Meet the people who make it all possible

Sallie leads the Mental & Behavioral Health division at Positive Psychology, overseeing strategy, operations, and product innovation across evidence-based learning and practitioner resources. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and brings a background spanning academic technology, consulting, teaching, and business leadership. Sallie is passionate about translating research into practical, scalable tools that help practitioners, educators, and organizations build skills that truly change lives.

Julia holds multiple Master’s degrees in Positive Psychology and Well-Being, Talent Development and Creativity, and Clinical Psychology. She is also a practicing clinical psychologist. Her passion lies in helping people discover their unique strengths and showing them how to use those strengths to reach their full potential. Julia believes that everyone deserves the chance to build a meaningful and fulfilling life.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and more than 11 years of experience in customer service and customer success, Alex brings strong technical knowledge and a friendly, positive attitude to every interaction. He’s passionate about helping customers overcome challenges and find the solutions that best fit their needs. He’s only ever an email away — so don’t be shy to reach out!

Aleksandra holds an MA in Linguistics and her travels across five continents (and counting) helped her realize that being positive takes you to many places. She finds joy in seeing others happy and will always be there to answer a question, provide support and overcome any kind of obstacle for you. This genie never runs out of wishes!

Annele is our blog content manager, overseeing blog post production. Leading the team of writers and co-ordinating the support staff, she handles topic research and editorial planning. Skilled at converting academic research into accessible articles, Annelé balances editorial vision with operational efficiency. She fosters collaboration, mentors contributors, and continuously refines processes to deliver trustworthy, evidence-informed content and measurable audience growth.

David has a passion and curiosity for all things marketing and writing, so it’s no coincidence that he found his calling as a copywriter. With a background in coaching and a long-standing interest in psychology and self-improvement, he is a big believer in the power of living authentically and nurturing a growth mindset to become your best self. David loves working with ethical businesses that help people reach their true potential. His writing has appeared in publications including Marketing Examined, Start It Up, and Mind Cafe.

Nada is working on publications and other graphic design projects. As a freelance contributor, she assists PositivePsychology.com by creating well-designed products for their customers. Nada also engages in photography and is currently learning about 3D graphics software to expand her skill set.

Joanie is tasked with creating captivating social media assets. She enjoys learning about positive psychology while designing and drawing inspiration from the invaluable knowledgebase at PositivePsychology.com. Joanie embraces challenges and continuously evolves her skills as she gains experience.

Larisa comes from Croatia and holds an MSc in Psychology. She is passionate about finding creative solutions to everyday challenges and is dedicated to supporting others in their personal growth. She is currently training to become a body-oriented psychotherapist and working on her first book. Outside of her professional interests, Larisa enjoys running, pilates, travelling, and meeting new people.

Tereza comes from the Czech Republic and holds an MSc in Clinical Psychology. She is passionate about supporting others in building balanced, healthy lifestyles that enhance overall quality of life. Having lived in multiple countries, Tereza thrives in international environments and enjoys connecting with diverse cultures and perspectives. She enjoys staying active through kickboxing, running, and yoga, and is currently expanding her expertise by pursuing a career in personal training and nutrition.

Lorena is a clinical & health psychologist with a Masters’s degree in Positive Leadership. She works as a wellbeing consultant as well as a mindfulness instructor. Her purpose in life is to help others to live a meaningful and flourishing life through the science of happiness. Positive psychology is her absolute passion; what is life for if not for the joy of being alive?

Lara is a practicing psychologist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Her work takes an integrative therapeutic approach primarily rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is passionate about utilizing science to help individuals cultivate resilience and rediscover joy in everyday life.

Emma is a Coaching Psychologist, currently studying an MSt in Coaching at the University of Cambridge. An enthusiastic lifelong learner with a PGDip in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology from the University of East London. Her love of Positive Psychology is evident in her current research exploring embodiment, somatic and mindfulness-based practices, body appreciation, body compassion and the outdoors.

Jeremy Sutton, PhD, is an experienced psychologist, coach, and psychology lecturer at the University of Liverpool. He is the founder of FlourishingMinds.xyz, where he offers training in resilience, mental toughness, and positive psychology, and is also an accomplished endurance athlete.

Susan McGarvie, PhD, is a therapist, mindfulness practitioner, and educator specializing in practitioner well-being and burnout prevention. Based in South Africa, she develops mindfulness-based programs that support emotional regulation, resilience, and compassionate care for helping professionals.

Tiffany Sauber Millacci, PhD, is a passionate educator who teaches both university and elementary students. As a dedicated lifelong learner, she translates her research into accessible writing to support others in their personal and academic growth and empower them to reach their potential.

Michael Eisen, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, mindfulness trainer, and advisor to mental health startups. As an Associate Clinical Tutor at UCL and a therapist in private practice, he draws on mindfulness-based therapies and is the co-author of several mental health workbooks.

Katie is an editor and proofreader originally from Kentucky, now based in the Netherlands. She is a self-proclaimed word-nerd and passionate about helping writers clearly communicate their message to readers. Outside of work, she loves to read, cook, and travel.

