Meet Our Team
Celia Naivar ŞenDirector of Global Partnership and Outreach (Turkey)
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Dr. Celia Naivar Şen has 10 years of research and teaching experience and is currently a professor of psychology at Özyeğin University in Istanbul, Turkey. As a native Texan, she completed her undergraduate degrees at the University of Texas at Austin and her Master of Public Health at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, before moving to Turkey and completing her PhD in social psychology at Koç University. Merging social psychology and public health, Dr. Şen’s research focuses on understanding health behavior change using a mix of personality attributes, individual differences, and demographics within theoretical frameworks. Dr. Şen’s research topics include behaviors ranging from cancer screenings in various cultures to well-being. As a first-generation college student herself, Dr. Şen is an active mentor, interested in the development and well-being of her students. In addition to her role as the Director of Global Partnerships & Outreach, she also serves as Global Initiatives Director for Psi Chi: The International Honor Society in Psychology.
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Jasmine
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Jas is an Italian student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Leiden University in the Netherlands. She completed her high school education in Milan and is deeply passionate about clinical psychology, with a strong interest in research. Jasmine is committed to supporting others and hopes to build a career that combines clinical practice and research to better serve students and the broader community. She is currently interning with The Good Student and helping bring the tool to universities in Italy and the Netherlands to support student mental health and academic well-being. As a student herself, Jas understands the challenges young people face and is dedicated to making a meaningful impact—helping her peers feel understood, supported, and empowered to succeed.
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JOSEPH
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Joseph is the Founder of The Good Student, shaped by his personal and academic journey in psychology and education. Recognized by the California Legislature for academic excellence, leadership, and service, he studied psychology at the University of Southern California and later earned a master’s in education. With over two decades of experience supporting students in high school, college-preparation, and undergraduate settings, he has also taught psychology in programs including those at the University of California, Los Angeles. Joseph has published in scientific journals and presented at conventions such as the American Psychological Association and webinars hosted by ACT, the international testing organization. His awards include the Ed Walsh Service Award for service to the community and college. As Founder, he integrates scientific research into practical tools that support student well-being, belonging, and academic success, bringing The Good Student Tool to schools, universities, and community programs internationally. He also contributes to psychophysics research on perception, decision-making, and social connection.
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Lara ŞenIntern (Turkey)
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Lara is a Turkish American high school freshman currently residing in Istanbul, Turkey. She has been passionately involved in Model United Nations as delegate and junior delegate for the past three years. Through her participation in MUN, she has developed a deep interest in international relations, human rights, and debate. In addition to her active participation in MUN, she is in her school's Engineering Club’s business branch. Lara also volunteers providing hygiene products and raising health awareness in underserved communities. She is interested in research and enjoys playing the piano. Lara offers a new perspective to the program by helping reduce language barriers through translation and by contributing with research, surveys, and other project work. She has a keen interest in the field of psychology, and is driven by understanding how people of various cultures think, communicate, and learn from one another while trying to raise awareness about mental health and well-being, particularly amongst her peers.
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LaShonda JohnsonBoard of Director (USA)
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Shonda has over 12 years of experience working directly with youth in educational programs and school settings, providing several students with individual and group counseling. She has worked in many grade levels in Los Angeles County, including elementary, middle, K-8, high schools, and colleges. Over the years she has helped several students improve academic achievement, develop life goals, prepare for college admissions, and to take effective steps toward preparing for a successful future. Shonda also works as a summer counselor at UCLA. She is a first-generation college student and received her master's in counseling psychology from Mount St. Mary’s College and earned a Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling. Shonda works for multiple community organizations.
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Mia
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Mia is a high school student rising senior based in the United States, with a strong passion for psychology and understanding human behavior. She is fascinated by how mental health and decision-making influence everyday life and is deeply curious about why people think and act the way they do. As she prepares to apply for college, Mia is eager to explore psychological research—especially in areas related to empathy, mental health, well-being, and how science can support individuals and communities. She is currently interning with The Good Student to help promote student well-being and educational success. As a student herself, Mia brings a unique perspective and is committed to building a more compassionate and informed world through the study of psychology.
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Marilyn SaucedoBoard of Director (USA)
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Marilyn has 17 years of experience as a classroom instructor, teaching English as a Second Language, Spanish, World History, and Math in both bilingual and mainstream classroom settings. She also has 17 years as a school site and district administrator working with district and school administrators, teachers, students, and parents to build capacity for learning through collaborative partnerships. She was Beaumont Unified School District's director of college and career readiness. Marilyn also gathers data for comprehensive analysis during an academic climate review of a classroom, school, or district, bolstering efficacy. She holds a doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts Global, is a child of immigrants, and is a member of the Elevated Achievement Group, which leads educators to create environments of educational ownership to support academic achievement.
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NILUFER GurelResearch Associate (Turkey)
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Lili is a Psychology graduate from Özyeğin University in Istanbul, where she earned a perfect 4.00 GPA and graduated as valedictorian. She also studied abroad at Tilburg University in the Netherlands and completed part of her education in Austria, shaping her global perspective and adaptability. She has contributed to several international research projects, including studies funded by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye, exploring early childhood development, couple therapy, and emotion regulation. Her work has been presented at professional conferences and published through the Open Science Foundation. Lili has also trained in clinical settings such as the French Lape Hospital and Dr. Yanki Yazgan’s Güzel Günler Clinic. Passionate about student well-being and mental health, she volunteers with youth and health organizations and helps expand The Good Student’s reach across Europe.
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Armin Naghshineh-PourIntern (USA)
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Armin is a 10th-grade student in San Diego, California. He is passionate about community service, youth well-being, and building financial literacy among his peers. As Vice President of his school’s Finance Investment Club, Armin helps students learn the fundamentals of saving and responsible money management. Additionally, he volunteers regularly with the Persian Cultural Center and Moms Against Poverty to support cultural programs and families in need. He also an active member of DECA (a national nonprofit focused on business and related topics) where he contributes to his community and develops teamwork and communication skills through student-led business projects. Armin is committed to learning, contributing, and making a meaningful difference in his school and community.
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Ronald VincentBoard of Director
(USA) 
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Ron is a retired high school teacher and successful instructor for Advancement Via Individual Determination, a nonprofit that influences lives by helping schools transition to a more equitable, student-centered approach. He has invested more than four decades in youth development, working with over 9,000 emerging adults, many of whom are minorities and low-income families. Ron has served as Teacher Representative in the California Teachers' Association Representative Assembly. He is also a professor sought out for his expertise in pedagogy and effective communication – teaching at California State University, Stanislaus and among others. He has authored several books, to include a sensational novel about a college student's journey to success, titled "Shake." Ron has earned graduate degrees from Texas A&M and the University of Notre Dame.
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SILA Irmak DalmizrakResearch Associate(Turkey)
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Sıla is a psychology graduate from Özyeğin University in Istanbul, currently preparing for graduate studies. During her undergraduate years, she served as the president of her university’s Psi Chi chapter, completed multiple research assistantships, and gained clinical experience through internships, including at French La Paix Hospital. She has been volunteering for over three years with children from diverse age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds through various projects and the Turkish Education Volunteers Foundation (TEGV), supporting their socioemotional development and teaching English. She also completed international exchange programs in the United States during high school and in Italy during university. Passionate about research and committed to supporting others, Sıla aims to integrate research and applied psychological practice in her future career.
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