Kate Patterson, Psy.D. (she/her) earned her doctorate from Antioch University New England in 2013, following undergraduate studies at Central Connecticut State University. Dr. Patterson has extensive leadership experience, having served as Clinical Director of the Lillian Reba Moses Child Guidance Clinic at Community Health Center, Inc. and later as On-Site Behavioral Health Director for Middletown and Clinton from 2020–2024, where she led a multidisciplinary team through the challenges of the pandemic.

Dr. Patterson is deeply committed to training and supervision in psychology. She piloted and expanded CHC’s practicum program, now entering its 8th year, and has co-presented at both local and national conferences on motivation, leadership, training, and vulnerability. She also co-chairs the Northeast Regional Psychology Conference: Trends in the Training Field, which convenes psychology trainees, supervisors, and academic programs across New England. Clinically, she treats individuals across the lifespan, with special interests in transference and countertransference, family systems, and perfectionism in adolescents. Dr. Patterson now maintains a private practice in Cheshire, CT.

Jennifer Doran, Ph.D. has been actively involved in CPA for several years, serving previously as President, as well as on the Membership Committee and as the 2019 Chair of Communications. Dr. Doran is a former Chair of the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students and has been active in APA as part of this role as well as an early career psychologist leader. Most recently she served as the Co-Chair of the Division 18 (Psychologists in Public Service) Policy and Advocacy Committee and as a Member-at-Large on the Division 31 (SPTA Affairs) Board of Directors.

Dr. Doran received her doctoral degree from The New School for Social Research in New York City before moving to Connecticut for her internship at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, where she specialized in PTSD and general outpatient mental health. She completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at VA Connecticut’s National Center for PTSD and Yale School of Medicine, where she investigated both the merits and limitations of specialty PTSD treatments. Dr. Doran currently works as the Associate Director for Mental Health at the VA VISN 1 Clinical Resource Hub, based out of VA Connecticut, a telehealth hub that provides clinical services to veterans in underserved rural communities throughout the New England region. Dr. Doran is presently an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. She is actively involved in psychology education and training both locally and nationally.

Dr. Doran’s clinical areas of expertise are assessment, trauma/PTSD, veteran mental health, principle-based psychotherapy, and general outpatient mental health. Research interests include psychotherapy process and outcome, assessment, intervention effectiveness and evidence-based treatment, as well as psychology education and training issues. She is an active advocate for the profession and is passionate about improving mental health access, providing high-quality mental health treatment, clinical supervision and training the next generation of psychologists, elevating psychology as a science and using psychology to develop and inform policy, promoting and supporting social justice and diversity initiatives, and championing graduate student and early career issues.

Dr. Lucas Driskell is an early career clinical neuropsychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, CT. He completed his doctoral education at Nova Southeastern University, his internship at Baylor College of Medicine, followed by his two-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology in the Department of Neurology at the University of Virginia. Clinically, Dr. Driskell has a specialty in evaluating patients with cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Much of research thus far has pertained to education, training, and advocacy within the field of clinical neuropsychology.

Dr. Feliciano is a clinical psychologist currently working at the Institute of Living (IOL) at Hartford Healthcare. Dr. Feliciano completed her graduate training in clinical psychology with a focus on child and adolescent mental health at the University of Hartford, where she was a recipient of the Diversity Fellowship and Presidential Scholarship.  Her predoctoral internship was at the IOL on the child and adolescent track, where she further developed her clinical skills in working with severe mental illness in youth and families.  She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Grace Webb School and conducted research there on the impacts of trauma-sensitive yoga on student mental health. she currently works within a therapeutic school providing individual and group therapy to adolescents impacted by psychotic spectrum disorders.  Dr. Feliciano’s clinical areas of expertise and interests include psychological assessment, PTSD and complex trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, and psychosis.

