Ella Bahr

Postgraduate Research Assistant

Ella Bahr 🔈 (she/her) holds a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth. She began her studies at NYU, where early coursework in Neuroscience and Movement as Play sparked her interest in the mind-body connection and developmental psychology.

Ella’s work and research focus on child development, trauma, and the intersection of psychology and the legal system. She has explored topics such as wrongful convictions, eyewitness misidentification, and the physiological effects of trauma, with a growing interest in mindfulness-based and somatic interventions. She currently works in a nature-based preschool program, where her hands-on experience with young children deepens her commitment to early intervention and trauma-informed care.

Originally trained in engineering, Ella is passionate about bridging psychology and design—developing tools to support emotional regulation and healing. She aims to pursue psychological assessment and investigative work, while eventually building a private practice rooted in holistic, evidence-based care.

bahrj001@d.umn.edu

Projects: Trauma-sensitive yoga and dialectical behavioral therapy with eating disorders

David Bortolotto

Graduate Research Assistant & Mentor

David Bortolotto 🔈 David Bortolotto is a first-year graduate student at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), where he is pursuing his M.A. in Psychological Science - Clinical Counseling. Before joining the MAPS program, David earned his B.A. in Psychology at the University of North Carolina Asheville (UNCA). 

His research interests include investigating the underlying mechanisms of mindful awareness and mindfulness-based interventions for trauma and addiction. He is also interested in affective neuroscience, electrophysiology, auditory perception, and speech. In addition, David has experience with mindfulness and contemplative practices, primarily focusing on Samatha and Vipassanā meditation techniques rooted in the cultivation of deep concentration, non-reactive open awareness, and insight.

Outside of work and school, David spends the majority of his time learning new skills and making art! He enjoys writing, drawing, learning guitar (slowly), learning how his car works (also slowly), field recording, video art, and backpacking with his partner, Angie.

borto049@d.umn.edu

Ashley Baumann

Postgraduate Research Affiliate

Ashley Baumann earned her BA in psychology at Minnesota State University (2019), Mankato and her Master of Arts in Psychological Science (experimental track) at University of Minnesota, Duluth (2022). Ashley is working full-time as a Research Study Coordinator at Oregon Health and Science University, Portland Oregon. Her research interests include complementary and integrative therapies for mental health as well as overall data analysis. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, reading, and cooking.

ashleybaumann16@gmail.com

Projects: COVID-related traumatic stress and adjustment in the U.S.

Jyotsna (Joy) Dhar

Doctoral Research Affiliate

Jyotsna (Joy) Dhar 🔈 is a 1.5-generation Kashmiri American committed to learning, unlearning, and understanding narratives for individual and collective empowerment. Joy's goal is to use her clinical and research skills to work alongside minoritized communities for embodied healing, collective liberation, and social justice. 

jdhar@wisc.edu

Projects: Trauma-sensitive yoga and movement with First Nations

Kelsey Dietrich

Doctoral Research Affiliate

Kelsey Dietrich 🔈 is a Graduate Research Affiliate for the Mind-Body Trauma Care Lab. She earned her BA in English and Psychology from Bowling Green State University (2021) and MA in Psychological Science (clinical-counseling track) from the University of Minnesota Duluth (2024). Currently, Kelsey is a third-year PhD student in the Clinical Health Psychology program at East Carolina University and is a Research Assistant in the Stress and Health Lab. Her research interests include mindfulness-based interventions, integrative primary care, resilience and coping related to chronic health conditions, and trauma-sensitive yoga. Kelsey is a 500-hour Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher and Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Facilitator who enjoys guiding sessions in the community. In 2024, she self-published the book “Mindfulness for Type 1 Diabetes.” For fun, she likes to read, drink tea, explore cute cities, and play with her adorable dog, Leo. 

dietr133@d.umn.edu

Projects: Emotional abuse perceptions; Theater-based interventions for youth and trauma; Trauma-sensitive yoga and treatment court; Trauma-sensitive yoga and movement with First Nations

Shannon Halen

Graduate Research Affiliate and Mentor

Shannon 🔉 is a second-year masters student at the University of St.Thomas pursuing a degree in counseling psychology. She has a wide range of research interests including: the connection of body and mind as it relates to the presentation of mental health conditions, and efficacy of treatment, such as mindfulness, for mood disorders. In her free time Shannon enjoys being outside, running, and spending time with her friends (and dogs).

hale4250@stthomas.edu

Projects: Character strengths of women in Kazakhstan; COVID-related traumatic stress and adjustment in the U.S.; Embodied radical healing for racial trauma

Elizabeth Lee

Doctoral Research Affiliate and Lab Manager

Elizabeth Lee, MA, TIWL 🔉 (she/her) Graduate Research Affiliate for the Mind-Body Trauma Care Lab. Elizabeth earned her BS in Psychology from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities in May 2020 and her MA in Psychological Sciences (Clinical Counseling Track) from the University of Minnesota–Duluth in May 2024. Before pursuing her MA, she worked for two years at the Avanti Center, a DBT-based youth residential facility for adolescents. Currently, Elizabeth is a PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Nevada Reno and a Graduate Research Assistant in the Center for Fear Less Research. Elizabeth is trained in Trauma Informed Weight Lifting and her Master’s equivalent thesis “Trauma-Informed Weight Lifting as an Adjunctive Intervention for Posttraumatic Stress Among Youth in Residential Treatment” was the seminal study exploring the effects of TIWL. With these experiences, Elizabeth has developed interests in embodiment-based trauma interventions, mindfulness-based interventions, trauma treatment, and trauma-informed care. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, drinking tea, photography, and staying active.

