Welcome to the 2024–2025 edition of the ECU Medical Family Therapy Newsletter
Each year, we take this opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of our students, faculty, and alumni from the past academic year before starting anew - and this year is especially momentous. Our program proudly marked its 20th anniversary, a significant milestone that coincides with ECU’s recognition as an R1 research institution and a recipient of a key national award, in which our program played an integral role. In this issue, you’ll find highlights from across our community, including graduating students, new internship placements, the incoming cohort, scholarship, and the many awards earned by our members. We’re excited to debut our new Alumni Spotlight section - don’t miss the map showing the national reach of our growing network! We invite you to read on, stay connected, and continue supporting our mission to advance the field of family therapy and integrated healthcare. If you are feeling particularly generous and want to support future students, consider making a donation to the MedFT program. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Special Highlights
Long Lasting and New Partnerships
In 2024, ECU received the W. K. Kellogg Foundation Community Engagement Scholarship Award and C. Peter Magrath Community Engagement Scholarship Award for the MFT/MedFT program's partnership with Contentnea Health (formerly Greene County Healthcare). These awards recognize four-year public universities that have made exemplary strides to become more closely and productively engaged with communities through their teaching/learning, discovery, and service activities. As long-standing partnerships were honored, new partnerships were also formed. The MFT/MedFT formed a new partnership with Pitt County Schools to deliver Relationally-Centered Integrated Behavioral Health in four of the district’s elementary and middle schools. Through the contributions of four committed and talented therapists: Grace Anderson, Annelise Billings, Gibely Cisneros-Estrada, and Caroline Tumulty-Ollemar, 1997 sessions were provided to Pitt County School youth, staff, and their families through the past year. Their contributions in the schools have helped to improve behavioral and mental health, by reducing suicidal ideation, increasing attendance, and enhancing relationships while supporting academic and work-place success. ECU is grateful for the trust that PCS leaders and staff have in our therapists and programs. We appreciate their commitment to continue our partnership with five new interns for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Inaugural MedFT Intensive
Alumni and faculty participated in-person and online at AAMFT's Family Therapists in Healthcare TIN's inaugural MedFT Intensive held in Minneapolis, MN in July. The intensive featured three plenaries, each showcasing generations of scholars who have contributed to MedFT. The first generation plenary with Mac Baird and Bill Doherty is a must watch - recordings will be available soon! ECU connected professionals participated in the following ways:
- 2025 Graduate Josh Bolle shared insights from their experience as an intern at Behavioral Health at St. John's Family Medicine Residency/Phalen Village Clinic.
- Drs. Angela Lamson (faculty) and Jackie Williams-Reade (alum) were featured panelists on the Second Generation Evolution of MedFT plenary.
- Drs. Jennifer Harsh (alum), Kayla Fitzke, and Angela Lamson (faculty) led breakout discussions on Workforce Development, Research/Scholarship, and Teaching/Supervision, respectively.
A Winning Experience
Dr. Andy Brimhall led a team of 3 MFT students in the AAMFT Ethics Competition and they won! They were celebrated at the 2025 Leadership Symposium in San Diego. ECU repped well at the Symposium:
- Current MedFT student Samuel R. Heath was part of a panel led by AAMFT and he also delivered a presentation as part of a breakout session.
- Drs. Laurelle Myhra and Isha Williams (MS alumni) were keynote speakers.
- Dr. Roberta Bellamy (MS and PhD alumni) was an invited speaker.
- And, of course, our three award winning students from the ethics competition!
Clinic Open House
If you are local, please consider joining us for the ECU Family Therapy Clinic Open House on Friday, August 15th from 12pm-2pm. There will be fun for the whole family with ice pops, cornhole, music, free light refreshments as well as a raffle to benefit the Hannah Bailey & Jackie Mastromauro fund (H&J). Last year we were able to raise about $400 for the fund! Can’t make it to the Open House but want to make a donation to the H&J Fund to continue to support the mental health of the community? Click here to make a donation.