Elizabeth is proud to advocate for legislative issues for advances in psychology at the federal level. Moreover, she is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the mission and goals of CPA. She has served on the CPA board in various capacities for over 10 years. Previously, she served as Secretary on the executive board, Early Career Representative previous from 2005 – 2007 and before that time, she served as the CPA student advocacy fellow, where she facilitated state and federal legislative issues relevant to Connecticut Psychologists and their clients. In addition, she served as the student CPA board member from 2006 – 2009, where she helped organize and spearhead multiple community events, seminars and workshops that focused on acknowledging efforts and raising funds for mental health needs and issues in CT and nationally.

Collectively, these experiences provided her a rare opportunity as a future psychologist. She has over 15 years of clinical experience in various mental health service agencies as a therapist, and she just recently began private practice and has offices in New Haven and Westport. Previously, she spent over 5 years at Yale Stress Center, where she conducted individual and group therapy focused on addictive behaviors, disordered eating, mindfulness, and stress reduction. Her specific clinical interests include evaluation and treatment of disordered eating, addictive behaviors, stress, trauma, and health psychology. She looks forward to using clinical expertise, passion for psychology, past CPA experience, and strong interpersonal skills toward supporting CPA governance, members, and contributing to the guild in the state of CT and nationally. 

Dr. Clark is a Behavioral Health Clinician at Community Health Center, Inc., with expertise in working with children and families with experiences of trauma. She provides integrative psychological services to individuals across the lifespan and is passionate about working with underserved and vulnerable populations. Dr. Clark is a Connecticut credentialed TF-CBT clinician and is currently a co-leader of the Connecticut Psychological Association Early Career Leadership Academy. She is energized by psychology and public health research and practice aimed at exploring not only the detrimental effects of trauma but also resilience, prevention, and systems improvement. Her research interests include caregiver engagement and participation in children’s trauma treatment as well as international child protection and violence prevention. She received her Doctorate of Psychology in School-Clinical Child Psychology from Yeshiva University in 2021 and completed her doctoral internship at New York City Children’s Center, Queens Campus. She completed her postdoctoral residency at Community Health Center, Inc., where she worked both in a community healthcare clinic as well as in a school-based health center. Prior to her psychology education, Dr. Clark earned her Master of Public Health degree at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health where she received a certificate in Public Health and Humanitarian Action. Dr. Clark became interested in psychology and public health during her diverse early professional experiences, which included working in child and family mental health in Northern Ireland and with a homelessness center in South Bend, Indiana.

My name is Emily McAtee, I am a current 2nd Year PsyD student at the University of Hartford’s (UHart) Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology. In 2023, I graduated from UCLA with my Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology. During which time I gained extensive experience working as a crisis counselor and supervisor through 988. In tandem, I completed domestic violence advocacy work at a women’s center, working predominantly with the Latina population. Currently, my practicum sites are with Community Health Center and UHart’s assessment site, where I provide therapy and administer assessment batteries to postmenopausal women, respectively. Additionally, I am the student ambassador for UHart’s PsyD program, where I answer questions for prospective students about my experience. Presently, I also serve as the 2nd Year student representative at UHart. Serving additionally as student liaison, I help connect students across Connecticut with CPA’s Talent Show Committee. About once a month, I volunteer with Hands on Hartford, a local nonprofit. Some fun facts about me are that I lived in Germany for about 3 years, I speak German fluently, my favorite food is sushi, if glitter were a color, it would be my favorite color, and I was once on The Price is Right.

I am an Assistant Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Fairfield University. I received my Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Connecticut. My scholarly interests center around culture, accent, and multiculturalism. I am especially passionate to study how diverse cultural and linguistic experiences shape an individual’s social interactions and identity. In my work, I strive to understand the lived experiences of underrepresented groups and translating research into meaningful community impact. As both a researcher and practitioner seeking socio-cultural changes, I am dedicated to bridge science and practice to improve the experiences of individuals from all backgrounds. Much of my work aims to promote multicultural competence, amplify marginalized voices, and foster more inclusive environments where people feel respected and understood. As an adopted resident of Connecticut, I am invested in advancing equity and cultural inclusivity within our state. I value collaboration, open dialogue, and community partnership. I am committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen connections between psychologists and the diverse communities. A fun fact about me is I speak four languages!

