate student in the Counseling and Human Services program here at Lehigh University. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Washington & Jefferson College. Currently, Nadia’s research interests include culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches, community-based interventions for gender-based violence, as well as sexual health. In her free time she loves exploring local restaurants, COVID conscious traveling, cooking, and spending time with close friends and family. Contact Nadia at nca221@lehigh.edu.

Fatima Mumtaz (she/her)

Fatima Mumtaz is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Science and Health, Medicine, and Society at Lehigh University’s College of Arts and Sciences and a certificate degree in Population Health at Lehigh University’s College of Health. She is interested in researching ways to promote gender violence awareness and resources for it, as well as how to bring that awareness to Lehigh’s campus through programs working with the Athletic and Greek departments. In her free time, Fatima is on Lehighs women’s rowing team and loves eating, sleeping, and watching feel-good shows.

Katelyn Diaz (she/hers)

Katelyn is an undergraduate student at Lehigh University. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in both Philosophy and Psychology. Katelyn’s research interests include discovering the effects of multiple facets of society becoming involved in gender violence. Katelyn is also passionate about establishing a voice for those who feel they may not have one as well as being a mental health advocate. In her free time, she enjoys binge-watching documentaries on Netflix, organizing, and experiencing new cultures. Contact Katelyn at kmd224@lehigh.edu.

Alayna Menecola

I am an undergraduate student at Lehigh University. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in both Biology and Health, Medicine, and Society. My research interests include gender-based violence, seeking prevention efforts, and understanding the importance of mental health. I am passionate towards healthcare and plan to attend medical school after graduating at Lehigh. In my free time, I love taking pictures, going to the beach, and staying active. You can contact me at amm222@lehigh.edu.

Zeist Rizvi

Zeist is an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Religion Studies at Lehigh University’s College of Arts and Sciences. Her research interests include gender-based violence prevention and intervention in schools, children’s prosocial and sympathetic behavior towards racial outgroups, and the relationship between death anxiety and religious belief systems. Zeist spends her free time teaching people how to pronounce her name (pronounced like beast), watching Netflix documentaries, jamming to Bollywood music, convincing others to play board games with her, and looking at pictures of her cat. Contact Zeist at zer221@lehigh.edu.

Michelina Beaumont

Michelina is an undergraduate student pursuing a B.A. in biology with a minor in sociology here at Lehigh University. Her research interests include emotional resilience, shame, vulnerability, and low self-esteem. In addition to the Resistance Lab, she also works as a project coordinator at Lehigh’s Center for Gender Equity where she creates programs to inform students on gender-related issues such as gender violence, sexual assault, and disparities in maternal-fetal health. Michelina spends her free time laughing at memes, hunting for wacky sweaters at the thrift store, hanging with friends, and listening to the same two songs over and over again. Contact Michelina at mib322@lehigh.edu.

 

Claire Siepser, M.A., M.F.A. (they/them/she/hers)

Claire is a graduate student in the Counseling and Human Services program here at Lehigh University. They graduated with a B.A. in French Literature from Reed College, an M.A. in Printmaking and M.F.A. in Book Arts from the University of Alabama. Their research interests are intersectionality, gender expansive, adult games and play, humor, power dynamics, sex and sexuality, and social justice. In addition to the Resistance Lab, they also work in the Stereotyping & Social Interactions (SSI) lab studying interracial interactions. They like to go mushroom hunting, cook, garden, play games, read, hike, and fight systemic injustices in their free time. Contact Claire at csiepser@gmail.com.

Gabrielle (Gabby) Rocchino, M.Ed. (she/hers)

Gabby is a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program here at Lehigh.  She is interested in exploring the factors that may contribute to aggression and violence in schools, educators’ responses to such incidents, and trauma-informed prevention efforts (primary, secondary, and tertiary) that may serve to improve school climate.  Gabby is also passionate about working with victims/survivors of gender-based and intimate partner violence.  Her free time is often spent snuggling and/or swooning over her rescue Pitbull named Matilda.

MaryBeth Grove, M.A. (she/hers)

MaryBeth received her master’s in human development and social intervention from New York University and is currently a graduate student in the Counseling Psychology program at Lehigh University. Her research interests include sexism, sexual minority women, and sexual violence. She is the proud momma of two cats, Peanut & Pudge, and enjoys spending time with loved ones, avoiding ice breakers at all costs, and contemplating how to fit critiques of social inequality and the unique influence of capitalism and globalization into any and every conversation, both professional and personal. Contact MaryBeth at meg616@lehigh.edu

Hannah Bashian, B.A. (she/hers)

Hannah is a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program here at Lehigh. Her research interests include ageism towards older adults, interactions between ageism and healthism, and late-adulthood LGBTQIA individuals. In her free time, Hannah enjoys reading, cooking and hanging out with friends. Contact Hannah at hmb215@lehigh.edu

Marli Corbett, M.Ed. (she/hers)

Marli is a student in the Counseling Psychology doctoral program here at Lehigh. Her current research interests include comprehensive sexuality education as primary prevention for sexual violence, burnout, and resilience in mental health care work, mental health care for survivors of human and sex trafficking, gender-based violence, benevolent sexism, and eating disorders. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and amazing dog, Lucy; browsing libraries, bookstores, and thrift shops; and practicing piano and yoga. Contact Marli at mac817@lehigh.edu

