Post-Doctoral Trainees

Vicky Atzl, Ph.D.

Dr. Vicky Atzl is a postdoctoral associate in the TRANSFORM Research Center. Vicky received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver and completed her predoctoral clinical internship at Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare in Newark, NJ.

Vicky’s research focuses broadly on predictors and consequences of childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence, including consequences throughout the lifespan and for the next generation. Grounded in the developmental psychopathology framework, her research is dedicated to understanding trajectories of adaptation and maladaptation at multiple levels of ecology to conceptualize pathways of risk and resilience in the context of interpersonal trauma. For example, Vicky is interested in how characteristics of childhood maltreatment (e.g., timing, chronicity, type) influence the development of psychopathology, quality of relationships with close others and the intergenerational transmission of violence. Additionally, Vicky is interested in protective factors that mitigate the negative effects of childhood maltreatment on social emotional outcomes, including factors contemporaneous with childhood maltreatment (e.g., positive childhood experiences). Thus far, Vicky’s research has centered the perinatal period, a transformative developmental window that serves as an opportune time to examine intergenerational transmission in the context of the developing parent-child bond, romantic or co-parenting relationship, and the family system.

Vicky is also invested in improving access to high-quality care for underserved groups. She is therefore interested in intervention research focused on adapting and enhancing evidence-based interventions to meet the needs of diverse populations and identify mechanisms of change. Central to Vicky’s research is a commitment to translating science into effective policy and practice through dissemination of research findings to both academic and community groups.

View Dr. Atzl’s publications here.

 

Julianne Myers, Ph.D.

Dr. Julianne Myers is a postdoctoral associate in THRIVE FASD Research and Clinical Services. Julianne received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Seattle Pacific University and completed her predoctoral clinical internship at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, IN with a focus on pediatric mental health and autism spectrum disorder.

Julianne’s research focuses broadly on diagnostic systems and clinical services for individuals and families with FASD. She uses systems-based theory and implementation science research methodology to create and understand the effectiveness of app-based supports for caregivers. Additionally, she is researching models for tiered-support systems for communities with FASD including training providers in FASD-informed care using the ECHO framework. Julianne is passionate about addressing barriers experienced by families with FASD and increasing access to services for individuals with FASD throughout the lifespan. These passions have led her to work towards expanding the clinical services offered within the FASD clinic to include specialty consultation and diagnostic services for children and adults with complex neurodevelopmental profiles and exposure to substances and alcohol, differentiation between concerns of autism and prenatal alcohol exposure, person-centered planning intervention approaches to thrive as a young adult with FASD, and caregiver-focused supports for child anxiety within prenatally-exposed populations using the SPACE protocol. Julianne also provides caregiver-focused intervention for families with children with FASD to increase parent knowledge, skills-use, advocacy, and self-care through the Families Moving Forward Program.

View Dr. Myers’ publications here.