Professional info

My research interests are rooted in the investigation factors related to emotions (e.g., emotional awareness, emotion regulation) and beliefs (e.g., expectancies) that are associated with psychotic, anxiety, and substance use disorders (SUD). Additionally, I am interested in belief formation and change, the bidirectional relations between affect and belief, and the hedonic functions served by beliefs. As a Health Science Specialist at the Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, I have focused on the implementation, evaluation, and research of evidence-based psychosocial treatments for psychotic, anxiety, and substance use disorders, and mechanisms that underlie the positive effects of treatment. As a Senior Evaluator at the Program Evaluation and Resource Center (PERC), VA Office of Mental Health Operations, I support nationwide program evaluation and quality improvement efforts, and lead projects to develop and implement models to provide guidance and standards for appropriate mental health staffing at VA. As an Implementation Research Coordinator of SUD Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI) at VA, I apply implementation science to improve SUD treatment at VA. Additionally, I have extensive clinical experiences in mindfulness and mindfulness-based therapies.