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.
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Linnea Bacon
Doctoral Student, Clinical Psychology
Linnea is a second-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.
Eibhlís Moriarty
Doctoral Student, Clinical Psychology
Eibhlís is a first-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas researching sport performance and optimization. As a former competitive and professional Irish dancer on the world stage, along with having been a touring performer and musician, she is intent on developing and utilizing evidence-based interventions to aid elite athletes and performers in achieving optimal execution in their arena. She graduated with an honors B.A. in Psychology and Irish Music & Dance in 2017 and honors M.A. in Psychology in 2019 from the University of Limerick, Ireland. Passionate about leadership and mental health advocacy, she earned a degree in leadership and community action at the National University of Ireland, Galway in 2014 prior to collaborations with US Embassy and The European Commission.