Alison Rivers's C.V. - University at Albany

Alison J. Rivers
Curriculum Vitae
Professional address:
University at Albany, State University of New York
Psychology Department
EDUCATION
University at Albany, State University of New York
Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Student
Advisor: Elana Gordis, Ph.D.
Anticipated M.A., 2013, Anticipated Ph.D., 2015
American Psychological Association Accredited Program
Albany, NY
August 2010-Present
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT
Bachelor of Arts May 2008
Major: Psychology Minor: Spanish Honors Program and Magna cum laude
Universidad de Pablo de Olavide
Foci of study: Spanish and history
Seville, Spain
Spring 2007 Semester
CLINICAL AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth and Berkshire Union Free School District
Canaan, NY
Psychology Extern/Doctoral Practicum Student
August 2012-Present
Work on an interdisciplinary team in an integrated residential treatment center and school
for adolescent males who have been placed through their families, home school districts,
and/or court system
Work with males ages 15-18 with conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder,
polysubstance abuse and dependence, ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, and more
Provide a wide range of individual and group structured mental health treatment
Administer, score, and interpret psychological assessments and use results to make
recommendations to school districts and families and to inform treatment
Directly observe the youths’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioral progress in their
residential and school settings
Immediately and effectively implement interventions in school setting
Educate staff on empirically supported treatments and assist in program development to
help the center become evidence based
Actively supervised by New York State Licensed Psychologists
Alison J. Rivers Updated: 03/13/2013 1

Psychological Services Center, University at Albany, State University of New York
Albany, NY
Psychology Trainee August 2011-2012
Provide mental health treatment in this community-based clinic for patients with a variety
of psychopathologies including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD,
substance abuse and dependence, and more
Comprehensively utilize several assessments and treatments including Cognitive-
Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Primary
and Secondary Control Enhancement Therapy, and couple therapy
Maintain accurate client charts
Actively supervised by New York State Licensed Clinical Psychologists
Child and Family Experiences Project Laboratory at the University at Albany, State
University of New York
Albany, NY
Graduate Student
July 2011-Present
Actively collaborate with fellow graduate students and Elana Gordis, Ph.D.
Aid in training and leading all undergraduate research assistants
Obtain parental consent, child assent, and collect psychophysiological and behavioral
data for a study on psychological and psychophysiological responses to community
violence exposure (saliva samples, behavioral coding, psychological assessments) with 9-
12 year-olds at the Mont Pleasant, NY Boys and Girls Club
Volunteer time and work conjunctively with staff at the Boys and Girls Club
Obtain consent and collect data for a study with undergraduate students on psychological
and psychophysiological responses to stressful experiences (saliva samples, indicators of
autonomic nervous system functioning, behavioral coding, psychological assessments)
Principal Investigator on study entitled: Social support and altruistic involvement in the
caregivers of spouses/partners with Multiple Sclerosis
Oasis Hempstead’s Promise (Summer Program), Oasis Children’s Services, LLC
Hempstead, NY
Interventionist June 2011-August 2011
Responsible for actively aiding about 130 children (ages 10-17 from an impoverished
neighborhood) and 30 staff members with all behavioral and emotional difficulties
Engaged children who were having difficulty integrating in their camp groups
Identified child abuse or maltreatment cases and potential mental health struggles
Facilitated mental health services referrals for children and their families
Led all campers in weekly classes on social, cultural, educational, and other topics
Health Psychology Laboratory at the University at Albany, State University of New York
Albany, NY
Graduate Student August 2010-July 2011
Worked collaboratively with other graduate students and Sharon Danoff-Burg, Ph.D. on
generating and completing research projects, and managing and organizing laboratory
activities
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Supervised undergraduate research assistants to ensure adherence to research protocols
and a productive learning environment
Actively assisted in running participants in a dissertation research project on mindfulness
including the consent process and having participants complete stressful tasks
Clinical Neurosciences Division & Resilience Laboratory of the National Center for
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Administration CT Healthcare System and the
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine
West Haven, CT
Psychology Technician/Research Assistant August 2008-August 2010
Responsible for all IRB requirements of two institutions for about 20 different studies
Worked with principal investigators: Steven M. Southwick, M.D.; Charles A. Morgan III,
M.D., M.A.; Robert H. Pietrzak, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Actively facilitated communication, collaboration, and teamwork, including for multi-site
national studies; solved difficulties across departments
Managed and performed administrative duties
Aided in meetings providing consensus of clinical diagnoses; completed extensive
eligibility phone screens; aided in establishing center-wide recruitment strategies
Assisted in writing and submitting grant applications and manuscripts; assisted in the
rationale and design of research studies from original hypotheses to data collection
Maintained organized and accurate study databases and participant files
Assisted in the collection and organization of saliva samples in a neuroscience laboratory
Prevention through Risk Identification, Management, & Education Research Clinic of
Treatment Research Program at the CT Mental Health Center and the Department of
Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine
New Haven, CT
Student Research Intern June 2006-June 2008
Responsible for assisting in the clinical care of teenage and adult patients with mental
health illnesses
Organized study data and patient information and edited study protocol forms
Responsible for the maintenance of clinical trial databases for the site
Assisted in training student interns
Consistently mentored by John Saksa, Psy.D.
Administered different assessment instruments including SCI-PANSS, SANS, Meta-
Cognition Scale and Social Functioning Scale; aided patients in completing medical and
developmental histories and symptom self-reports; trained for neurocognitive tests,
alcohol and drug use scales, SIPS, Young Mania Rating Scale, Calgary Depression Scale,
Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale, DIPD, AIMS, and Simpson Angus Scale
Aided in running group cognitive behavioral sessions with up to 20 patients at a time
Alison J. Rivers Updated: 03/13/2013 3

Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT
Honors Program Thesis Completed May 2008
Completed independent research for Honors Program Thesis in Head Start preschools
Young children and exposure to violence: The impact of community violence on
preschool education
Mentored by Judith Primavera, Ph. D.
Completed Honors Program with High Distinction
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT
Research Assistant in Psychology Department June 2007-March 2008
Organized research data and participant information; conducted phone interviews;
transcribed participant interviews; analyzed data
Actively helped Dorothea Braginsky, Ph.D. study the effects of unemployment
Child Care Provider
Connecticut
January 2000-August 2008
Responsible for the care of children ages newborn to 12 years old; for multiple families at
any time
Managed daily schedules for families and transported children to and from activities
Reinforced child behavior and occupational therapy techniques for children with Sensory
Integration disorder, Autism Spectrum disorders, Asperger’s disorder
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT
Research Assistant in Psychology Department June 2006-January 2007
Administered neuropsychological tests to college students; organized data for two
research studies, completed literature searches
Aided Timothy Heitzman, Ph.D. in studying neuropsychological functioning
Mount Sinai Behavioral Health Hospital at Saint Francis Hospital Hartford, CT
Intern May-August 2004
May-August 2005
Cared for multiple children ages 5-12 years-old with mental health disorders on the
psychiatric ward
Assistant teacher in the children’s in-hospital school
Aided in individual and group therapy sessions
PEER REVIEWED RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
Pietrzak, R. H., Goldstein, M. B., Malley, J. C., Rivers, A. J., Johnson, D. C., Morgan, C. A. III,
& Southwick, S. M. (2010). Posttraumatic growth in Veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom
and Iraqi Freedom. Journal of Affective Disorders, 126(1-2), 230-235.
Alison J. Rivers Updated: 03/13/2013 4

