People

Ph.D. Student Researcher

USC Department of Psychology, Clinical Science

Cassin (Cassie) Gonzales is a 5th year Ph.D. student in Clinical Science, Psychology at USC.  Cassie is the lead graduate student researcher at the Autism and Family Support and currently runs the STAND study.  Her research focuses on equitable access to high quality, appropriate, and neurodiversity affirming supports and services for autistic youth and their families. In her clinical work, Cassie conducts neurodevelopmental diagnostic evaluations, individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy.

Supervising Faculty

Dr. Jonathan Tarbox is the Co-Founder and Program Director of the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis program at the University of Southern California, as well as Director of Research at FirstSteps for Kids. Dr. Tarbox is the past Editor-in-Chief of the journal Behavior Analysis in Practice, a Board Member of the ABA Task Force to Eradicate Social Injustice, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Women in Behavior Analysis (WIBA) conference. He has published five books on applied behavior analysis and autism treatment, is the Series Editor of the Elsevier book series Critical Specialties in Treating Autism and Other Behavioral Challenges, and an author of over 90 peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters in scientific texts.  His research focuses on behavioral interventions for teaching complex skills, Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), and applications of applied behavior analysis to issues of diversity and social justice. Dr. Tarbox is proud to have multiple neurodivergent family members and is working hard to become a more effective ally to the Autistic community.

Research Assistant

Erin O’Crowley is a second-year M.A. student in Psychological Research at California State University, Fullerton. Erin is a research assistant at the Autism and Family Support Lab and currently assists with the STAND study. Her research interests include autism spectrum disorder, with a focus on parent/family support and emotion regulation. She is applying to Clinical Psychology doctoral programs in the Fall.

Research Assistant

Gabriela Berkeley is a 4th year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at the University of Southern California. Gabriela is proud to be a research assistant at the USC Autism Family and Support Lab where she has been working on the STAND study for two years. Gabriela looks forward to future research endeavors and is grateful for the learning opportunity she has been given at AFSL.

Gia Guerra is a third-year undergraduate student studying Psychology at the University of Southern California. Gia is minoring in Dynamics of Early Childhood in hopes of working with children in her future career. Gia is a proud new research assistant for the USC Autism and Family Support Lab where she assists with the STAND study.

Olivia Wang is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology at the University of Southern California. Her research interests are situated at the intersection of Psychology and Occupational Science. Olivia recently joined the USC Autism and Family Support Lab as a research assistant, actively contributing to the ongoing STAND study. She is enthusiastic to provide support for newly diagnosed families, and she is grateful for the valuable learning experiences gained at AFS