Diversity and Social Justice Committee

The Diversity and Social Justice committee promotes awareness of and advocates for diversity and social justice through all aspects of IPA including:

Identifying and developing diversity initiatives that support the growth of the organization and serve the needs of the public
Creating an inclusive environment for psychologists and other mental healthcare professionals who identify as ethnic minorities and/or are from marginalized populations
Promoting values of equality and justice
Decreasing the gap in mental health disparities in the state of Iowa
Increasing psychologists’ cultural competence via educational opportunities

IPA Members can see the Diversity and Social Justice Committee meeting minutes here .

Committee Members

Joyce Goins-Fernandez, PhD
Co-Chair, Diversity and Social Justice Committee
Pronouns: She/her/hers

Work
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital
Stead Family Department of Pediatrics
Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
100 Hawkins Drive
Room 140-A, CDD Building
Iowa City, IA 52242-1011
Tel: 319-356-2500
Fax: 319-353-7986
[email protected]

Education
PhD in Counseling Psychology, The University of Iowa
BS in Psychology, Xavier University of Louisiana

Nicole Holmberg, PhD
Licensed Psychologist
Co-Chair, Diversity and Social Justice Committee
Pronouns: She/her/hers

Work
Birchwood Wellness, LLC, an interdisciplinary group practice

Education
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Northern Illinois University, 2018
MA in Clinical Psychology, Northern Illinois University, 2014
MA in Communication, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2006
BA in Communication & English, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2003

Nicole is a bisexual psychologist and feminist. She practices in the Des Moines area and specializes in working with LGBTQ-identified adults.

Valerie J. Keffala, PhD
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Health Service Provider
Pronouns: She/her/hers

IPA
President Elect of the Iowa Psychological Association
IPA ACT SIG chair

Work
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
University of Iowa Health Network Rehabilitation Hospital
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

Education
BA in Psychology from the University of California at San Diego
PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Iowa

Areas of specialization
Clinical Health Psychology including:
Pain management
Rehabilitation
Psychological adjustment to physical trauma
Living with chronic illness

Other areas of professional interest
Meditation for physical and mental health concerns
Diversity and social justice related to patient care
Spirituality as it impacts attributions for health and illness

Marla Shapiro, PhD HSP NCSP
Developmental and Sports Neuropsychologist
Fellow, National Academy of Neuropsychology

Work
UnityPoint Sports Medicine Concussion Center
Urbandale, IA
(515) 251-3880 Office

Sarah Fetter Anthoney, PhD
Licensed Psychologist
Pronouns: She/her/hers

Work
Licensed Psychologist in private practice
Psychological Consultant, Disability Determination Services, State of Iowa

Education
PhD in Counseling Psychology, Iowa State University, 2011
MS in Psychology, Iowa State University, 2008
BS in Chemical Engineering, Iowa State University, 2000

Amber Rissman
School Psychology doctoral student
Pronouns: She/her/hers

Education
University of Iowa, BA Iowa State University

Professional Interests
My research interests are ADHD, behavior, learning disabilities, and identifying disabilities. The main reason why I am interested in DSJ is that I have a learning disability myself. I thought it would be a great way to keep up awareness and be a great fit for me too!

Jessica N. Miller-Lange, PsyD
Postdoctoral Resident
Pronouns: She/her/hers

Work
Central Iowa Psychological Services (CIPS)

Education:
PsyD in Clinical Psychology, Midwestern University, 2020
MA in Clinical Psychology, Midwestern University, 2017
BA in Psychology, 2015

Professional Interests
My counseling and assessment interests include child, adolescent, and family work. Specifically, I am interested in trauma, anxiety, defiance, learning disabilities, ADHD, parenting stress, and concerns for clients of racial and ethnic minorities and of diverse identities.

Lily A. Mathison, PhD
Postdoctoral Psychology Resident
Pronouns: She/her/hers

Work
Central Iowa Psychological Services (CIPS)

Education:
PhD in Counseling Psychology, Iowa State University, 2020
MS in Psychology, Iowa State University, 2016
BA in Social Science/Psychology, University of Southern California, 2011

Professional Interests
My experience of having hidden disabilities and being queer inform my professional work and motivate me to become involved with diversity and social justice efforts like the DSJ Committee. Counseling interests include trauma, concerns about sexual orientation and gender, disability and health concerns, religion and spirituality, and concerns with discrimination and stigma. My research centers around mental health stigma.

Angelica Castro Bueno

Counseling Psychology doctoral student

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, Kansas State University, 2016

Professional Interests:

My research interests focus on the experiences of undocumented and DACAmented individuals. As a DACA recipient myself who grew up in a mixed-status family, I am deeply committed to supporting this community access mental health services and researching ways to combat the stigma associated with undocumented status.

Cara Solness, BSc

Doctoral Candidate
Pronouns: She/they

Education
PhD (Counseling Psychology); intern placement at UCS, University of Iowa
BSc in Biological Psychology, McMaster University, Ontario

Cara's experiences as a gender non-conforming, lesbian woman informs her commitment to the DSJ committee and marginalized communities. Cara's research has focused on therapeutic alliance within group therapy for the TGNC/NB community and internet-delivered programs for peri-partum depression. Counseling interests include trauma, identity, and NICU-specialized mental health care.

Alejandra R Castillo
Counseling Psychology Doctoral Student
Pronouns: She/her/hers

Education
BS in Biopsychology & Counseling Psychology - Morningside University, 2019
MS in Psychological Sciences - The University of Texas at Dallas, 2021
PhD in Counseling Psychology - The University of Iowa, Expected 2026

Professional Interests
My research interests involve autism, twice-exceptionality, rural communities, and multiculturalism with an emphasis on Latin populations. I am committed to being involved with the DSJ committee to support and provide awareness of underserved populations.

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