Pietrzak, R. H., Goldstein, M. B., Malley, J. C., Rivers, A. J., & Southwick, S. M. (2010).
Structure of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and psychosocial functioning in Veterans of
Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Psychiatry Research, 178(2), 323-329.
Pietrzak, R. H., Goldstein, M. B., Malley, J. C., Rivers, A. J., Johnson, D. C., & Southwick, S.
M. (2010). Risk and protective variables associated with suicidal ideation in Veterans of
Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Journal of Affective Disorders, 123 (1-3),
102-107.
Pietrzak, R. H., Johnson, D. C., Goldstein, M. B., Malley, J. C., Rivers, A. J., Morgan, C. A. III,
& Southwick, S. M. (2010). Psychosocial buffers of traumatic stress, depressive symptoms, and
psychosocial difficulties in Veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom: The
role of resilience, unit support, and postdeployment social support. Journal of Affective
Disorders, 120 (1-3), 188-192.
(Republished in Journal Special Operations Medicine (2009), 9 (3), 74-78.)
RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS
Rivers, A. J., Rabkin, A. N., Barry, S. A., Lehrbach, M, Szczypinski, B., Huz, I. D., Tasca, J. N.,
Olezeski, C. L., & Gordis, E. B. (To be presented 2013, May). Trauma and negative emotions:
The role of the autonomic nervous system. Poster session at the 25 th Annual Convention of the
Association for Psychological Science, Washington, DC.
Huz, I., Barry, S. A., Rivers, A. J., Rabkin, A. N., Olezeski, C. L., & Gordis, E. B. (To be
presented 2013, March). Relationships between childhood and adolescent maltreatment and
symptoms of depression and PTSD. Poster session at the Eastern Psychological Association
Annual Meeting, New York, NY.
Rabkin, A. N., Gordis, E. B., Olezeski, C. L., Barry, S. A., Lehrbach, M. P., & Rivers, A. J.
(2012, November). Harsh parenting and anxiety: Relations with autonomic nervous system
functioning. Poster session at the 46 th Annual Conference of the Association for Behavioral and
Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), National Harbor, MD.
Rivers, A. J., Barry, S. A., Rabkin, A. N., Lehrbach, M., Olezeski, C. L., & Gordis, E. B. (2012,
November). The effects of interparental aggression exposure on psychopathology: Moderating
roles of skin conductance reactivity and respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Poster session at the 28 th
Annual Meeting of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), Los Angeles,
CA.
Barry, S. A., Rivers, A. J., Rabkin, A. N., Lehrbach, M., Olezeski, C. L., & Gordis, E. B. (2012,
November). The traumatic effects of harsh parenting and interparental aggression experienced
in youth on skin conductance reactivity. Poster session at the 28 th Annual Meeting of the
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), Los Angeles, CA.
Alison J. Rivers Updated: 03/13/2013 5

Hobkirk, A. L., Persons, E., Matteson, A., Scannello, A. L., Henry, L., Rivers, A. J. &
Earleywine, M. (2012, April). Depression and anxiety mediate the relation between humor
coping and health-related quality of life. Poster session at the 33 rd Annual Meeting and
Scientific Sessions of the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM), New Orleans, LA.
Hobkirk, A. L., De Leo, J. A., Hwang, V., Danoff-Burg, S., Rivers, A. J. & Persons, E. (2011,
November). Social support is an important factor when considering the benefits of emotional
expression for women with multiple sclerosis. Poster session at the 45 th Annual Convention of
the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), Toronto, Canada.
Pietrzak, R. H., Rivers, A. J., & Southwick, S.M. (2010, March). Demographic and
psychosocial correlates of resilience in OEF-OIF Veterans. Poster session at the 30 th Annual
Conference of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), New Orleans, LA.
Pietrzak, R. H., Rivers, A. J., Johnson, D. C., Goldstein, M. B., Malley, J. C., & Southwick, S.
M. (2009, November). Structure of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in Veterans of
Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom: The importance of dysphoria and avoidance
symptoms. Poster session at the 25th Silver Anniversary Annual Meeting of the International
Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), Atlanta, GA.
Rivers, A. J. & Primavera, J. (2008, October). Young children and community violence: The
impact on individual development and preschool education. Poster session at the 48 th Annual
Meeting of the New England Psychological Association (NEPA), Springfield, MA.
GRANTS
Rivers, A. J. (2013, February 4). Professional Development Award, Graduate Student
Employees Union, University at Albany, State University of New York ($635).
Rivers, A. J. (Awarded 2012, October 22). Travel Grant, Graduate Student Organization,
University at Albany, State University of New York ($115).
Rivers, A. J. (Awarded 2011, May 10). Resilience in the caregivers of individuals with Multiple
Sclerosis. Haynes-Davis Memorial Scholarship, Initiatives for Women Award Committee,
University at Albany, State University of New York ($700).
REVIEWING EXPERIENCE
Ad-hoc reviewer for reviewer Robert H. Pietrzak, Ph.D., M.P.H., Journal of Anxiety
Disorders, April 2010; Journal of Traumatic Stress, March 2010; International Journal
of Geriatric Psychiatry, February 2010; Journal of Traumatic Stress, November 2009;
Journal of Psychosomatic Research, October 2009; Public Health Reports, September
2009; European Psychiatry, June 2009
Alison J. Rivers Updated: 03/13/2013 6