Naomi Hill is a wellbeing educator specializing in transforming the latest positive psychology research insights into practical learning programs and resources that make a measurable impact. Specializing in workplace wellbeing strategy and trauma-informed practice, she’s passionate about helping society shed the stigma around mental health struggles, so we can all feel a sense of safety, belonging, and hope each day.

Tchiki Davis, PhD, is a well-being expert and science writer who founded The Berkeley Well-Being Institute after completing her doctorate at UC Berkeley. She creates science-based resources for well-being professionals, and her content now reaches over half a million people per month.

Laura Copley, PhD, LPC, is a relationship trauma recovery specialist and author of Loving You Is Hurting Me. She helps individuals and couples rebuild self-trust and emotional intimacy after betrayal and trauma bonds, and hosts the podcast Tough Love with Dr. Laura Copley.

Elaine Houston is a Behavioral Science graduate with honors from the University of Abertay, Scotland. She specializes in creating science-based tools, multi-session programs, and mental health resources grounded in peer-reviewed research. With a focus on bridging research and practical application, Elaine designs accessible, evidence-based products that promote resilience, wellbeing, and personal growth. She is passionate about developing interventions that empower individuals and communities to thrive.

Jo Nash, PhD, began her career in mental health nursing before earning her PhD in Psychotherapy Studies and lecturing at the University of Sheffield for over a decade. Today, she is a neuroaffirming coach working with neurodivergent and highly sensitive adults.

Jessica Beer, PhD, is a developmental psychologist and senior research scientist studying hearing loss and cognition across the lifespan. She is also co-founder of The Urban Chalkboard Play Cafe, focusing on the cognitive and mental health benefits of children’s play.

Dr. Lucinda Poole is a psychologist, researcher and mindfulness teacher from Melbourne, Australia. Lucinda is trained and experienced in a number of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and interventions drawn from Positive Psychology research (e.g., strength-based change, self-compassion, gratitude, resilience).

Kirsty Gardiner, PhD, is a social psychologist and researcher passionate about using research to drive social change. She holds a doctorate from Queen Mary University of London and a masters in Applied Positive Psychology, and currently serves as Research Director at a DEI consultancy.

Amanda O’Bryan, PhD, LPCA, is a licensed mental health counselor and cofounder of Sonder Recovery. With a PhD in Experimental Psychology and over 20 years in the field, she specializes in harm reduction, supporting neurodivergent clients and the LGBTQ community.

Nicole Celestine, Ph.D., is a behavioral scientist and consultant who synthesizes insights from psychology, organizational behavior, and spirituality.

With a focus on harmonious work-life integration, Nicole’s work—both private and academic—blends scientific knowledge with systems thinking to elevate individuals and transform work cultures.

Outside her work, Nicole enjoys pushing her limits at yoga, seeking out sunlit corners for reflection, and immersing herself in thought-provoking books.

Christina R. Wilson, PhD, holds a doctorate in conflict analysis and resolution and specializes in relationships, boundaries, and self-limiting mindsets as a coach. She has taught restorative justice concepts to inmates and serves as an adjunct professor and corporate trainer.

Andrea Lein, PhD, is a professional speaker, author, and psychologist specializing in giftedness. She holds a PhD in Clinical & School Psychology from the University of Virginia and has over 25 years of experience empowering gifted, neurodiverse, and twice-exceptional (2e) individuals.

Anna Katharina Schaffner, PhD, is a burnout and executive coach, writer, and speaker. A former professor of cultural history at the University of Kent, she is the author of three books, including Exhausted: An A-Z for the Weary and The Art of Self-Improvement.

Maike Neuhaus, PhD, is the founder of The Flourishing Doc and a globally acclaimed positive psychology expert, keynote speaker, and executive coach. She combines scientific rigor with practical wisdom to empower individuals and organizations to flourish and realize their potential.

Melissa believes in a holistic approach to mental health and wellness and uses a person-centered approach when working with clients. Currently in a full-time private practice, she uses her experience with performance psychology, teaching, and designing collegiate wellness courses and yoga therapy to address a range of specific client needs.

Alicia Nortje, PhD, is a psychological researcher turned data scientist who earned her doctorate from the University of Cape Town specializing in eyewitness memory. She is passionate about delivering research findings in everyday language to help readers better understand human behavior and thinking.

Joshua Schultz, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist and executive coach based in Philadelphia. He specializes in therapy, leadership development, and consulting for family enterprises, helping individuals and families build resilience, improve communication, and navigate complex challenges.

Oliver is a doctor and writer based in London, holding an integrated medical and psychology degree from University College London.

He believes in the intentional cultivation of values and strengths-based approaches to promoting wellbeing. Oliver aims to motivate and inspire people to recognize their potential and act on goals congruent with their authentic self.

