Michelle Abraczinskas
Dr. Michelle Abraczinskas is an Assistant Professor of Youth Development and Prevention Science in the Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences at the University of Florida. Before coming to UF, she completed a NIDA funded T32 post-doctoral fellowship at the REACH Institute at Arizona State University focused on Prevention, Dissemination and Implementation Science, and closing the Research to Practice gap. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology with a Quantitative Concentration from the University of South Carolina's APA accredited program in 2018. Her clinical specialty is child and adolescent trauma and the majority of her work has been with families living in poverty. She completed her APA accredited pre-doctoral internship in Clinical and Community Psychology at The Consultation Center in the Division of Prevention and Community Research, School of Medicine, Yale University. On internship, Dr. Abraczinskas conducted community based participatory research and service system evaluation, as well as therapy with uninsured and Medicaid enrolled families.
Erin Vines
Graduate Research Assistant
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Virginia in 2016. I then spent four years working as a Research Specialist at the University of Virginia’s Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL). I love engaging with youth and have also worked as a gymnastics coach, camp leader, and tutor.
I believe that youth voices should be part of decision making in families, schools, and communities. Many programs are designed to support youth, but youth are often left out of the conversation. I want to explore ways that the systems youth are involved with, from school systems to legal systems, can better partner with and support youth. Under the mentorship of Dr. Michelle Abraczinskas, I am currently working on a youth-led research project to better understand and support children with incarcerated parents. I'm also interested in arts-based interventions and the connection between art and wellbeing.
Outside of school, you can find me exploring (getting lost on) trails, creating art, listening to audiobooks, and doing trapeze.
Kieryth Hyles
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hi there! I am a fourth-year psychology major with minors in African-American Studies and Family, Youth, and Community Sciences. I joined the lab in the summer of 2023 because I wanted to learn more about Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) and issues impacting youth development. When outside of class, I enjoy volunteering with youth in the community, playing video games, and writing poetry.
Eva Taddeo
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I am currently working on my Bachelor's degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences. My academic focus is on developmental trauma and community programming. I enjoy working with families and in community settings. I have worked as a preschool teacher, and a camp counselor, and have volunteered in the foster and adoptive community.
I am a big advocate for including the input of survivors in what happens within their community. Many times research can brush over the impact that community programs can have on the individual. I believe that prevention is key, and giving families the proper resources when a child is entering their home, as opposed to waiting for a crisis to intervene. I am interested in research surrounding play-based intervention, TBRI, and early childhood intervention practices.
My personal interests include reading, writing, and playing with my cat.
Ashley Orr
Undergraduate Research Assistant
I will be graduating with bachelor's degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida in May 2023. I’m also earning a minor in Disabilities in Society and a specialization in Psychology. I love working with youth and families, as I’ve volunteered at local organizations and been a camp counselor for many years.
I’m passionate about helping others and finding ways to better support unique needs for individuals and families. I’m thankful to have been working as an Undergraduate Research Assistant under Dr. Abraczinskas and have had the chance to contribute to a research project during my time at UF. I’ve learned a lot and am grateful to be a part of such a supportive team!
Along with school, I enjoy singing in a competitive group at UF, painting pottery with my friends, and going to farmer’s markets.
Zakara Skerrette
Undergraduate Research Assistant
My name is Zakara Skerrette. I'm a senior at the University of Florida, majoring in Family, Youth and Community Sciences with a minor in International Development and Humanitarian Assistance.
My hobbies are gaming, collecting vinyl records, and hiking!