Our Team | My Site 1

CAARE Lab Team

Ashley Johnson Harrison, PhD

Principle Investigator

ashley.harrison@uga.edu

I obtained a bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Binghamton University. My research has specifically focused on reducing cross-cultural disparities in autism and early childhood services in the United States and internationally. In alignment with a disparities-reduction framework, my research focuses on reducing sociodemographic inequities in accessing autism and early childhood services through i) identifying disparate patterns of service use, ii) examining barriers to service use, and iii) developing and disseminating approaches to serve all families equitably using an implementation science framework. I am particularly focused on how autism knowledge and stigmas contribute to inequities. More recently, my work has focused on supporting teachers. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, camping, live music, and traveling – all with my favorite three people, my husband and two girls.

Karrah Bowman

Graduate Student

I am a 4th year in the School Psychology

Doctoral Program. I was born and raised in sunny Florida and attended Florida State University (FSU) as an undergraduate student. I completed a 2-year post-baccalaureate research assistantship at UNC TEACCH Autism Program to gain more understanding of the research process before applying to graduate school. My research focuses on improving the educational environment for autistic and neurodiverse students. When I am not partaking in graduate school duties, you can find me being active and outdoors. I love to hike, paddle board, lounge by the pool, and attend hot yoga and Pilates classes!

karrah.bowman@uga.edu

Kimberly Chavez

Graduate Student

I am a 4th year doctoral student in the School Psychology program. I graduated with my Master's in the Special Education (Adapted

Curriculum and Autism) degree in December 2021 where I earned my certifications as a BCBA and Special Education teacher. I also graduated from Berry College with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Biology in December 2019. My broad research interests include disparities in autism diagnoses and services availability/dissemination especially in families with a bilingual and/or Hispanic background. I have experience working

in UGA’s (Center for Autism and Behavioral Education Research)

CABER Academy and model classrooms, as well as interning as a

registered behavior technician. I am also in my third year as a

graduate fellow for the Center for Latino Achievement and Success in Education (CLASE) where I lead the outreach taskforce and focus on disseminating resources for Latine students and families as well as sharing personal experiences as Latine students in higher education. Currently I am in a practicum placement at the Marcus Autism Center under the supervision of Dr. Meena Khowaja and CCC-SLP Kadie Ulven. Through this practicum I aid with bilingual (Spanish and English) autism evaluations as well as early intervention services through Project ImPACT. After graduation I hope to work in a hospital or clinical setting seeing children for ASD evaluations as well as ABA therapy. I would also like to incorporate my love for outreach into my work and continue spreading knowledge about service availability and opportunities to underserved populations. Current Project (Thesis): Georgia-based Special Education and General Education In-Service Teachers' Attitudes towards English Language Learners: Understanding the Influential Factors

nkr89508@uga.edu

Maxine Covello

Graduate Student

I’m a second-year graduate student in the School Psychology PhD program. My research interests include disparities in access to services for underrepresented families with autistic children and culturally-responsive care practices, particularly within the Asian-American community. Previously, I worked at the Center for Autism Research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as a research coordinator and before this as a behavior technician working with autistic children and families. In my free time I love playing guitar & piano or spending too much money at farmer’s markets!

maxine.covello@uga.edu

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Carter Horvath

Graduate Student

I am a current doctoral student in the School Psychology Program. Previously, I obtained a bachelor’s of science in psychology and master’s in applied behavior analysis, both from the University of Georgia. I am credential as a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and licensed as a behavior analyst in the state of Georgia. My clinical experience has primarily been in the provision of behavior-analytic services to neurodiverse populations within school, clinic, and academic medical center-based settings. Broadly, my research interests revolve around the assessment and intervention of neurodevelopmental disabilities, specifically in the areas of academic interventions, behavioral pediatrics, and clinical supervision. In my free time, I enjoy taking my dog on walks and cheering on the UGA Bulldogs during football season.

carter.horvath@uga.edu

Amanda Lee

Graduate Student

I'm Amanda, a first-year doctoral student in the School Psychology PhD program. My research interests are centered around improving systems of care within the autism community using strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming programming, with a particular interest in prioritizing first-person perspectives and experiences of autistic children, adolescents, adults, and their families. Prior to joining UGA, I worked as a research coordinator at the Center for Autism Research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where I helped lead a longitudinal study on sex differences and early masking behaviors in young autistic children. I also have experience working with autistic toddlers and youth as a behavioral health technician. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and curating vintage items for my home and wardrobe!

amanda.lee2@uga.edu