Dr. Joy Zelikovsky is a clinical psychologist and National Health Service Psychologist in New Haven, CT. She is the founder and of Nourish The Heart Counseling in New Haven, Connecticut.  She received her Doctorate in Psychology and a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the Florida School of Professional Psychology. She has also completed a Master’s of Philosophy in Education and a Master’s of Science in Education in Professional Counseling and Psychological Services, respectively, from the University of Pennsylvania. Joy completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Joy is also credentialed as a National Health Service Psychologist.  Most recently, Joy was the Supervising Psychologist at the University of Southern Mississippi, providing therapeutic services in the college counseling center, and had worked in several other college counseling centers during her training and education. Joy also has experience working in private practice settings and community mental health. As the Director of Eating Disorder Services at Turnbridge Addiction Treatment, Joy uses evidence-based practices and treatments to help both men and women who are struggling with addiction and eating disorder concerns. Joy also continues to teach at the graduate level to help prepare the next generation of mental health clinicians.

Dr. Jyothi Vayalakkara is a Clinical Neuropsychologist who has been immersed in her work with mental health and complex trauma for more than two decades. She is currently a Supervising Psychologist with the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS-CT) where she is a long-standing board member of the Statewide Advisory Council that works on eliminating health disparities across the socioeconomic spectrum within DMHAS-CT. She has been a multicultural cohort trainer for DMHAS in the past and is currently a facilitator for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) for state employees. She is additionally devoted to working with trauma survivors including military veterans as part of her practice and is the recipient of the Military Challenge Coin for her outstanding contributions to training of military personnel in Fort Bragg, NC on destigmatizing mental illnesses, with a specific focus on PTSD. She has several publications in international journals and books as well as presentations across the globe spanning human rights, mental health and traumatic brain injury.

Dr. Brian A. Zaboski is a board-certified psychologist, an Assistant Professor in Yale University’s Department of Psychiatry, and the Associate Director for Clinical Psychology at the Yale OCD Research Clinic. He also created and directs the Adult Mood Disorders and OCD & Anxiety Disorders Tracks at Bridgeport Hospital. A grant-funded researcher, Dr. Zaboski’s work in computational psychiatry uses artificial intelligence to develop personalized treatments for anxiety and OCD. He is passionate about translating science into practice, frequently delivering plenary talks to hundreds of clinicians at national conferences for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). Deeply committed to professional service, he co-chairs the CPA’s Early Career Psychologists Leadership Academy, leads the AI Special Interest Group for the IOCDF, and has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and a book.

Dr. Smith Kidkarndee (he/they) is a licensed clinical psychologist in Connecticut and New York and a PSYPACT provider. They have a thriving private practice, Heart of Wisdom Counseling and Psychological Services, in Glastonbury, CT. Dr. Kidkarndee is also an Associate Director at the University of Hartford, Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology (GIPP). They are committed to training future psychologists, serving as the Director of Practicum training for GIPP doctoral students. Dr. Kidkarndee has a wide range of clinical and research interests, including AAPI Psychology, Clinical Supervision/Training and Consultation, Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, Professional Practice Issues, and Social Justice and Advocacy. Dr. Kidkarndee is a graduate of CPA’s Early Career Leadership Academy (Fall 2020) and currently serves on the Professional Affairs committee. Prior to CPA, they held multiple roles at the New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA). They are passionate about supporting the psychology community and advocating for the profession. They look forward to actively meeting and supporting CPA members, from psychology students to licensed providers, in Hartford County while upholding the values and mission of CPA.

Linda D. Ruiz, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology in Yale School of Medicine’s Neuropsychology Division. A bilingual neuropsychologist, she conducts neuropsychological evaluations for patients with a range of neurological, psychiatric, and medical conditions. Dr. Ruiz completed her neuropsychology fellowship and internship at VA Maryland Health Care System and holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from DePaul University and a B.A. in psychology from Stanford University. Her passions include training students to be compassionate clinicians and effective communicators and promoting equity and inclusion in patient care. Her research focuses on how social determinants of health impact cognitive functioning and aging in diverse communities.

