{"id":21,"date":"2022-04-20T12:28:51","date_gmt":"2022-04-20T12:28:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unewhavendh.org\/core-lab\/?page_id=21"},"modified":"2025-12-03T16:56:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T16:56:11","slug":"presentations-publications","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/unewhavendh.org\/core-lab\/presentations-publications\/","title":{"rendered":"Presentations & Publications"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\"Image<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Conference of the Society of Community Research and Action (SCRA) Presentations<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Contextual Protective Factors for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Potential Avenues for Intervention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Melissa L. Whitson, PhD & Robyn K. Moran, BS<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n

A Passion for Teaching Amidst COVID-19: University Faculty Well-Being Participatory Action Research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Robyn K. Moran, BS, Bethany Konel, BA, & Melissa L. Whitson, PhD<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n

Transforming Youth Justice Through Professional and Leadership Development: A Process Evaluation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eva Ott Hill, BA & Robyn K. Moran, BS<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Building trauma-informed support networks to promote wellness in correctional communities: A narrative review of combining Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs) and peer-facilitated Interventions in prisons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lily Hoerner .<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n
Lily Hoerner presenting at SCRA. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n

Cultural Considerations for Fatality Reviews and Intimate Partner Homicide Prevention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Krista Grajo (Alumnus) & Dr. Macias<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Trauma-Informed Listening Sessions and Photovoice with Marginalized Communities: Applications for Community Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Azza Jussein (Alumnus) & Dr. Macias<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A photo of some of our CP and Esperanza United presenters!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n

Fostering Restorative Practice and Programs for Men in the Field of Gender-based Violence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Current student Hunter Clark, and Nancy Nava from Esperanza united to present a symposium on “Fostering Restorative Practice and Programs for Men in the Field of Gender-based Violence at the SCRA Biannual conference. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Dr. Lillie Macias, current student Hunter Clark, and Nancy Nava presenting at SCRA this past spring. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Examining Gender-based Violence through the Lens of Disability Justice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Julia LeFrancois, Dr. Macias, Mary Lippa<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Mary Lippa on “Examining Gender-based Violence through the Lens of Disability Justice.”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Community-Based Intervention Mitigating Malnutrition in Elder Care Facilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Julia Guarniere<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Julie Guarniere presenting her poster: “Community-Based Intervention Mitigating Malnutrition in Elder Care Facilities.”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

The Role of Gender and Self-Silencing in the Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Juvenile Delinquency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cassie Landry<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Cassie Landry presenting her honors thesis: “The Role of Gender and Self Silencing in the Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Juvenile Delinquency.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Eastern Psychological Association Presentations<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Flourishing Among People with Lower Limb Amputation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yasmeen Najjar & R. Lillianne Macias, PhD <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Depression as a Mediator for Adverse Childhood Experiences and Suicidal Behaviors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kelsey Ann McDonnell & Melissa L. Whitson, PhD<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Crisis & Hotline Users\u2019 Perceptions of Domestic Violence Advocacy Needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Calley Lewis & R. Lillianne Macias, PhD<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Economic Security Among Puerto Rican Women: Systemic Barriers and Community Strengths<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jasmin Garcia, BA, Vanesa Mercado Diaz, MA, R. Lillianne Macias, PhD<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

2021<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n

ACES: Associations with Substance Use, Coping, and Mental Health Services in College Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Patrick O’Neil<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Individual and Collective Healing Through Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jordyn Beschel, Krista Grajo, & Rasheeda O’Connor<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

LGBTQ Youth Suicidality: Trends, Risk Factors, and Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rebekah Stafford, Olufunke Benson, & Danielle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

