HFU Blog Contributors

Asmaa Alshamiri

Psychology | School of Arts & Sciences

Asmaa Alshamiri is a first-year PsyD student at Holy Family University, with a strong passion for clinical psychology. She previously worked as a substance use counselor, providing support to individuals navigating addiction and mental health challenges. Asmaa is dedicated to fostering empowerment and self-sufficiency in her future clients.

Serah Beckley

Psy.D. Student & Graduate Assistant

Serah is a first-year PsyD student at Holy Family University, where she also serves as a Graduate Assistant for Student Engagement. She holds a Master’s in Applied Psychology and has a deep passion for advocating for social justice and equity. Through her nonprofit organization, Serah works to connect people of the African diaspora and foster positive support within communities of color through media and community events.

In addition to her advocacy work, Serah is committed to creating trauma-informed spaces, particularly in museums and galleries, and is developing innovative ideas to make these environments more inclusive and supportive. With experience in ABA therapy and mental health programming, Serah is dedicated to helping individuals of diverse backgrounds achieve personal growth and become the best versions of themselves.

Raquel Cameron (she/her) is a first-year Psy.D. student specializing in anti-oppressive frameworks and addressing racial bias within therapeutic spaces. She earned a degree in Social Work from Fordham University, where she cultivated a passion for social justice and equity. Her professional experience exposed her to pervasive disparities in healthcare, fueling her commitment to research aimed at combating systemic racial injustices. Positioned at the intersection of clinical psychology and social advocacy, Raquel strives to bridge the gap between individual care and broader societal transformation.

Katharine Croce

Associate Professor

Psychology | School of Arts & Sciences

Dr. Katie Croce has worked as a behavior analyst and special education program coordinator in schools, homes, and an in-patient hospital for children and adolescents with ASD/DD/ID. One of Katie’s greatest joys is developing clinic programs for individuals with ASD including social skills programs, an inclusive summer camp, a respite program, a sports program, a college-bound retreat for students with ASD interested in attending college, and a support program for college students with ASD. Dr. Croce is currently an Associate Professor of Psychology at Holy Family University, creating and teaching undergraduate and graduate course work in ASD and ABA. Those who know Katie know she is happiest when wearing Lilly Pulitzer. She is very involved with her kids school and cheering them on the sidelines at sporting events. She loves to travel and having her toes in the sand.

Taina Dorvil

Psy.D. in Counseling Student & Graduate Assistant

Taina is a dedicated and compassionate advocate committed to empowering and helping individuals and communities flourish. Taina is pursuing a doctoral degree and is currently a first-year student in the Psy.D. Counseling program at Holy Family University, Taina also serves as the graduate assistant for the program, seamlessly blending academic excellence with practical application.

With over eight years of nursing experience specializing in pediatrics, she combines a deep understanding of healthcare with a commitment to holistic well-being. As a certified Reiki Master with more than four years of experience, Taina integrates energy healing into her approach, fostering resilience and balance in those she serves.

A recent graduate of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), She was honored as a student highlight at PCOM for her academic and professional contributions. Taina is also a proud alumna of Gwynedd Mercy University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology.

Through a unique blend of academic knowledge, practical experience, clinical expertise, and a passion for serving others, Taina offers a holistic approach to empowerment and well-being and is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves.

Keith Kopka

Assistant Professor/Director of MFA Program

English | School of Arts & Sciences

Keith Kopka received the Tampa Review Prize for his collection of poems, Count Four (University of Tampa Press, 2020). His poetry and criticism have recently appeared in American Poetry Review, New Ohio Review, The International Journal of the Book, and many other journals. The recipient of the International Award for Excellence from the Books, Publishing, and Libraries Research Network, he is also the author of the critical texts Asking a Shadow to Dance: An Introduction to the Practice of Poetry (GRL, 2018) and Crossing Disciplines: A Cross-Curricular Writing Guide (Kendall Hunt, 2022). His work has been supported by the MacDowell Foundation, Centrum, and the Vermont Studio Center. Kopka is a senior editor for Narrative magazine and Director of the low-res MFA at Holy Family University in Philadelphia.

Gbemiro Olasupo

Psy.D. Student

Gbemiro Olasupo is a dedicated doctoral student in psychology at Holy Family University. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience from Temple University. Additionally, Gbemiro earned a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Holy Family University.

Throughout his career, Gbemiro has gained extensive experience in diverse clinical mental health settings. His work has spanned a variety of roles, including case management for children in crisis, direct support for adults with developmental disabilities, and crisis intervention for children through CMCT. He has also served as a counselor in early intervention programs, providing support to young children and their families. Additionally, Gbemiro has provided outpatient therapy to clients of various age groups, further honing his expertise in mental health care.

Passionate about helping others, Gbemiro’s clinical experience, combined with his advanced academic training, shapes his holistic approach to psychology and mental health treatment.