Dr. Palmisano owns and directs a growing multidisciplinary managed care practice in Woodbridge. She has engaged in various professional roles including direct service provision, student supervision and serving as a faculty member at various institutions. Dr. Palmisano has also continued to engage in research, speaking and teaching in various areas of assessment, neurodiversity and general psychological practice. Her primary focus has been on evaluations and providing comprehensive psychological testing for individuals throughout their lifespan. Dr. Palmisano is a long-time member of APA, CPA and secretary of the CPA forensic division. She also serves on several nonprofit boards and enjoys partnering with various community agencies to help raise mental health awareness. When not at work, she enjoys spending time traveling, with family and friends and out in nature.

My name is Miki Lasher, Ph.D. and I am a child and adolescent neuropsychologist in private practice in Wilton. I have served in a number of leadership positions for CPA over the years, including Past-President, Federal Advocacy Coordinator, and numerous committees and task forces. Currently, I continue to be active with the Ethnic Diversity Task Force and the CPA Educational Foundation.

Dr. Kocienda earned his doctoral degree in clinical psychology in 2001 from the University of Hartford: Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology and earned a master’s degree in clinical practices in psychology in 1998. He earned a master’s degree in psychology, focusing on clinical neuropsychology from Queens College: City University of New York and his bachelor’s degree in psychology, with minors in Spanish and Latin American and Caribbean Studies. He completed his predoctoral internship at the VA Hudson Valley Healthcare System in Montrose, NY and his postdoctoral training at the Institute of Living in the Schizophrenia Rehabilitation Program.  Dr. Kocienda is the Mental Health Superintendent for the Connecticut Department of Correction. He is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 23 years of practice in clinical psychology and supervisory and managerial experience spanning his career. Dr. Kocienda serves on both state and national level boards for mental health initiatives related to correctional mental health services and serves as an expert witness in both state and federal courts.  Dr. Kocienda’s professional focus has been related to the treatment of trauma, complex personality disorders, severe and persistent mental illness and men’s issues. He also maintains a small private practice in Newtown, CT.

Dr. Meghan Butler, Psy.D., serves as the Executive Director of the Connecticut Psychological Association (CPA), where she provides strategic leadership focused on organizational innovation, membership growth and engagement, and legislative advocacy to advance the profession of psychology and improve access to mental health care across Connecticut.

Dr. Butler has been actively involved in CPA for over a decade before assuming the Executive Director role. Her leadership within the Association includes service as Early Career Representative, Secretary, Board Member, and Chair of the Membership Committee. In these roles, she played a central role in strengthening member engagement, modernizing organizational infrastructure, and expanding the Association’s visibility and value for psychologists across career stages. Her deep institutional knowledge and relationship-driven leadership style inform her work guiding CPA through evolving professional, regulatory, and workforce challenges.

Dr. Butler brings a distinctive hybrid background that integrates clinical expertise with nonprofit and community leadership. She earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Administrative Community Leadership through The Chicago School in partnership with Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago. This fellowship combined advanced clinical training in child and adolescent behavioral health with an administrative leadership rotation focused on nonprofit partnerships, service learning, and civic engagement. In this role, Dr. Butler functioned as a bridge between graduate education and community-based organizations, cultivating reciprocal partnerships, conducting needs assessments, developing departmental policies, and leading programs that promoted social justice, workforce development, and systems-level mental health advocacy.

Earlier in her career, Dr. Butler worked in community mental health settings through the National Health Service Corps, serving diverse, underserved, and high-need populations. In addition to her administrative role, Dr. Butler maintains an independent clinical practice specializing in children, adolescents, families, and parents navigating complex emotional, behavioral, and learning disorders. Her clinical work is grounded in developmental science, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based interventions, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with families, schools, and other systems of care.

In both her clinical and executive roles, Dr. Butler is guided by a systems-theory framework that recognizes the intersection of individual well-being, family dynamics, organizational structures, and public policy. She remains deeply committed to strengthening the psychology workforce, advancing ethical and effective mental health care, and positioning CPA as an innovative, responsive, and influential professional association.