2018<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n

Community-Research Partnerships to Eliminate Domestic Violence in Underserved Communities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No Author Provided<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Trauma: The Trauma Model<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Carsin Conner, Aida Morales, Rachel Caffey, & Erinn Webb<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Music Haven 101: The Benefits of an Afterschool Music Program for Low-Income, Urban Elementary School Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No Author Provided<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Dating Violence Prevention Among Emerging Adults<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Marley Herard & Lillie Macias<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Among young adults, past experiences with trauma can influence risk, while media exposure can reinforce unhealthy relationship attitudes (Friedlander et al., 2013). The study used a mixed-method, correlational survey design to recruit young adults from across the. United States. A deductive thematic analysis explored media exposure for individuals with healthy vs. unhealthy dating violence attitudes. Even when considering varying levels of adjustment to emerging adulthood, individuals with a history of ACEs may be at heightened risk for dating violence. Findings inform dating violence prevention on college campuses and in community practice with an emphasis on psychoeducation and guidelines for healthy media consumption.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Climate and Social Class: Enriching Collective Action for Sustainable Practices <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gauri D. Birmole and Melissa L. Whitson<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Interactive Discussion<\/em>: Bridging Faculty and Students’ Perspectives on Accessibility and Accommodations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Melissa Whitson and Amanda Mele<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This interactive discussion focused on identifying methods that ensure commitment and collaborative action from stakeholders across ecological levels. Discussion questions included: While promoting alternative resources, how can interventions be mindful of existing inequalities and reduce the burden on the public to adapt? What are some ways
commitment can be ensured from governments and private industries? Based on the varying awareness in communities and industries, how should we approach environmental literacy? Apart from literacy, what other resources can be provided for
adapting to these changes? More focused policies and advocacy initiatives can mediate differences in communication between multiple agents of change, generate strategies for community participation, and secure accountability from crucial decision
makers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Current student and core lab member, Gauri Birmole and Dr. Whistson discussing at SPSSI. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For some faculty, the need to accommodate students has drastically increased their workloads. There is a tension between structure (as part of equitable course design and student engagement) vs. logistical requirements that erect barriers to accessibility. How can we make our courses and programs cognitively challenging while also enacting accommodations and requirements that enhance accessibility (Gannon, 2023)? What types of structural changes are needed?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Complementary Interventions for Trauma and Burnout <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Lillianna Macias & Juliana R. Held <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Juliana Held and Dr. Macias guiding the discussion at SPSSI. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Questions posed during this table discussion included: How can mindfulness and bodywork promote healing and inform training for individuals working with trauma? How can we shift the focus on individual responsibility for self-care to group and organizational culture? Participants will be encouraged to share knowledge of culturally responsive and gender affirming practices for the safety, empowerment, inclusion, and trust of all those participating in mindfulness-based activities and body work (Duane et al., 2019)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Symposium: Culturally Responsive Gender-Based Violence Research and Prevention Practice <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Lillianne Macias, Jasmin Garcia, Marley Herard, Amanda Mele<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Culturally Responsive Gender Based Violence Research and Prevention Symposium at SPSSI. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This symposium highlights trauma-informed methods of engaging Latine and other marginalized populations in research and equity-focused prevention practice. Across the four presentations, students and researchers explore considerations for culturally responsive, participatory research methods and training as part of the university community research partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Interactive Discussion: Post-Traumatic Growth After Natural Disasters: the Role of Social Support<\/em> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yasmeen Najjar & Kelsey A. McDonnell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Yasmeen Najjar and Kelsey McDonnell after they facilitated an interactive discussion. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Current students and core lab members guided the following discussion questions: What is the role of the different ecological levels in enhancing social support systems for child victims of natural disasters? What kind of interventions are needed to facilitate post-traumatic growth in children?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Gender and Sexism Effects on Juror Sentencing of Gun Violence Cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hunter Clark & Patrick McGrady<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Recent alumni and core lab member Hunter Clark presenting at SPSSI. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Interactive Discussion: Translating U.S.. Practices for Immigrant Youth Mental Health in Austria<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alberta Sinani and Dr. Melissa L. Whitson<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Current second year student and core lab member Alberta Sinani discussing immigrant youth practices.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Preventing the Transmission of Adverse Childhood Experiences through Generations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kelsey A McDonnell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Current student and core lab member Kelsey McDonnell presenting at SPSSI.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

American Evaluation Conference (2022)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n

