Lab Members
Gabriela Khazanov, PhD
Gabriela (Gabi) Khazanov is an Assistant Professor at Yeshiva University’s Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. She received her PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and completed her clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Philadelphia VA. After graduating with a BA from the University of California, Los Angeles, Dr. Khazanov completed a postbaccalaureate fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health. Prior to coming to Ferkauf, she was a Research Psychologist at the Philadelphia VA and a Research Associate at the University of Pennsylvania, where in addition to conducting research, she led the VA’s national implementation of contingency management across more than 100 sites. Dr. Khazanov’s work has been funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the New York Health Foundation, and the University of Pennsylvania and has been published in JAMA Network Open, Addiction, Psychological Bulletin, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, and American Psychologist. Dr. Khazanov maintains a small private practice in Manhattan.
Wesley Appel
Graduate Student
Wesley Appel is a third-year student in the Adult Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program.
He received his B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Creative Writing from Rutgers University. Wesley’s research interests include addiction, intergenerational trauma, and the uses of artificial intelligence in suicide prevention. Wesley has received clinical training through New York Presbyterian’s Addiction Recovery program and is currently
receiving psychodynamic training through the Parnes Clinic. He also works at a group home for patients with schizophrenia. In his spare time, he enjoys playing Dungeons &
Dragons, baking, and writing.
Samantha Silverman
Graduate Student
Samantha is a second-year student in the Adult Clinical Psychology Psy.D. Program. She earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Law, Justice, and Social Change from the University of Michigan. Her research interests focus on direct, indirect, and transgenerational trauma related to incarceration, homelessness, and the impact of firearms, as well as the behavioral responses that follow such trauma. Samantha is currently completing her clinical training at Brooklyn College’s Personal Counseling Program. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, watching documentaries, and exercising.
Caleigh Ryan
Graduate Student
Caleigh is a second-year student in the Adult Clinical Psychology Psy.D Program. She received her B.A from Wesleyan University and double-majored in Psychology and Government. Following undergraduate, Caleigh worked as an Intake Coordinator and Research Assistant for an outpatient substance use treatment center and, subsequently, at a research lab studying addiction and the effect of novel psychopharmaceuticals. Through these experiences, Caleigh developed a research interest in how substance use impacts interpersonal relationships and mood disorders. Presently, Caleigh’s research interests include how substance use and suicidality interact and the role of social support in each of these areas. Caleigh enjoys trying new restaurants, playing tennis and basketball, and spending time with friends and family.
Carly Maitlin
Graduate Student
Carly is a second-year student in the Adult Clinical Psychology Psy.D. Program. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Princeton University. Carly’s research interests include parent-child relationships, adolescent mental health, and substance abuse. Carly previously worked as a clinical coordinator at New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University’s Clinic for Aging, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders, where she worked on multiple studies exploring dopaminergic dysfunction in late-life depression. Prior to that position, she was a research assistant at Brown University’s Mood and Behavior Lab, where she worked on studies assessing adolescent suicidality risk for rehospitalization. Carly is currently externing at Montefiore Medical Center’s Neuropsychological Assessment Services. She also serves as a database assistant coordinator for the Adult Clinical Psychology Psy.D. Program. In her free time, Carly enjoys running, walking her dog, seeing Broadway shows, and getting sweet treats.
Mica Poerio
Graduate Student
Mica is a first-year student in the Adult Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program. He received his MA in Psychology in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Mica’s research interests include suicide prevention, self-efficacy, and language use in individuals experiencing SI. Mica currently works as a research assistant for an online therapy provider. His previous clinical experience includes working as a Wellness and Health Coach with Alice! Health Promotion through Columbia Health as well as being a Peer Lead for the Crisis Textline. Additionally, Mica is a violin teacher and enjoys spending time with his cats, Wanda and Suzy.
Cynthia Mikula
Research Assistant
Cynthia is a first-year student in the Adult Clinical Psychology Psy.D. Program. She received her B.S. in neuroscience from Lafayette College and her M.S. in nutrition from Columbia University. Prior to attending Ferkauf, Cynthia worked as a research assistant and clinical intake coordinator at the Columbia Center for Eating Disorders at New York State Psychiatric Institute. Cynthia’s research interests include understanding patterns of broadly-defined harmful behaviors, including disordered eating behaviors, self-harm, and substance use. In her free time, Cynthia runs competitively for Central Park Track Club.
TEAL 