Jamison Brown is a WKU Master of Arts in Counseling student with a main focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jamison is a native of Owensboro, KY, and he received his Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences at WKU in the Spring of 2023. While studying as an undergraduate, Jamison gained copious amounts of knowledge and insight while working on research and being apart of studies in the Stress, Trauma, And, Recovery lab (STAR Lab) with Dr. Matthew Woodward. He hopes to continue to use the research experience gained as an undergraduate to help spur on the betterment of child and family welfare. 

Kirsten Spears is a Master of Social Work student at Western Kentucky University. Kirsten was raised in Loogootee, Indiana and earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology at the University of Evansville. Kirsten gained experience working with children and adolescents at Deaconess Cross Pointe’s youth inpatient unit. Now, she is eager to build upon her existing research skills and use her knowledge to contribute to the betterment of children’s lives.

Alecia Hatfield is a graduate of the College of Education and Behavioral Science department, where she obtained a Master of Art degree in Clinical Psychology in the spring of 2023. Alecia is a native of Elizabethtown, KY, and she received her Bachelor of Art degree in Psychology at WKU in the fall of 2020. While studying as an undergraduate, Alecia gained plentiful knowledge and experience while working with children and adolescents at the Lifeskills Children’s Crisis and Stabilization Unit. Now, she hopes to utilize the knowledge gained through education and hands-on experience to positively impact the lives of children and their caregivers.

Lindsey Powell earned a Master of Social Work degree at Western Kentucky University in the spring of 2023, and served as a Graduate Research Assistant for Lifeskills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. Lindsey was raised in Versailles, KY and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at WKU. Lindsey is passionate about both family and child welfare. She is excited to continue learning about child welfare in her studies at WKU, as well as building upon her research experience from her undergraduate degree.

David Roehm is a graduate of the College of Education and Behavioral Science department, where he obtained a Master of Art degree in Clinical Psychology in the spring of 2023. David was born and raised in Rochester Hills, Michigan, and he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at WKU. David is passionate about child welfare, and through the host of experiences he has in the field, he desires to strengthen, support, and sustain the fabric of child welfare for the betterment of our communities.

Kristen Woolbright earned a Master of Social Work degree at Western Kentucky University in the spring of 2023, and served as a Graduate Research Assistant for Lifeskills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. Kristen is from Bowling Green, Kentucky and has earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Western Kentucky University. Kristen has experience working with children at LifeSkills Crisis Stabilization Unit and is eager to utilize her skills and expanding her knowledge to create a positive impact on children’s lives.   

Roderick Maul is in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at Western Kentucky University, after earning his Master of Social Work at WKU in 2019.  He was the first graduate student worker for the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. Born and raised in Alabama, Roderick grew up in Birmingham, and now calls Bowling Green, Kentucky his new home. He has over six years of experience in child welfare, beginning as a student at Miles College and throughout his studies at WKU.  Roderick is passionate about making a difference in the lives of families and children.

Alma Smajlovic is a WKU Master of Social Work graduate and the first Graduate Research Assistant for the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research. Born in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Alma grew up in Bowling Green, KY and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology at WKU. Alma is passionate about helping children, particularly those in the child welfare system who have experienced abuse. As a Certified Social Worker, Alma is currently a therapist at the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center where she is providing trauma treatment to children and families.

James M. Turner is a Master of Social Work student at Western Kentucky University and the second Graduate Research Assistant for the LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research.  James was born and raised in Glasgow, KY and earned his Bachelor of Social Work at WKU.  While James has been primarily focused on Gerontology, he is interested in learning more about the child welfare aspect of social work and is excited use his skills in research and data analysis to help the team.