Tashina Khabbaz, M.Ed. (she/hers)

Tashina is a doctoral student in the Educational Leadership Program here at Lehigh. Her research interest focus on trauma-informed schooling and cultural competency within the education system. For the past four years, she has been a volunteer with a local NGO entitled VAST (Valley Against Sex Trafficking) where she promotes community awareness by being part of the education team and speakers’ bureau. Contact Tashina at tlk216@lehigh.edu 

Julia Nikolajuk, B.S (she/hers)

Julia is a student in the Counseling and Human Services Master’s program here at Lehigh University. Her primary research interest include the coping and resiliency of children, adolescents, and youth exposed to trauma as well as general issues regarding gender and gender-based violence. In her spare time, Julia enjoys cooking, baking, listening to music, hanging out with family and friends, as well as going on adventures. Contact Julia at jun218@lehigh.edu

Simeon Kulp, B.A. (he/his)

Simeon is a student in the Counseling and Human Services Master’s program here at Lehigh. His research interests include coping strategies of college students and LGBTQ youth and resilience factors. Simeon enjoys cooking, making music, and exploring hiking trails.

Hallie Stone, B.S. (she/hers)

Hallie is a student in the Counseling and Human Services Master’s program here at Lehigh. Hallie’s research interests include representations of gender in media and literature, general issues concerning gender and sexuality, and gender-based violence. In her free time, she enjoys reading, creative writing, singing badly along with the radio, and binging everything on Netflix.

Alysse Weinberg (she/hers)

Alysse is an undergraduate student at Lehigh University. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Health, Medicine, and Society. Her research interests include the occurrence of biased attention due to gender stereotypes and gender-based discrimination. In her free time she likes to paint, hang out with friends, and listen to good music.

Annie Wixted (she/hers)
Annie is a second-year undergraduate student in the English department here at Lehigh. She is especially interested in gender-based assault on college campuses and reforming education and prevention efforts regarding to gender-based violence. In her free time, she loves reading, making short films with friends, and doting on her Scottish Terrier, Lucy.

Malaïka Gutekunst, M.Ed.(she/hers)

Malaïka is a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program here at Lehigh. Malaïka’s primary research interests include intimate partner violence, mental health effects of oppression, violence and trauma and arts-based interventions. She enjoys hanging out in her library, with comic books (SAGA series) or autobiographies, listening to music, crafting or swimming. Contact Malaïka at mhg216@lehigh.edu

Haleigh Jacob, B.A. (she/hers)

Haleigh is a student in the Counseling & Human Services Master’s program here at Lehigh. Haleigh’s research interests include gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, bisexual invisibility, and the dynamics between subgroups within the LGBTQA+ community. She likes spending time with her three cats – Freud, Mowgli, & Maybe – as well as cooking, camping, and hiking. Contact Haleigh at hhj218@lehigh.edu.

Amy Rivituso, B.A. (she/hers)

Amy is a student in the Counseling and Human Services Master’s program here at Lehigh. Amy’s research interests include sexual trauma, intimate partner violence, and PTSD treatment methods. She enjoys hiking; singing and playing guitar; and group fitness exercise such as yoga, Pilates, and barre. Contact Amy at amr417@lehigh.edu

Courtney Taylor, B.S. (she/hers)

Courtney is a student in the Counseling and Human Services Master’s program here at Lehigh. Courtney’s primary research interests include the mind-body connection related to gender-based and intimate partner violence, health disparities adversely affecting LGBT populations, including childhood maltreatment, substance abuse, weight-related behaviors, and sexual health, and community-based interventions. In her free time she enjoys spending time outdoors, going to farmer’s markets, reading and cuddling with her two kittens.

Jake Wolf, M.Ed. (he/him)

Jake is currently a counselor at the Crime Victim’s Council of the Lehigh Valley where he works with victims and survivors of violent crimes. Jake earned his Master’s of Education in Counseling and Human Services from Lehigh in May of 2017. During his time at Lehigh, Jake was one of the founding members of The Resistance Lab. Jake’s primary research interests are gender-based violence primary intervention, cultural attitudes about rape and rape culture, feminist treatment interventions for sexual assault survivors (specifically college aged and LGBTQ+), and qualitative research. Jake’s next step is to pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. IN his free time, Jake races sailboats offshore, visits family in Baltimore, and spends time anywhere outdoors with his fiancé and fur-child (Chesapeake).

Annalisa (Lylly) Smithson, M.A., M.Ed. (she/hers)

Lylly graduated as a non-traditional Master’s student in the Counseling and Human Services program. Her primary research interests include the dismantling of the “school-to-prison pipeline”, best practices for queer-inclusive counseling, and substance-abuse treatment. She enjoys steampunk, running, yoga, and festivals.

Cléopatre Paulvin, M. A., M.Ed. (she/hers)

Cleo graduated with her Master’s in the Counseling and Human Services program. Her primary research interests surround gender-based violence and the ways in which media representation of women of color affect their mental and psychological well-being. She enjoys baking, binge watching shows, reading sci-fi and fantasy books, and crocheting.