I am specifically interested in the ways individuals experience and implement Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills, contemplative and mindfulness-based practices, and the necessary cultural adaptations needed to make these practices relevant to ethnic minority groups. In other words, I want to know what does and does not work for this specific population. I also have a specific interest in the experiences of women who are junior faculty in academia, the ways they cope with burnout, and ways that creativity can be used as a coping mechanism. I have a special interest in Single Case Research Designs (SCRDs) methodology and Photovoice.

I am an associate professor of counselor education at Marquette University, a licensed counselor, a dog mom, a mindfulness and yoga practitioner, and a researcher. Outside of work and research, I enjoy pup snuggles, reading, spending time with loved ones, and baking! I also enjoy tapping into my creative side as an important part of my self-care. You can follow my fun adventures on TikTok @risseycreates

I continue to expand my knowledge through continuing education and trainings because I value learning and the ability to put what I learn into practice through my teaching, research, and service. Here are some ways that I’ve supported my work and practice through trainings, certifications, and personal development.

• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
• Mind and Life Summer Research Institute
• Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy
• Integrating Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness
• Individual Therapy Mode in Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• DBT Skills (Level 2; Behavioral Tech)
• 200hr yoga teacher training
• Mindfulness coaching

Our Lab Community Members

Daija is a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology doctoral program at Marquette University; in the program, Dr. Karisse Callender serves as her advisor. Daija received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from North Carolina State University and credits her experiences in research at the institution as her inspiration to pursue a graduate degree in counseling psychology. Some of her research interests include culturally informed mindfulness-based practices/interventions, the relationship between perceived belonging and mental health, and mental health management in community and school settings. Much of Daija’s research interests are influenced by her previous research experiences considering ethnic minoritized students and Black emerging adults. With the advanced training that she will receive at Marquette, Daija hopes to contribute to the development of accessible, culturally sensitive, evidence-based mental health care for underserved communities.

Callie is a third-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program at Marquette University. She is advised by Dr. Karisse Callender and is very excited to have joined Dr. Callender’s team. Callie also received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University. Callie’s research interests include mindfulness, therapeutic interventions for high achieving populations, and multicultural training for helping professionals. Her clinical experience with medical students greatly influenced her research interests regarding high achieving and helping populations. Callie is passionate about the connection between research and practice and how research can inform the selection of effective treatment interventions for diverse populations.

Amber is a student in the counseling psychology doctoral program at Marquette University. She is presently being advised by Dr. Karisse Callender, another contributor to the blog. A few of her research interests include diversity in mindfulness practices, spirituality in counseling, supervision in counseling, and the relationship between meaning-making and life satisfaction. Many of Amber’s research interests are influenced by her clinical work with high school students spanning to those in the end-of-life stages. She aims to share some of her knowledge here to make it more accessible to the public, hoping that readers may find it helpful in dealing with distress and uncertainty. 

Past Members

Julia Stuart graduated from the Clinical Mental Health masters program in 2024 and is now a counselor-in-training at a local addiction treatment facility.