OUR TEAM
DR. NORMAN MILLER
Dr. Norman Miller has been teaching and supervising doctoral students and practicing psychotherapy and counseling with emerging adults, adults, couples and families for over 40 years. Dr. Miller has a Ph.D. with specializations in Clinical, School and Community Psychology and is a postdoctoral fellow of the Albert Ellis Institute. He also earned a Diplomate in Couple and Family Psychology. Dr. Miller is currently the Clinical Director of the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults. As an expert in his field, Dr. Miller supervises doctoral students in the clinic and is able to train them in the integration of Clinical Positive Psychology with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
ANNA MOY, M.S.
Anna is a third-year doctoral student of Hofstra’s School-Community Psy.D. program and the current Clinic Coordinator of the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults. She graduated Queens College in 2022 with a B.A. in Psychology and History. While pursuing her Bachelor’s degree, Anna conducted a study on the relation between the COVID-19 lockdown and an increase in depression symptoms in young adults. She also provided academic support for students conducting psychology research at Queens College. Anna also has experience working with diverse populations in hospital and clinical settings and providing support during difficult life transitions. She enjoys working in the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults to continue supporting individuals through challenging times in their lives.
KATELYN REESE, M.S.
Katelyn is a third-year Doctoral Student in Hofstra’s School-Community Psy.D. program. She graduated from Yale University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. While there, Katelyn worked as a research assistant in the Yale University Department of Psychology and went on to discover her love for positive psychology, writing her thesis about the determining role that it plays in one’s overall happiness. After graduating Katelyn spent a year working on Wall Street as a research analyst for an investment bank. Returning to her true passion in psychology, Katelyn is thrilled to be a part of the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults and being able to help others live their most fulfilling and joyful lives.
CHRISTINA LEVI, M.S.
Christina is a third-year student at Hofstra University's School-Community Doctoral program. Graduating from Marist College in 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and minor in cognitive science, Christina is passionate about many subjects in the field. Her research included the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families with special needs, as well as gender differences in the pursuit of mental health services. She is looking forward to contributing to the clinic, and is excited about the progression and growth of Positive Psychology. Her own interest in the field is a product of many factors, including her own experiences in therapeutic settings, witnessing inequity and hardship throughout prior community internships, and especially social issues that became apparent throughout the pandemic. She hopes to use her knowledge and skills to help clients capitalize on their many strengths and flourish in all facets of life! When she's not in the clinic, Christina loves to create art, play guitar, and crochet.
CALI DAVIS, M.S.
Cali Davis is a third-year doctoral student of Hofstra’s School Community PsyD program. She graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a B.A in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. Since graduation, Cali has worked at Developmental Disabilities Institute with children on the autism spectrum. She was also a research coordinator at Stony Brook University, where she oversaw studies on bipolar disorder over a 10-year period, schizophrenia in a 27.5-year longitudinal study, and the HiTOP study, which examined a novel approach to patient diagnosis. Cali has many interests in the field of psychology and is also a part of Hofstra’s Institute for Family Forensic Psychology. She is eager to support others in thriving and leading meaningful lives by joining the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults.
KATARINA VATTES, M.S.
Katarina is a third-year Doctoral Student in Hofstra's School-Commmunity Psy.D. Program. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2022 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Political Science. Katarina is eager to explore her love for helping young adults learn how to live their best lives by contributing to the growth of the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults. She is also a member of Hofstra's Family Forensic Psychology clinic where she is able to explore her interests of psychology that interact with various aspects of the law. Katarina is thrilled to help support young adults in their journey to reaching their goals and learning how to successfully thrive!
LAUREN BOTTER, M.S.
Lauren is a third-year Doctoral Student in Hofstra’s School-Community Psy.D. program. She graduated from The George Washington University in 2022 with a B.A. in Psychology, with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. During her time in DC, Lauren engaged in many different experiences related to psychology and research. Her interests in serving vulnerable communities stem from an internship with the Jewish Federations of North America’s Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care, specifically during the outbreak of COVID-19, analyzing the success of national programming aimed towards improving the lives of Holocaust survivors in the United States. At GW, she also worked as an undergraduate research assistant for Team Represent on their DMV HIV History Project, collecting qualitative data to highlight the history of important people and places related to ending the HIV Epidemic in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area. These experiences have fostered a passion for helping others and providing them with the tools to lead successful lives. Lauren has a wide range of interests within the field of psychology and is also part of the Child and Family Trauma Institute here at Hofstra University. She looks forward to engaging with individuals in the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults to help them blossom through the use of positive psychology.
NICOLE RAMIREZ, M.S.
Nicole is a third-year doctoral student in Hofstra’s School- Community Psychology PsyD program. She graduated from Marist College with a B.A. in Psychology and minors in Cognitive Science and Music. Nicole is also a member of Hofstra’s Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders where she works with clients of a wide age range and implements both individualized and group therapy. She is thrilled to be a part of the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults and to help young adults thrive through the use of positive psychology practices.
GABRIEL OLDSHEIN, M.S.
Gabe is a third-year doctoral student in Hofstra's School-Community Psy.D. program. He graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and History. Gabe is also a member of Hofstra’s Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, working with clients in both an individual and group setting. He is excited to support young adults, and help them thrive by joining the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults.
KYRA FRIEDLAND, M.S.
Kyra is a third-year Doctoral Student in Hofstra’s School-Community Psy.D. program. She graduated from the University at Buffalo in 2022 with a Bachelor’s Degree, majoring in Psychology and Sociology. During her undergraduate career, she volunteered as a virtual crisis intervention counselor. Kyra’s interest in psychology spans many areas of the field, evident by her involvement in Hofstra’s Trauma Informed Psychological Services (TIPS) and Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinics. Additionally, Kyra is a member of Hofstra’s Student Counseling Services team, providing support to Hofstra students as an on-call counselor. Kyra is passionate about helping the young adult population through the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults.
