Kristen Mahony-Atallah, Ph.D.

Dr. Kristen Mahony-Atallah is an Assistant Professor in the School Psychology Program at North Carolina State University, within the Department of Psychology, College of Humanities & Social Sciences. She has a strong background in school psychology, earning her Ph.D. from Duquesne University, where she built a solid foundation in research and practice related to evidence-based interventions.

Dr. Mahony-Atallah's research focuses on developing academic interventions and school-based mental health services informed by positive psychology. Her work addresses the interconnected challenges of academic skills development, mental health, and educational disparities, with a particular emphasis on supporting marginalized populations, including individuals with disabilities. Through the integration of positive psychology principles, she aims to foster resilience and promote well-being within school settings.

Her postdoctoral work at the University of South Florida, under the mentorship of Dr. Shannon Suldo, involved leading efforts on an IES Efficacy Grant to evaluate a Tier-2 school-based mental health intervention. In this role, Dr. Mahony-Atallah collaborated with local schools to implement evidence-based practices aimed at enhancing student well-being. She played a key role in guiding the program's implementation, with a focus on ensuring its effectiveness and sustainability.

An active member of professional organizations such as the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the American Psychological Association (APA), Dr. Mahony-Atallah is dedicated to advancing the field of school psychology through ongoing research, mentorship, and community service.

  • Research Team Director

Meet the Students

  • Carson Soliday

    Ph.D. Student

    Research Assistant

    Carson is a first year Ph.D. student in the School Psychology program and a research assistant for Dr. Mahony-Atallah. She graduated in 2024 from the University of Georgia with a Bachelors in Spanish and Psychology. Her research interests involve promotion of overall well-being and mental health access to underserved populations, specifically the Latinx community. Upon graduation from NC State, Carson plans to work as a School Psychologist in the public school systems for several years, then eventually move into private practice, obtaining her licensure as a psychologist. In this practice she aims to tailor services for children from different backgrounds, utilizing her spanish-speaking skills. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, playing guitar, and trying new recipes.

    Contact Carson here - casolida@ncsu.edu

  • Yuji Liu

    Ph.D. Student

    Research Assistant

    Yuji is a first-year Ph.D. student in the School Psychology program under the advisement of Dr. Mahony-Atallah. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at National Taiwan University in 2024. Inspired by her experience living in multiple cultures, Yuji’s research interests focus on fostering resilience in children and adolescents, particularly underserved and marginalized students, including immigrant children and those at risk. Her goal is to develop and implement interventions tailored to these students’ specific needs, ultimately improving their mental well-being, school experiences, and self-confidence as they look toward the future. After completing her Ph.D., Yuji plans to pursue a postdoctoral position to obtain licensure as a psychologist and further develop her research skills. In her free time, Yuji enjoys going to the gym, drinking bubble tea, and watching cute animal videos.

    Contact Yuji here - yliu338@ncsu.edu

  • Morgan Fields

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    Morgan Fields is a senior at North Carolina State University, majoring in psychology. After graduating, she plans to pursue a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her involvement with the C.E.D.A.R. Research team will provide invaluable research experience that will enhance her graduate studies. Working alongside PhD students offers mentorship opportunities, helping Morgan deepen her understanding and skills in the field. This research role will also allow her to build a strong foundation in positive psychology, which will be integral to her future career as a mental health counselor. Additionally, earning certification in the Well-Being Promotion Program, a tier-2 positive psychology intervention, will equip her with innovative tools to support her future clients' well-being. When Morgan is not working on her academics, she loves to travel and go snowboarding as often as she can.

  • Henry Smith

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    Henry Smith is a second-year student at NC State University, double majoring in Psychology and Business Administration, aspiring to earn a PhD in Counseling Psychology and become a licensed psychologist. The C.E.D.A.R. research team aligns with his interest in supporting marginalized populations, especially those with disabilities, by addressing mental health and educational disparities. Outside of academics, he loves running and has even completed a marathon!

  • Maddie Wyatt

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    Madeleine (Maddie) Wyatt is a junior at North Carolina State University majoring in Psychology with a General Psychology Concentration. Her goal is to graduate NC State and get her masters in either Clinical Psychology or Marriage and Family Therapy. The C.E.D.A.R research aligns with her goals because she wants to focus on children and learn how to assist them to have a successful future individually and/or with their families. A fun fact about Maddie is that she is a classically trained singer and competed across the southeast for seven years.

  • Katie Lods

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    Katie Lods is a Junior at North Carolina State University and is working to complete a major in Psychology and minors in both Sociology and Business Administration. She plans to continue her studies after she graduates by earning a masters degree then eventually a doctorate degree. Katie is most interested in counseling in a school setting or working in a mental health related field. This research experience with C.E.D.A.R will allow Katie to further understand well-being and apply it to real-world scenarios, giving her valuable experience for her graduate study goals and expanding her knowledge of positive psychology. A fun fact about Katie is that she has been dancing for 17 years!

  • Elizabeth Blizzard

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    Elizabeth Blizzard is a junior at NC State University majoring in psychology. Her future goals are to pursue a masters in school psychology and eventually go for her PhD. The C.E.D.A.R. Research Team aligns with her goals of working with children and learning how to promote their well-being both in the classroom and their daily lives. Outside of academics, Elizabeth loves to travel and go to concerts!

  • Melanie Sanchez

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    Melanie Sanchez is a senior at North Carolina State University, majoring in Human Biology with a minor in Psychology. Driven by a passion for mental health and child development, Melanie aspires to become a pediatric psychiatrist. Her undergraduate studies have fueled her interest in the intersection of biology and psychology, inspiring her to explore innovative ways to support the emotional and mental well-being of children and adolescents. Upon graduating from NC State, she plans to attend medical school to pursue her dream of making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. The C.E.D.A.R research aligns with her goals because of the focus on fostering mental well-being, particularly in young populations. As well as emphasizing strength, promoting optimism, and cultivating healthy coping mechanisms to enhance traditional treatment methods. A fun fact about Melanie is that she enjoys ice skating.

  • Ethan Powers

    Undergraduate Research Assistant

    Ethan is a senior at NC State University, double majoring in psychology and human biology. He plans to pursue a graduate degree in School Psychology once he completes his undergraduate degree and hopes to work in a school setting or mental health-related field. Ethan’s research interests include utilizing positive psychology to create learning environments that promote elevated mental well-being. The experience with the C.E.D.A.R. team will allow him to work directly to assist students in a school setting. Additionally, Ethan is a member of the NC State Drumline and enjoys photography.