Captains and crew
Principal Investigators
Dr. Abbey Eisenhower (she/her/hers)
Principal Investigator (PI),
Director of UMass Boston study site
University of Massachusetts Boston
Hello! I am a professor at UMass Boston, where I conduct research and teach Psychology classes. It is a privilege to work with talented teachers to make school a more affirming and supportive place for autistic students. In my free time, I love to go hiking and camping, watch baking shows with my kids, and drink Boba tea.
Dr. Jan Blacher
(she/her/hers)
Co-Principal Investigator,
Director of UC-Riverside study site
University of California, Riverside
Nice to meet you! I’m a Distinguished Research Professor in the School of Education at the University of California Riverside and in the Department of Psychology at UCLA. When I am not serving as co-Principal Investigator on Smooth Sailing, advising students or writing, I am walking my Cavachon puppy, Archie, playing tennis, or baking (gluten-free or otherwise!).
Dr. Narmene Hamsho (she/her/hers)
Co-Principal Investigator
Fairleigh-Dickinson University, NY
Hi! I am an Assistant Professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University training the next generation of school psychologists. When I’m not working, you can probably find me curled up in a comfy spot with a good book and a warm cup of tea!
Key Personnel & Consultants
Dr. Nedim Yel
(he/him/his)
Key Personnel
Indiana University
Hi there! I am the Executive Director of Data Analysis and Statistical Solutions. On this project, I’m the statistical analysis consultant. Away from the rigors of my professional commitments, I find solace in nature. Whether hiking through verdant trails, camping under starry skies, or taking serene walks alongside lakes, rivers, or beaches, I cherish these experiences’ tranquility.
Dr. Eric Endlich
(he/him/his)
Key Personnel
Top College Consultants
Hello, I’m Eric Endlich, Ph.D. and I’m a clinical psychologist and educational consultant for neurodivergent students. I’ll be guiding the advisory board for the Smooth Sailing project. I recently relocated from the Boston area back to California, and enjoy walking, gardening and visiting with family.
Shana Cohen
(she/her/ella)
Key Personnel
University of California, San Diego
Hello! I’m Shana Cohen. I am an associate professor in the Education Studies Department at UC San Diego. My research examines the experiences of immigrant, bilingual families who care for children with developmental disabilities. On this project, I will be supporting the qualitative data collection portion (individual and focus group interviews with teachers). When I’m not teaching or doing research, I enjoy hiking with my family and cooking.
Dr. Yasamin Bolourian
(she/her/hers)
Consultant
University of California, Los Angeles
I’m Yasamin Bolourian, PhD. I work as the Director of Outreach and Dissemination at the UCLA Tarjan Center UCEDD. On this project, I’m the program evaluation consultant. When I’m not working, I love spending time with my almost one-year-old. It’s a joy to balance family and work while making a positive impact!
Dr. Jason Downer
(he/him/his)
Consultant
University of Virginia
Hi there! I’m a Professor in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia, and the Director of the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning. I will serve as a consultant on the Smooth Sailing study, helping with classroom observations. I am the proud father of triplet teenagers and, when not driving them around, I enjoy reading, mountain-biking and playing soccer.
Research Staff and Students
Elizabeth Benitez (Liz)
(she/her/hers)
Project Coordinator
University of California, Riverside
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Benitez, Ma.Ed. I am UCR’s Project Coordinator for the Smooth Sailing Study. I look forward to communicating with teachers and families in Spanish and English about our project. With a decade of experience in education, including work as a behavioral therapist for PVPUSD and as a teacher, I’m committed to making a positive impact. During my free time, you’ll often find me on serene, lengthy sunset walks or immersed in the world of live music and film.
Kira Cohen
(she/her/hers)
Graduate Student Research Assistant
Fairleigh-Dickinson University, NY
Hello! I’m Kira Cohen, and I am a research assistant and coach for the Smooth Sailing program, as well as a PsyD student at Fairleigh Dickinson University! When I’m not teaching or engaging in a social skills program, you can probably find me reading, rock climbing, or playing board games!
Brittany Giuliani
(she/her/hers)
Graduate Student Research Assistant
Fairleigh-Dickinson University, NY
Hi! I am Brittany Giuliani and I am a School Psychology PsyD student at Fairleigh Dickinson University. I am beginning my role as a research assistant and coach for the Smooth Sailing program. When I’m not at school, you can find me taking my dog on a long walk or spending time with friends!