leex8075@umn.edu

Projects: Emotional abuse perceptions; Trauma-informed care in healthcare and education settings; Trauma-informed weight lifting with residential youth; Trauma-sensitive yoga and dialectical behavioral therapy

Leo

Lab Mascot

When Kelsey graduated from the Master of Arts in Psychological Science program, her gift to herself was a puppy. This decision to get a dog in-between graduate programs was 100% supported/encouraged by Viann (who, notably, had no doubts about it).

Leo 🔈 is a 2-year-old cockapoo born in Northwest, Ohio. He graduated from Puppy Preschool at Canine Bliss Dog Training in August 2023 before moving to Greenville, NC so Kelsey could start her PhD program. His greatest accomplishment thus far has been winning a Cutest Pet Contest (August 2025). For fun, Leo enjoys eating scrambled eggs, pulling the stuffing out of his toys, collecting leaves, and road-tripping to Ohio. Regarding his Mind-Body Trauma Care interests, every time Kelsey gets on her yoga mat, Leo thinks that it’s time to play fetch and he gets a burst of energy; however, he is always cozy (and usually sleeping) by her side when she is busy writing manuscripts…regardless of the time of day.

Emmanuel Oludayo

McNair Scholar Research Assistant

Emmanuel Oludayo is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Emmanuel is a Psychology major with a minor in Statistics. He is the President of the University of Minnesota Duluth Psychology Club and is part of the McNair program at St. Scholastica, which assists first generation students, low income students, and students of color to pursue their dreams of graduate school. In the future, Emmanuel hopes to continue education and pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Emmanuel's research interests include examining trauma's tendencies to protect the individual who experienced the trauma while simultaneously sponsoring, and rationalizing the unhealthy behavior and habits produced by the trauma. Outside of the classroom, Emmanuel enjoys reading, writing poetry, playing volleyball, listening to music, working out, playing guitar, playing piano, drawing, photography and working as a Direct Support Professional.

oluda007@d.umn.edu

Projects: Embodied radical healing for racial trauma

Nicole Strumbel

Graduate Research Assistant & Mentor and Research Team Coordinator

Nicole Strumbel 🔈 is a graduate student at the University of Minnesota—Duluth (UMD), where she is pursuing her Master of Arts in Psychological Science—Clinical Counseling. Nicole earned her dual bachelor's in psychology (BAS) and cognitive science (BA) from UMD. Her primary research interests include the physiological effects of stress and mind-body-based care for trauma, depression, and anxiety. Some secondary research interests include women's healthcare, physiological psychology, and neuropsychology. Nicole likes traveling the North Shore, hiking, weight-lifting, singing, drawing, and writing in her free time.

strum031@d.umn.edu

Projects: Embodied radical healing for racial trauma; Prenatal hot yoga; Trauma-informed weight lifting with residential youth; Trauma-sensitive yoga and dialectical behavioral therapy; Trauma-sensitive yoga with First Nations

Zoey Vos

Graduate Research Assistant

Zoey Vos is a graduate student at the University of Minnesota Duluth studying Psychology. Her passion involves exploring various forms of physical exercise and movement which can be harnessed to support trauma recovery and enhance overall well-being.

vos00035@d.umn.edu

Projects: Prenatal hot yoga; Trauma-informed weight lifting audit

Reese Wilcox

Graduate Research Assistant

Reese Wilcox 🔈 (she/they) is earning her Master's of Psychological Sciences in the Clinical-Counseling track. They are interested in eating disorders, trauma-informed care, and the path to recovery after a traumatic event. 

She graduated from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls with a Major in Psychology, a minor in Gender Studies, and an emphasis in Social Justice. Reese worked at The Emily Program for a year and a half prior to becoming a student at the University of Minnesota, Duluth which is where their interest in eating disorders originated. 

wilco336@d.umn.edu

Projects: Emotional abuse perceptions; Trauma-sensitive yoga and dialectical behavioral therapy with eating disorders

Linda Zheng

Postgraduate Research Assistant

Linda Zheng 🔈 is a Postgraduate Research Assistant for the Mind-Body Trauma Care Lab and a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Duluth in the Master of Arts in Psychological Science program (clinical/counseling track). Her Plan B/thesis-equivalent project focused on early maladaptive schemas and coping responses after childhood maltreatment at a child advocacy center. She is currently a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at Collaboration for Psychological Wellness. Her practice attracts teens and adults who are navigating adoption traumas, interpersonal and intergenerational traumas, mood disorders, relationship challenges, codependency, and self-esteem and identity difficulties. Outside of service, she enjoys spending time outdoors, drawing, music, cooking, yoga, tennis, and reading.

zhen0355@d.umn.edu

Projects: Ecological momentary assessment and adults with autism; Emotional abuse and physical health; Emotional abuse perceptions; Trauma-sensitive yoga with First Nations