Our Team

 

The Graduate Students

Katelyn Jackman

Katelyn is a 3nd year Clinical Psychology PhD student. I love that psychology doesn't have to be focused on just the mental health "problems," but can be focused on helping anyone and everyone flourish and live to be their best selves. I'm particularly interested in the physiological effects of practicing mindfulness and K-12 teacher well-being. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, canyoneering, traveling, and board games.

Eve Barton

Eve is a 2nd year Clinical Psychology PhD student. I am interested in researching the physiological effects of mindfulness as well as creating translational research that promotes individual well-being and life flourishing. Outside of my work, I love to snowboard, wakeboard, and wakesurf. 

Conner Deichman

Conner is a 4rd year Clinical Psychology PhD student. I'm interested in studying how we can get much needed psychological resources out to the people who need it the most and would otherwise not benefit from therapeutic resources. Currently, I'm interested in understanding how we can create more impactful gratitude interventions that will have long-lasting benefits.

Marinne Hammond

I have interests in battling perfectionism and using mindfulness to create a more joyful life. I plan to receive a graduate degree in the field of clinical psychology. I hope to become a clinical psychologist.

The Research Assistants

Leini Jenkins

I am part of this research team because I love the idea of helping others discover for themselves the goodness that is already within themselves. Some of my specific interests are mindfulness and self-compassion and how they can improve both physical and mental well-being. I want to attend graduate school and earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or Marriage and Family Therapy. I hope to be a therapist and implement these positive psychology practices, helping individuals overcome challenges and thrive.

Bryce Klingonsmith

I took Professor Warren's class in Winter ‘22 Semester and absolutely loved it. I feel like positive psychology is what's most worth studying about psychology. Other disciplines are important, but why would you study how a bike works or how to fix a bike when you could be studying how to bring the joy and vitality of riding a bike to yourself and others? I am specifically interested in learning the clinical applications of positive psychology. I am aiming to go on to earn a PhD in counseling psychology and one day practice privately. How soon or where this will happen is still a mystery, but that's the goal.

ashlynn larsen

I believe that our relationship with ourselves is the foundation to everything. When we are able to be kind to ourselves we can in turn be kind to the world around us. I am very interested in learning about how positive psychology dives deeper into our relationships with ourselves.

Tommy Rowan

I'm extremely interested in how the brain changes and develops through the different practices found in the positive psychology realm. In particular, I'm extremely interested in meditation and its impact on individuals. I'm also curious on learning about different kinds of meditations and how those specific kinds of meditations bring about different changes in an individual. I will pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology. After that, I will start my own practice where we implement not only practices to help aid individuals in fighting depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses, but also help individuals implement performance psychology principles into their lives to learn how to dramatically change their own circumstances and impact their environment.

Emme Lusk

I am specifically interested in studying the relationship between mental health and feeling a sense of purpose. I am additionally interested in diving into the concept of how positive psychology as a whole affects physical well-being and potentially decreases the need for common interventions like medication. I plan to go to graduate school and earn a PhD in Clinical Psychology. It is my dream to work in private practice and teach psychology at a higher level.

daisy linford

I am here because I've seen bits and pieces of the effects of self-compassion in my life. I am interested in diving deeper into the "why" of self-compassion. Continuing in doctoral studies in the BYU Clinical Psychology Program is my dream. I'd love to study further how music plays into positive psychology and how the psychology field can better leverage the positive effects of music in working with clients.

Elsa Longhurst

I am from Spokane, Washington. I grew up running in the mountains, rock climbing, skiing, and just generally loving life in the great outdoors. I love being outside! I feel great wonder in God's creation, and I hope to help others experience these powerful, positive feelings. I am a senior at Brigham Young University. I plan to go to grad school for Clinical Psychology. I would love to be a nature therapist!

Ruth Jack

I have a bachelors in Community Health Education from USU. I am doing work on this team because Mindfulness enhances every aspect of life. I want to be a part of increasing public awareness and practice of mindfulness. Consistent meditation, awareness, and gratitude practices have improved my quality of life and changed my personality. I am calmer, full of joy and peace, and see the world through a lens of possibility and excitement instead of worry and endurance.

Claire Sullivan

I'm on the research team, because I'm passionate about mindfulness and am fascinated by the experiences of wonder and awe. The human brain is one of the most (if not the most) complex structure in the universe. The ability to train your brain and make it a tool rather than a weapon against yourself is one of the coolest things to me, and that is what mindfulness is all about. I'm interested in the skills and practices that can be implemented to help the brain be more mindful and work at its greatest potential. My plans after graduating from BYU are to go to graduate school and get a PhD in clinical psychology. My long term goal is to become a therapist and have my own practice.

Will MacDonald

I love psychology and I was searching for a lab to join to explore my interests. I was told about an opening in this lab and jumped at the chance! I love so many things about positive psychology that it is hard to pick just one. I think I have grown the most attached to mindfulness after seeing it’s effect in my life and the lives of others. I plan on going to graduate school in order to get an Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

Kathleen Ririe

I think our human bodies are incredible and capable of experiencing so much more joy than we understand or implement in society. I’ve personally learned about and used so many positive psychology techniques in my own life and I’m excited to learn more and help others apply these same principles. I’m specifically interested in how positive psychology practices can decrease anxiety and increase joy. I am applying to Clinical Psychology programs.

halle Schnackenberg

Positive psychology practices have taught me that I can always be happy, even despite my circumstances or genetic set point. By cultivating spirituality, savoring life’s joys, working to improve my relationships, being mindful, committing to my goals, managing my emotions, and exercising, I learned to fully enjoy the present moment at all times. I was more equipped to deal with daily stressors and major heartbreaks. My current goal is to go to grad school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling and become a licensed counselor. My ultimate dream would be to incorporate mental health education classes into school curriculum and help everyone flourish through positive psychology techniques.

Mikaela Ahlstrom

I'm passionate about making the most out of life, and I want everyone to understand how to flourish. I'm specifically interested in how a strong sense of purpose leads to personal growth and resilience in the face of obstacles. I'm planning to get a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy right after graduation and eventually return to school to get a PhD in Counseling Psychology.

Emmalyn Vest

I am a senior in the psychology program. Positive psychology practices have helped me grow as a person. When focusing on forming habits surrounding perspective, people, and power, I have been able to grow as a person.I've always been interested in how personal growth and habits affect well-being and overall health. I plan to pursue my PhD in psychology to eventually move towards a career in research psychology focusing on positive psychology and the building positive life-long habits, particularly around screen time and proper use.

Chade Gonter

I like doing things that I care about, and feeling good about the work I am doing, Thus.. this is a perfect place for me. I want to make a difference in a positive way for people. I specifically love the idea of savoring life, reframing how we see the world more positively, and maintaining our so very important social relationships. And of course, I believe in the importance of connecting with the natural world around us.