Leveraging Technology to Center Marginalized Communities in Evaluation Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Lillie Macias, Krista Grajo, Rasheeda O’Connor, Jordyn Beschel, Julia LeFrancois, & Nancy Nava<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Winter Roundtable (2022)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Leveraging Infographics in Research Communication to Address Health Disparities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rasheeda O’Connor, Krista Grajo, Jordyn Beschel, & Dr. Lillie Macias<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Empowering BIPOC Youth Through a Virtual Photovoice Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jordyn Beschel, Krista Grajo, & Dr. Lillie Macias<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Storytelling Research as a Liberatory Methodology for BIPOC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Julia LeFrancois & Dr. Melissa Whitson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Barriers to Wellbeing and Sources of Resilience among Immigrant Communities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Krista Grajo & Azza Hussein<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Activating Non-Clinical Micro-system Supports in Recovery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Peter van Buren<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Publications<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\n

Benson, O. <\/strong>M., & Whitson, M. L. (2022). The protective role of sense of community and access to resources on college student stress and Covid-19-Related Daily Life Disruptions. Journal of Community Psychology<\/em>. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/jcop.22817<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Champine, R. B., Shaker, A. S., Tsitaridis, K. A.,\u00a0Whitson, M. L., Kaufman, J. S. (2019). Service-related barriers and facilitators in an early childhood system of care: Comparing the perspectives of parents and providers. Community Mental Health Journal, 55<\/em>(6), 943-953.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Macias, R. L., Nava, N., Delgadillo, D., Beschel, J.<\/strong>, & Kuperminc, G. (2022). Finding voice in a year of collective trauma: findings from a national photovoice project. American Journal of Community Psychology.<\/em> https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/ajcp.12630<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Macias, R.L., LeBron, A., Taylor, K<\/strong>, & Silva, M. (2020). Despu\u00e9s de la Tormenta: Collective trauma and community response following hurricane Maria. Journal of Community<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whitson, M.L., Robinson, S., Van Valkenburg, K., & Jackson, M. (2019). Music Haven: Evaluation of an afterschool music program serving low-income urban youth. Journal of Community Psychology, 48<\/em>(2), 426-436.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Macias, R.L., Nava, N., Mora-Ozuna, C.<\/strong>, Salamanca, N. K.<\/strong>, Lippy, C., Rodriguez, R., & Serrata, J. (2025). Honoring the contributions of community psychologist Julia Perilla to the field of domestic violence. Women & Therapy<\/em>, 48<\/em>(3), 317-328. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LeFrancois, J<\/strong>., Macias, R. L., & Serrata, J. V. (2025). Sage research methods: Data and research literacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LeFrancois, J<\/strong>., Macias, R. L., & Serrata, J. V. (2025). How to use the community-centered evidence-based practice (CCEBP) model. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Macias, R. L., Garza, A. D., Grajo, K.<\/strong>, Nava, N., Guzman-Jimenez, T.<\/strong>, & Guadalupe-Diaz, X. L. (2024). Intimate partner homicide prevention among Latinas: A qualitative study of risk and protective factors. Homicide Studies, 28<\/em>(3), 341-359.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Garza, A. D., Macias, R. L., Diaz, V. M., O’Connor, R.<\/strong>, Nava, N., & Guadalupe-Diaz, X. L. (2024). Help-seeking barriers for Latinx victims of intimate partner homicide: Insight from survivors, advocates, and community practitioners. Homicide Studies, 28<\/em>(3), 360-382.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Macias, R. L., Nava, N., Delgadillo, D., Beschel, J.<\/strong>, & Kuperminc, G. (2023). Finding voice in a year of collective trauma: Case study of an online photovoice with youth. American Journal of Community Psychology, 71<\/em>(1-2), 114-122.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Conference of the Society of Community Research and Action (SCRA) Presentations 2025 Contextual Protective Factors for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Potential Avenues for Intervention Melissa L. Whitson, PhD & Robyn K. Moran, BS A Passion for Teaching Amidst COVID-19: University Faculty Well-Being Participatory Action Research Robyn K. Moran, BS, Bethany Konel, BA, & Melissa L. … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Presentations & Publications”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":386,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"portfolio_post_id":0,"portfolio_citation":"","portfolio_annotation":"","openlab_post_visibility":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-21","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/unewhavendh.org\/core-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/unewhavendh.org\/core-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/unewhavendh.org\/core-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unewhavendh.org\/core-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/386"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unewhavendh.org\/core-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/unewhavendh.org\/core-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":234,"href":"https:\/\/unewhavendh.org\/core-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21\/revisions\/234"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/unewhavendh.org\/core-lab\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}