We'd like to give special thanks to Dr. Erin Roberts, who has served as the Clinic Director for past several years. The Clinic, the MFT/MedFT programs, and the community have all benefited from your passion, dedication, and meaningful service. In June, our former Assistant Clinic Director, Ashley Johnson [MFT alum], has stepped into the role of Acting Clinic Director.
graduates
Dr. Frandrea Brown graduated in December, 2024 after successfully defending her dissertation, "Exploring Systemic Medical Traumatic Stress in Historically Marginalized Patients." Her dissertation committee included Drs. Angela Lamson, Erin Roberts (co-chairs), Eric Bailey, Kristin Black, and Katherine Didericksen. Dr. Brown is the MFT Supervisor at ECU Health Medical Center's Inpatient Rehabilitation.
Dr. Betül Küçükardalı-Cansever graduated in December, 2024. Her dissertation research, "From Scars to Strength: Unveiling the Intersection of ACEs, Social Determinants of Health, and Resilience in Adult Inpatient Rehabilitation," was featured in ECU's Graduate School's Newsletter. Her dissertation committee included Drs. Angela Lamson (chair), Sheena Eagan, Erin Roberts, and Natalia Sira. Dr. Küçükardalı-Cansever has accepted a position as Assistant Professor in the MFT Program at California State University, Chico.
Dr. Alexis "Lexie" Bruhn graduated in May, 2025 after successfully defending her dissertation, entitled "When Life Gives You Herpes: An Exploration of How Herpes Simplex Stigma on Social Media Impacts the Patients and their Relationship with Providers." She presented her Article 1 at the Systemic Family Therapy Conference in Orlando, FL. Her dissertation committee members were Drs. Damon Rappleyea (chair), Sharon Ballard, Kayla Fitzke, and Michele Wallen. Dr. Bruhn accepted a position as Director of Behavioral Health Services in the University of Minnesota Health System (Hutchinson, MN campus).
Dr. Rylan Hellstern graduated in May, 2025 after successfully defending his dissertation, entitled "The Relationally-Centered Integrated Behavioral Health Model: Exploring Holistic Patient Health Outcomes." His dissertation committee members were Drs. Angela Lamson, Jake Jensen (co-chairs), Ray Hylock, and Matthew Martin. Dr. Hellstern accepted a position as Behavioral Health Faculty at Summit Pacific Family Medicine Residency in Washington.
Dr. Joshua Bolle graduates this Summer after successfully defending their dissertation, entitled "Exploring the Cultivation of Body Appreciation and Acceptance in Fat, Gender Diverse People of Color." Their dissertation committee members were Drs. Erin Roberts (chair), Eboni Baugh, Jake Jensen, and Maggie Smith. Dr. Bolle will be starting a new position as a Supervisor and Clinician at True Heart Therapy in Portland, Oregon.
CURRENT MedFT STUDENTS
INTERNSHIPS (2025-2026)
Jose "Alex" Hernandez, this past year's 'small but mighty' cohort, is launching into internship year. He will be completing his internship at Contentnea Health (formerly Greene County Health Care).
STUDENT RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
1st year Lorreine Wanjau’s dissertation research will focus on family caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities. She recently presented a research discussion titled Bridging the Gap: Resources for Family Caregivers of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities at the AAMFT Global Systemic Therapy Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. She is currently expanding her paper into a scoping review - stay tuned for the publication!
1st year Brandon Jacobs has collaborated on multiple research projects exploring fatherhood and LGBTQ+ experiences. With Dr. Jensen and Dr. Sabey from Northwestern University, he co-authored Fathers are Frightened (currently under editorial review), a manuscript examining fathering, masculinity, and how current family therapy models do—or do not—address fathers within clinical interventions and theoretical frameworks. He has also been working with Dr. Jiao, a postdoctoral scholar at ECU, on a study exploring how ACEs shaped LGBTQ+ relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a qualitative project focused on LGBTQ+ individuals navigating emerging adulthood, examining their transitions, support systems, and how these are shaped by their queer identities.
2nd year Alex Hernandez has completed a study on the role of chronic pain among those seeking services in primary care clinics. His manuscript is titled Painful gaps: A pilot study exploring referral patterns in chronic pain management in primary care.
Introducing the Incoming Cohort
Rachel Kay Smith earned her M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. There, she trained at two sites, a family therapy clinic and an affiliated community hospital, where she found her passion for integrated care and working with older adults. Her continuing research interests include the intersections of older adulthood, integrated care, and a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to health. Why she chose ECU: "Choosing ECU was a natural decision for me because of the MedFT and MFT faculty’s dedication to teaching from relational-systemic, biopsychosocial-spiritual lenses and emphasis on encouraging students to develop their voice in the expanding field of Medical Family Therapy and integrated care. Plus, witnessing the relationships between alumni, whether at national conferences or as co-authors, offered a glimpse of the possibilities for connection, collaboration, and community that I am eager to join as I embark on my journey as a medical family therapist."
