The Research Team
Lead by Dr. Martinque Jones, the BWell Lab's current research team consists of counseling psychology doctoral students, a clinical psychology doctoral student, as well as undergraduate students at the University of North Texas. Current Doctoral
Lab Members
Melissa Briones, M.A., M.S.
Melissa Briones is a 7th year in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at UT-Rio Grande Valley and her Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at Sam Houston State University. She is currently working on research projects centering on the discrimination graduate students of color experience in their academic settings and the impact of marianismo on the association between discrimination and psychological distress among Latina women.
Amber Williams, M.S.
Cassandre Jean-Ceide, M.S.
Cassandre Jean-Ceide is a 5th year in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Her research interests broadly center on the experiences of Black women. Currently, she is conducting research on how strong Black women's experiences may be impacted by systems of power such as sexism, racism, and colorism.
Amber Williams is a 5th year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of North Texas. Improving the quality of care and access to mental health services for marginalized communities is the core of her professional aspirations. She has funneled this passion through her research as she focuses on diversifying the mental health field and prioritizing the wellness of Black and Brown populations. In her spare time, Amber enjoys returning to her roots in fine arts by taking dance classes on weekends. She also takes interest in fashion and styling.
Quanisha Whittfield, M.A., M.S.
Quanisha Whittfield is a 4th year in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D program. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Baylor University and her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University. Her research interests broadly center the holistic wellness of Black women and culturally relevant intervention development using yoga and meditation to address mental and physical impacts of gendered racism.
Dionne R. Regis, M.A., Ed.M.
Dionne R. Regis is a 3rd year in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in French and African American Studies from University of Virginia and her Master’s in Counseling Psychology: School Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research interests broadly look at how identity-based discrimination in everyday settings and in media have negative impacts on the self-esteem of women in the Afro-Diaspora and leads to increased risk of anxiety and depression for women within the Afro-Diaspora. Dionne is very passionate about translational research and advocacy.
Raven K. Gipson-Washington, M.A.
Raven K. Gipson-Washington is a 2nd year student in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State University and her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Her research centers and serves Black women, with a special emphasis on strong Black womanhood, help-seeking, and the development and implementation of culturally responsive mental health interventions. Her clinical interests include culturally informed acceptance and commitment therapy, working with high achieving Black women, individuals with depressive and anxiety disorders, and holistic mental health care. Raven has a heart for leadership and mentorship, with an empathetic, relaxed, affirming, and empowering counseling and supervisory style. Raven aspires to own a culturally informed, holistic wellness center designed for Black women, providing evidence-based psychological assessment, treatment, and community support.
Current Lab Member
Dae Moya, B.S.
Dae Moya is a psychology graduate of UNT. She continues her work in the BWell lab.
Doctoral Alumni
Dominque Doty, Ph.D., M.S.
Gabriella Gaskin-Cole, Ph.D., M.S., M.S.
Dr. Gabriella "Gabby" Gaskin-Cole is a graduate of the Counseling Psychology doctoral program. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her research interests center around the messages Black women receive from their mothers related to strength and strong Black womanhood. Additionally, she is interested in the connection between the internalization of strength messages and the impact it has on Black women's platonic and romantic relationships. Her clinical interests include working with children and adolescents in the foster care system, individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment and trauma, and historically marginalized individuals.
Dr. Dominique Doty is a graduate of the Counseling Psychology doctoral program. She earned her Bachelor's degree at UC Davis. She is currently investigating the relationship between gendered racism and psychological distress among Black women, and how gendered racial identity impacts that relationship. Her overarching clinical interests include trauma populations, especially veterans.
Kyjeila Latimer, Ph.D.
Dr. Kyjeila Latimer is a graduate of the Behavioral Science doctoral program.
Undergraduate Alumni
Alia Jones
Autumn Underwood
Bahia Ramirez
Adaroa Okoya
Kathryn Conner
Dolores Clay
Aylin Pena
Faith Ayaji
Gummer Zackaria
Gabrielle Wallace
Lani Ahmed
Laila Gardner
Natalia Barrera
Madison Fox
Zhaire Simmons
Asia Watkins
Onyekachukwu Okoye.