LIAM ALVAREZ, M.S.
Liam is a fourth-year Doctoral Student in Hofstra’s School-Community Psy.D. program. They graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor’s Degree, majoring in Psychology and Theology, with a minor in Disability Studies. During his undergraduate, Liam did quantitative and qualitative research on how religious identities can foster well-being and about the need for inclusive classrooms. Liam's interest in psychology spans many areas of the field, evident by their involvement in Hofstra’s Trauma Informed Psychological Services (TIPS) and Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinics. Additionally, Liam is a member of Hofstra’s Student Counseling Services team, providing support to Hofstra students as a clinical extern.
JULIANA SIKORSKI
Juliana is a second-year student at Hofstra University's School-Community Doctoral Program. She graduated from Lafayette College with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Anthropology and Sociology. Since graduation, Juliana has worked as a Patient Care Manager at the Center For Anxiety where she attended weekly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups for adolescents. She also conducted research on the effectiveness of telehealth therapy vs. in-person therapy in adults. She is excited to join the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults as she wants to help children, adolescents, and young adults create a life worth living.
ALEXANDRA FRYMAN
Alexandra is a second-year Doctoral Student in Hofstra’s School-Community Psy.D. program. She graduated from Northeastern University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. During her undergraduate career, Alexandra worked as a clinical assistant at the Center for Effective Therapy, solidifying a passion for outpatient youth services. After graduation, Alexandra spent a year working in higher education, community engagement and career services as well as museum education. Returning for a graduate degree, Alexandra is looking forward to being part of the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults and being able to help others identify and reach their goals.
MARNIE WEINGARTEN
Marnie is a second-year Doctoral Student in Hofstra's School-Commmunity Psy.D. Program. She graduated from Yeshiva University in 2022 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, writing her senior thesis on Mindfulness. Following graduation, Marnie worked at a communal healthcare clinic, taught Advanced Placement psychology, and served as a volunteer crisis counselor. Marnie is excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults and looks forward to investing in her passion for self growth by helping young adults in their journey to live happy and fulfilling lives.
AMBERLEIGH VERHAGEN
Amberleigh Verhagen is a second-year doctoral student of Hofstra’s Psy.D program. She graduated from SUNY Old Westbury with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. In her undergraduate studies, Amberleigh interned at the SUNY Old Westbury Office of Disabilities, conducting research and compiling resources for students struggling with substance abuse disorders. Combined with her experiences at the Hofstra’s Institute for Forensic Psychology, Amberleigh Verhagen strives to translate her passion for psychology into helping young adults practice resiliency in day to day life while still protecting and maintaining their inner child.
ERIC FRIEDLANDER
Eric is a second-year Doctoral Student at Hofstra's School-Commmunity Psy.D. Program. He graduated from Queen’s College in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. While pursuing his Bachelor’s degree, Eric was a research assistant at the Developmental Disabilities Lab, assisting in research on early-intervention programs for children from culturally diverse homes. He also worked at a community organization assisting children and their families dealing with terminal and chronic illnesses. He is also a member of Hofstra's Family Forensic Psychology clinic, where he is able to support families going through divorce and other forms of family reorganization. Eric looks forward to working at the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults, where he can further his mission of assisting individuals during difficult periods.
BRITTANY SCHREIBER, M.S.ED.
Brittany is a first-year doctoral student in Hofstra University’s School-Community Psy.D. program. She earned her M.S.Ed. in School Psychology from Long Island University in 2023. Currently, she works as a school psychologist at Bellport High School.
In addition to her work in school psychology, Brittany serves as the Lead Yoga Teacher at YogaSix Lake Grove and The Gravity Vault. There, she trains yoga students, mentors new yoga teachers, and offers private lessons to students with diverse needs. She has extensive experience working with students with significant developmental, physical, and emotional disabilities, gained during her time at Eastern Suffolk BOCES.
Brittany also provides private yoga lessons to students with Autism and is involved with the Diagnostic and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). She is interested in researching the impact of proprioceptive input (through yoga/fitness) on students with Autism. She is also a member of Dr. Froh's research team, contributing to studies on the impact of gratitude for life and God. Brittany participated in Columbia University's Awakened Schools Institute which supports spirituality in education. Her passion for spiritual psychology drives her work at the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults, where she supports individuals through challenging times.
Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Brittany enjoys traveling, working out, praying, practicing yoga, rock climbing, hiking, surfing, and jumping rope. She also loves reading books about religion, psychology, and philosophy, trying new foods, and spending time in nature.
SHOSHANA APPEL
Shoshana is a first-year doctoral student in Hofstra University's School-Community Psy.D. program. She graduated from Yeshiva University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology. Her undergraduate thesis explored the interplay between genetics and mental health disorders, reflecting her deep interest in both fields. Shoshana gained valuable experience at the Center for Anxiety, Cognitive & Behavioral Consultants, and the CBT/DBT Center, where she became well-versed in various therapy modalities, participated in clinician meetings, and attended didactic sessions. She helped conduct research on early intervention and the development of tests for early reading skills using Letter Naming Frequency. After graduation, Shoshana worked in education and community engagement, teaching a variety of subjects to children and adolescents. Driven by her passion for helping individuals reach their full potential and her belief in the synergy between psychology and education, she is pursuing a Psy.D. in School-Community Psychology. Shoshana is excited to join the Positive Psychology Institute for Emerging Adults, where she looks forward to using her skills and experiences to support individuals in leading more meaningful and fulfilling lives.