Kelly Lavin
After graduating from Elmira College in 2007, I spent a number of years working as a Standardized Test (SAT,ACT, AP), guitar instructor, and musician in Los Angeles. During my time in Los Angeles, a combination of research experience and mindfulness practice sparked an interest in clinical psychology. I worked as a research assistant in a neuroscience lab at Cal State Northridge conducting basic research on dual-task processing in teenagers with autism using EEG/ERP measurements. I also worked as a research assistant at Children's Hospital-Los Angeles/USC Keck School of Medicine on several studies related to health psychology including an RCT looking at the efficacy of complimentary health therapies (mindfulness, acupuncture, and massage therapy) in reducing chronic pain in children and adolescents. Finally, I worked as a research lab manager at Pepperdine University where I assisted with research examining the effects of religion and meditative/contemplative practices on personal qualities of Marriage Family Therapist trainees. Now in CUA's PhD program, I am excited to continue research on mindfulness and adolescents, and the relationship between religion, mindfulness, contemplative practices, and psychological health.
