Primary Investigators
Heather Yarger, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Yarger is an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Maryland and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Maryland. She received her undergraduate degree from the Pennsylvania State University in 2009 and received her doctoral degree in Clinical Science from the University of Delaware in 2018. She completed her APA-accredited pre-doctoral clinical internship within the Child and Family Therapy and Behavioral Management Clinics at Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Yarger’s research aims to understand risk and protective factors associated with anxiety symptoms in autistic youth. She received a NIH/NIMH K08 Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award which will fund her research and training 4/2024 thorough 3/2028.
Stephen B. Thomas, Ph.D.
Primary Mentor and Collaborator
Dr. Thomas is the Director of the Center for Health Equity and a Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the University of Maryland. He received his undergraduate degree in 1980 from the Ohio State University and his doctoral degree in Community Health Education in 1985 from Southern Illinois University. His current research focuses on the translation of evidence-based science on chronic disease into community-based interventions designed to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health and health care. More specifically, he has focused on understanding how social context shapes attitudes and behaviors of underserved, poorly served, and never-served segments of our society toward participation in health promotion and disease prevention activities.
Cheyenne "Shey" Herrell
Graduate Research Assistant
Cheyenne is a graduate student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Maryland. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from Penn State University, mentored by Dr. Stephen Foster, where she completed her first research publication as lead author. During her undergraduate studies, she was employed in social work, providing assistance with life skills and community support to adults with autism, marking the start of her passion for a career working with this demographic. After earning her degree, she gained research experience at Penn State Hershey Hospital's Department of Medicine, guided by Dr. Guodong Liu. Her research now focuses on autism spectrum disorder, particularly the potential negative outcomes of concurrent psychotropic medication use in adolescence and young adulthood.
Maaike Van Der Veer
Graduate Research Assistant
Maaike is currently pursuing a master’s in Clinical Psychological Science at the University of Maryland. She received he undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville in May of 2024 where she served as a research assistant studying auditory processing and perception. During her undergraduate studies, she worked full time in applied behavioral analysis, providing therapeutic services to children with autism. This propelled her deep passion for working with and advocating for this community within the field. Maaike is interested in studying language and social development, behavior intervention, masking processes, and risk of comorbidity for anxiety and depression in youth with autism.
Holden Axel
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Holden is a junior at the University of Maryland, studying psychology and neuroscience. He is passionate about understanding mental health and consciousness, with particular interests in anxiety, depression, addiction, and schizophrenia. His commitment to the field is reflected in his work on a brain injury study with Saint Joseph's Psychology Department, where he gained valuable research experience. Holden plans to continue his academic journey by attending graduate school, where he hopes to further explore the complexities of mental health and contribute to advancements in the field.
Davina Gyimah
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Davina is a senior undergraduate student, pursuing a degree in physiology and neurobiology at the University of Maryland. She is currently employed as an EMT in the Prince George’s fire department, providing emergency medical care to patients in various emergency situations. She is very passionate about working with children and excited to expand her research skills through the ADORA project.
Rachel Resnick
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Rachel is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Maryland studying psychology and human development. She is interested in clinical research of early intervention programs for pediatric mental health disorders - including an improved system for the diagnosis of psychopathology in children and adolescents - as well as clinical trials of pediatric psychiatric drugs and treatment options.
Additional Collaborators
Dr. Elizabeth Redcay and Dr. Ed Lemay of the Department of Psychology will be helping with recruitment and data analysis.
Dr. Connor Kerns from the University of of British Columbia will be providing training and expertise in assessing anxiety.
Dr. John Herrington from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia will be providing training and expertise in psychophysiology, anxiety, and autism.
