Meet Our Team
Aurora HayesResearch Coordinator
and Admin Lead 
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Aurora is a recent graduate of Cornell University with an MA in Psychological Sciences and Human Development under the mentorship of Dr. Robert Sternberg. Here, her love for helping others find the passion that lights their intellectual fuse came to fruition. She is committed to helping others navigate intellectual, social, cultural, and personal spaces by applying psychological research to both tangible and abstract aspects of identity. She currently works as a lead teacher in Philadelphia, with a mission to cultivate a love of learning in the next generation of scholars. As the Research Coordinator at The Good Student, she aims to support research efforts across projects, foster close collaboration among our non-profit, academia, and students at large, and work collaboratively in an environment rooted in creating change. As a first-generation college student, Aurora offers a unique perspective on the importance of a nuanced understanding of the relationship we form with academia. She is dedicated to paving the way for academia to become an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
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Dylan LeitenbergIntern
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Dylan is a student at Island School in Kauai, Hawaii. Growing up in the close-knit community of Kauai, Dylan is committed to supporting younger students and currently tutors elementary school children. He also serves as a senior member of his school’s robotics team. He has a strong interest in science and engineering and has competed nationally in robotics, and earning multiple medals in Science Olympiad. His academic interests are preparing him for a future in aerospace engineering. A well-rounded student, Dylan has won local writing competitions and maintains a 4.6 GPA while participating in numerous extracurricular activities. Outside of school, he enjoys surfing and playing chess. Dylan is also deeply interested in environmental sustainability and the future of space exploration. He has explored concepts such as deep-space mining as a potential alternative to environmentally harmful extraction on Earth. Passionate about student well-being, he works with The Good Student to help expand access to student support resources in Hawaii.
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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. She is a prior student of the founder and president, Joe, while completed social psychology during the summer at the University of California, Los Angeles. 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 working 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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Joe is the Founder and President 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. Joe 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.
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Lara ŞenIntern
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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 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
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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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Marilyn SaucedoBoard of Director
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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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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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Ronald VincentBoard of Director
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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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