Reviewed and evaluated graduate student applications for travel and research grants for
the Graduate Student Organization, University at Albany, State University of New York,
Albany, NY (February 2012; February 2013)
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Introduction to Psychology (APSY 101), University at Albany, State University of New
York
Albany, NY
Instructor of Record
May 29-July 6, 2012 Summer Session
Responsible for designing, preparing, teaching, and grading an undergraduate course
Provide students a broad understanding of the diverse topics that constitute psychology
and examine that knowledge through critical-thinking assignments and exams
Implement active learning techniques to engage students in the learning process
Introduction to Psychology Discussion Section (APSY 101 DS), University at Albany, State
University of New York
Albany, NY
Graduate Student Instructor August-December 2011
Taught a classroom of about 30 or more undergraduate students on various topics in
Introduction to Psychology; Supplemented the lectures taught by the instructor of record
Engaged students in active learning and discussion
Collaborated with the course’s instructor of record; Supervised by Robert Rosellini,
Ph.D. on effective teaching
OTHER TEACHING EXPERIENCE AND TEACHING TRAINING
Undergraduate Psychology Advisement Office, University at Albany, State University of
New York
Albany, NY
Graduate Assistant August 2010-December 2011
Graduate Student Director
January 2012-Present
Direct undergraduate psychology majors to choose courses for the major, any second
major and/or minor, and general education requirements
Advise students on career and graduate school options and provide individualized
attention and information for each student’s needs
Train and lead all other graduate assistants to effectively help the undergraduate students
Maintain accurate student files, collaborate with other offices, and aid in administrative
duties including answering e-mails and phone calls
Alison J. Rivers Updated: 03/13/2013 7

Presentations:
Rivers, A. J. & Persons, E. (November 2010). Health Psychology: Stress and Mindfulness.
Presented at Undergraduate Research Pool Colloquium, University at Albany, State University
of New York, Albany, NY.
Additional Training:
Attended 2010 Annual Graduate Teaching Assistant Symposium on College Teaching, the
Institute for Teaching, Learning & Academic Leadership, University at Albany, State University
of New York, Albany, NY (August 27, 2010)
Tolland Public School System
Tolland, CT
Substitute Para-Professional May 2005-January 2006
Led elementary and middle school classrooms
Facilitated the education and care of children with special needs
Transitioned between several duties and classrooms on a daily basis
Performed administrative tasks including organizing student absences, answering phone
calls
Birch Grove Primary School
Tolland, CT
Assistant Teacher September 2003-May 2004
Responsible for a kindergarten classroom of 17 children
Planned and taught lessons and organized activities and projects
Administered state-mandated academic tests
Aided children with learning disabilities
WORKSHOPS PRESENTED
Multiple Sclerosis Relationship Matters
Lake Placid, NY
Lead Facilitator/Presenter April 21-22, 2012
Actively collaborated with National Multiple Sclerosis Society to strengthen the
development of and lead a 2-day long workshop on relationships
Taught and learned from 13 lay couples, each with one spouse/partner with MS; Diverse
ages, races, and stages of relationship, including one interracial couple
PROFESSIONAL AND UNIVERSITY SERVICE
Mentor to numerous undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students at University at
Albany (2010 - Present)
Alison J. Rivers Updated: 03/13/2013 8

University at Albany Clinical Psychology Class Representative (Fall 2010 - Spring
2011)
Established a student volunteer internship program including an application process
and training guidelines at the Clinical Neurosciences Division & Resilience Laboratory
of the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Mentored several
undergraduate students who later went on to earn research assistant jobs after college
graduation through experiences gained volunteering. (August 2008-August 2010)
AWARDS AND HONORS
Student Special Interest Group Research Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (April 2012)
Psi Chi Recognition for Scholarly Contributions (October 2008)
Sigma Xi (Spring 2008 - Present)
Alpha Mu Gamma (Spring 2008 - Present)
Alpha Sigma Nu (Spring 2007 - Present)
Psi Chi (2006 - Present)
Dean’s List Student at Fairfield University (Fall 2004 - Spring 2006, Fall 2007, Spring 2008)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Association for Psychological Science Graduate Student Affiliate Member
2013
American Psychological Association Member
2009 - Affiliate Member
2010 - Present-Graduate Student Affiliate Member
American Psychological Association of Graduate Students Member
2010 – Present
New England Psychological Association Member
2008-Present
Alison J. Rivers Updated: 03/13/2013 9