THE OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE
PROGRAM IN SPORTS
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Ray Lopez
Doctoral Student, Clinical Psychology
My goals are to become a licensed clinical psychologist, work with military veterans at the VA and with veterans and first responders in private practice. I intend to utilize optimization science to treat these populations in a stigma free, positive, and balanced environment that ill improve the lives of those with or without psychopathology alike. I intend to improve all of their lives and performance with that I learn here at TOPP. I would also like to conduct research on optimization science and specific phobias and other anxiety disorders.
Angelos Tsalafos
TOPPS Coordinator, Doctoral Student, Clinical Psychology
Upon finishing graduate school with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, I envision myself working in a clinical setting as a mental health professional where I will provide comprehensive mental and behavioral care services to individuals while giving them a safe space that protects and supports their physical and mental health. In addition to working in a clinical setting, I envision myself helping athletes of all levels and ages overcome the mental health struggles that stem from societal pressures, injuries, and personal expectations.
Lidia Wossen
Doctoral Student, Clinical Psychology
Upon completion of her doctoral degree, Lidia aspires to become a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice and major sports organizations. She intends to promote the physical and mental well-being of adolescents, young adults, and athletes of all levels through evidence-based approaches, her acquired skill sets from TOPPS, and by actively advocating for those around her within a positive environment.
Linnea Bacon
Doctoral Student, Clinical Psychology
Linnea is a first-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student at UNLV. Her research and clinical interests focus on improving athlete mental health and well-being and understanding sociocultural influences of mental health service access and utilization. She is passionate about mental health advocacy and fighting mental health stigma in sports.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS
Talece Flaack-Sanchez
Talece is a junior pursuing her undergraduate degree in Psychology as well as double minoring in addiction treatment and addiction prevention. She plans to obtain a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and work with the addiction population. TOPPS benefits Talece as it emphasizes cognitive and behavioral skill development, which she believes to be important to her field of study.
Catherine Traylor
Catherine is a senior majoring in Psychology while also minoring in Criminal Justice. Catherine is a certified TOPPS Optimizer with plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a passion for working with children. Catherine’s goal in life is to be a clinical child psychologist and have a private practice. TOPPS has helped her with her field of interest by understanding optimal performance interventions and relationships through children and families.
Bella Lacy
Bella is a junior majoring in psychology at the UNLV Honors College. She is
currently working on a publication that will be presented at the AP-LS Conference in March of 2023. Bella plans to pursue her Ph.D. in experimental psychology with a
cognitive emphasis. She is excited to utilize her lab experience at TOPPS in her future endeavors as a research psychologist.
Kristin Brooks
Kristin is a Community Liaison for the TOPPS Lab. She has a B.A. in Communications and an MS.Ed. in Education and Leadership. She is the owner and Performance Director of Stand Tall Consulting LLC. She is a certified TOPPS optimizer. Clients are elite/recreational, amateur, and professional athletes including coaches, families and individuals.
A’Jah Love
A’Jah is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in NV and CA. She aspires to obtain her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in order to elevate her assessment and treatment skills, to better serve clients, who are usually first-time therapy goers and young people of color. A’Jah is hoping to learn more about TOPPS and create a niche for working with athletes and creating holistic wellness within the athletic community.
Jamie English
Jamie is a senior majoring in Psychology. She is working on pursuing her undergraduate degree but is looking towards attending graduate school and obtaining a Ph.D. Jamie aspires to become a licensed sports psychologist to work with optimizing professional athletes’ performance and breaking down mental health stigmas in the athletic community. Jamie hopes to benefit from TOPPS to learn more about the field she is pursuing.
Leandro Lorenco
Leandro is a Ph.D. student in Psychology and Milestone Martial Arts' owner and head coach. Over the past years, he has worked with several Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champions and UFC fighters. Leandro is excited to implement TOPPS with his athletes and optimize their performance.