William Smith, PhD, is a psychology researcher and writer who earned his doctorate at the University of Nottingham, specializing in the neuropsychology of personality and emotion. A former scientific advisor to The Beckley Foundation, he is now a research associate at Cardiff University applying psychometrics to real-world questions.

Helen Brown, PhD, is a designer and certified coach with a doctorate in Psychology from the University of Bath. She builds thoughtful, human-centered services and products, drawing on her background in occupational psychology, moral psychology, and human-computer interaction.

Saima Latif, PhD, is a psychologist, researcher, writer, and therapist based in the UK. She is trained in CBT, EMDR, and clinical hypnotherapy, and works with clients worldwide as a coach and expert consultant, helping individuals develop to their full potential.

Heather S. Lonczak, PhD, is a psychologist and certified DSM-5 interviewer with expertise in severe psychiatric disorders. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles on mental health and is an award-winning author of a literary novel and ten children’s books on positive youth development.

She’s won several awards for her books, including the iParenting Media Award for Mookey the Monkey Gets Over Being Teased, the Outstanding Creator Award for Paddy Poopenhopper’s Magic Turds, the Reader’s Favorites Award for The Fragility of Light, and more.

Jeffrey J. Gaines, PhD, ABPP-CN, is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist with PhDs in both Philosophy and Clinical Psychology. He views clinical psychology as a practical extension of philosophical inquiry and has authored research on memory and cognitive assessment.

Katherine Compitus, DSW, LCSW-R, is a clinical associate professor at NYU Silver School of Social Work, where she directs the Veterinary Social Work program and created its Human-Animal Bond curriculum. She founded Surrey Hills Sanctuary and researches the human-animal bond, grief, and trauma.

Jessica Swainston, PhD, is a research psychologist and medical advisor whose doctorate focused on cognitive and emotional health in women affected by breast cancer. She previously led psychology at a digital mental health company and now works as a medical advisor in the pharmaceutical industry.

Claire Vowell, PsychD, is a counseling psychologist working with adults and young people in private practice and the NHS. Trained in CBT and psychodynamic therapy, she is passionate about reducing mental health stigma and helping clients navigate their challenges with compassion.

Gabriella Lancia, PhD, earned her doctorate in Developmental Psychology and Education from the University of Toronto, where her research focused on emotions, instruction, and online learning. She works as a psychological consultant with children, adolescents, and adults in Toronto, Canada.

Joshua Bourne, PsychD, works as a Counselling Psychologist, Life Coach, and consultant. He loves to help individuals and businesses thrive and understand themselves better to create everlasting positive change.

Joshua is also an avid fan of everything space-related and loves sports. A world traveler based in London, UK, although originally from San Francisco, USA, Joshua help others adjust to life in different countries.

Daniela Ramirez Duran, PhD, MAPP, is a lecturer in education and research at the University of Melbourne, a registered clinical psychologist, and a yoga teacher-researcher whose work explores well-being, mindfulness, and compassion in regular yoga practitioners.

Courtney E. Ackerman is a mental health policy researcher for the state of California, focusing on population mental health, peer support, and violence prevention. She is also a freelance research consultant and a published author of several books on positive psychology and mindfulness.

Birgit Ohlin, M.A., BBA, is an organizational change expert and coach from Zürich, Switzerland.
She has worked in Marketing for over 20 years in different leadership roles, industries, and countries. In 2015, she decided it was time for a change. She asked herself: where in my life do I experience meaning? Being an empathetic person, she decided to use this strength to help others as a coach.

Elaine Mead has almost a decade of experience working with and supporting individuals from a range of backgrounds to uncover and progress towards their career and work goals. For the last 4 years, she has worked with young people in a range of educational settings on careers education, information, and guidance, as well as coaching and supporting their skills development to better be able to handle the ups and downs of life.

Joaquín Selva, BA, is a behavioral neuroscience researcher, writer, and editor with a degree from Reed College. His undergraduate research led to three peer-reviewed publications. He is the founder of Textamend, where he provides editing, proofreading, and digital accessibility remediation services.

Leslie Riopel, MSc, is a professor of psychology at Northwood University and an authority on the psychology of mindfulness. A certified meditation and mindfulness teacher with over 25 years of corporate experience and a decade in wellness, she writes on fostering healthy workplaces that thrive.

Beata Souders is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Psychology at CalSouth and MA in Creative Writing at SNHU. She holds a master’s degree in Positive Psychology from Life University.

An ICF certified coach and a Gottman Institute Certified Educator, Beata is on the Executive Committee for the Student Division of the International Positive Psychology Associations and has published and presented on subjects ranging from Flow Theory to learned helplessness.

Kori D. Miller, MA, is a writer and lifelong learner who holds a master’s degree in educational psychology from Ball State University, specializing in neuropsychology and positive psychology. She is passionate about helping others achieve their goals through evidence-based strategies.

Kelly Miller, BA, CAPP, is a certified positive psychology coach and the author of Jane’s Worry Elephant, a self-help book for children with anxiety. Through her practice, A Brighter Purpose, she spent seven years helping individuals and families build resilience and flourish.