Kohrissa Joseph
(she/her/hers)
Graduate Student Research Assistant
University of Massachusetts Boston
Hi! My name is Kohrissa and I’m a PhD student in Clinical Psychology at UMass Boston. I will be a teacher coach for the Smooth Sailing Study. In my free time, I love to sing and play my guitar or relax with a good tv show. Game night with my friends is another go-to for enjoyment! I’m looking forward to meeting you!
Elizabeth Kilgallon
(she/her/hers)
Graduate Student Research Assistant
University of Massachusetts Boston
My name is Elizabeth Kilgallon and I am a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student at UMass Boston. I work as a research assistant for Smooth Sailing. I have a big golden retriever named Beasley and, even though he’s already 5 years old, he went swimming for the first time this summer! Now our favorite thing is to find new spots around the Boston area for him to swim and play.
Ellen Parry Luff
(he/him/his or she/her/hers)
Staff Research Assistant
University of Massachusetts Boston
My name is Ellen Parry Luff. I am a research assistant and observer/interviewer for the Smooth Sailing study. In my free time I love to draw and paint, I actually used to work as an art teacher! I also love music and play guitar, bass guitar and am trying to learn to play the drums.
Gabi MacNaughton
(she/her/hers)
Graduate Student Research Assistant
University of California, Los Angeles
Hi there! My name is Gabi MacNaughton and I’m a PhD student in Clinical Psychology at UCLA. I work as a teacher coach and classroom observer for the Smooth Sailing project. Some of my favorite things to do are go on walks with my dog, swim at the beach, and read books. I also love baking gluten free desserts– my speciality is chocolate chip banana bread!
Giselle Martinez
(she/her/hers)
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Fairleigh-Dickinson University, NY
Hi! I am Giselle Martinez, an undergraduate student at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Currently, I am a research assistant for Smooth Sailing. When I am not in school or working as a substitute teacher, you will probably find me at a concert, or at home catching up on reading.
Hayley McAvoy
(she/her/hers)
Graduate Student Research Assistant
University California, Riverside
Hey there! I’m Hayley and I am a PhD student in school psychology at UC Riverside. I have worked with autistic students in classrooms, in clinics, in private practice, and at summer camps! I am a researcher on Smooth Sailing and will serve as a teacher coach. I love Harry Potter and like to spend my time hiking, running, swimming, biking – or just about anything else outside!
Chanel Nettle, M.A
(she/her/hers)
Graduate Student Research Assistant
University California, Riverside
Excited that you’re here! I am Chanel, but most people call me Nellie. I am a neurodivergent PhD student in school psychology at UC Riverside. School was always my favorite place and that isn’t always true for all neurodivergent students. I love working with teachers because you can help make it that magic place! In my free time I love a good true-crime or cooking/baking show (if you have any recommendations, please share!)
Katharine ‘KOB’ O’Brien
(they/them/she/her/hers)
Graduate Student Research Assistant
University of California, Riverside
Greetings! My name is Katharine O’Brien, but I commonly go by my initials, KOB. The work we do on the Smooth Sailing Study is close to my heart as an autistic teacher who specialized in working with neurodivergent students. I hold an Ed.M from Harvard, and taught for nine years in the Greater Boston area before coming to UCR to work on my PhD in special education. I’ve coached skiing, sailing, and even Dungeons & Dragons club, and I’m looking forward to now coaching my fellow teachers!
Sarah M. Yang (Min)
(she/her/hers)
Graduate Student Research Assistant
University of Massachusetts Boston
Hello! My name is Min and I’m a PhD student in the Clinical Psychology program at UMass Boston. I work as a teacher coach and classroom observer for the Smooth Sailing project. In my free time, I love trying new restaurants, exploring fun places in Boston, and dancing (I used to be a ballet dancer!). My favorite ice cream flavor is olive oil chocolate eggplant– it sounds weird, but it’s delicious.
Ready to learn more about Smooth Sailing?
Follow this link to fill out a Screening Survey to learn more about our upcoming 2024-2025 PD program for K, 1st, and 2nd grade teachers.
Additionally, please sign up for our mailing list below to learn about future participation opportunities.
You may also email us with any questions.
You may reach our coordinator, Liz Benitez, for any questions about this program, at smoothsailingstudy@gmail.com.
You can also reach our program directors, including Abbey Eisenhower at UMass Boston (abbey.eisenhower@umb.edu) and Jan Blacher at UC Riverside (jan.blacher@ucr.edu).