Aleiha Mitchell is interested in researching the ways in which the DOD or the VA can support our military families through innovative family support interventions. She is also interested in studying the effects and career longevity of military families who receive more than adequate, easily accessible support for their family as they progress throughout their time in the service. Why she chose ECU: "I appreciate the connections to various fields within the Medical Family Therapy program. As well as, the vastness of internship opportunities and connections available. I also deeply value the small cohort/family structure of this program and the opportunity to learn from professors and instructors who are quite adept in the field of MedFT."
Andrea Parady is interested in researching the long-term biopsychosocial-spiritual effects of trauma during the perinatal period on the whole family system. She wants to identify what interventions can help reduce negative outcomes for individuals and families affected by trauma, as well as protective factors. She is also interested in how therapists and medical providers can more effectively work together to provide greater levels of support for these families and situations. Why she chose ECU: "I chose ECU because I felt they were the program most equipped to help me achieve my goals for research and career development. I value the emphasis ECU puts on integrated care and the added component of medical family therapy. Most other PhD programs I considered only tangentially addressed those topics, whereas ECU has it incorporated throughout their curriculum. I know that by being at ECU I will get to research my specific topic of interest and not have to just do research that my professor is doing. In addition to ECU’s academic and research qualities, I also felt so supported and encouraged by the faculty and current students during the interview process. That is exactly the kind of environment I want to be a part of."
alumni Spotlight
Where Are Our Alumni?
What Type of Positions Are Our Alumni In?
Alumni Highlights
- Dr. Roberta Bellamy was a featured author in the Family Therapy Magazine, discussing agricultural behavioral health. She is also part of a group looking to build a network of providers in NC who are from a farming background, thus who understand the culture. The team is also interested in identifying any mental health providers who are interested in ag-behavioral health and are willing to be trained. Funding exists for therapists who provide therapy for anyone from the ag-community. See the bottom of this newsletter for additional information about this call for collaboration!
- Dr. Julian Crespo was a guest writer highlighting National Hispanic Heritage Month for the AAMFT Blog.
- Dr. Kenneth Phelps was recently promoted to Professor of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He was also recently added to the Medical Advisory Board for the Tourette Association of America. Congratulations!
- Dr. Emily Tucker received the 2025 Health and Human Performance Outstanding Alumni Award.
- Drs. Natalie Richardson and Taylor Young's research on spirituality was featured in a presentation Dr. Lamson delivered in Oslo, Norway, at the Inspire Conference, an international research network in spiritual and existential perspectives in systemic and dialogical practice. Students Samual R. Health, Alex Hernandez, Mahsa Shahinbana, and Lorreine Wanjau also contributed. Dr. Young also published his featured work, an article from his dissertation, The Current State of Spirituality: A Four World View in the Journal of Study of Spirituality.
Do you have any accomplishments, projects, or calls for collaboration you’d like to share? Dr. Fitzke will reach out for contributions next Spring, but feel free to send in your highlights throughout the year. Your stories inspire us all and keep our alumni community connected and thriving.
ALUMNI APPRECIATION
Our sincere gratitude goes to Drs. Dan Blocker, Braden Brown, Jennifer Harsh, Erin Cobb, Irina Kolobova, and Amelia Muse for sharing wisdom gained from their academic experiences and insights about their careers with first year MedFT students. Students were grateful for the exposure to all of the amazing opportunities possible post-PhD. We thank you for your time, wisdom, and encouragement!
A special THANK YOU to Drs. Florence Lewis, Patrick Meadors, Kenny Phelps, Natalie Richardson, Emily Tucker, and Taylor Young for volunteering on the the MedFT Alumni Council!
awards & Honors
- Dr. Angela Lamson received the 2024 Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service. This prestigious honor, of which only a few ECU faculty members have ever received, reflects her dedication to integrated behavioral health, medical family therapy, and trauma-informed care. Her leadership continues to inspire us all, reinforcing the power of teaching, research, service, and practice to create impactful change in our communities to enhance health and wellbeing
- Dr. Jake Jensen received the 2025 ECU Distinguished Graduate Faculty Mentor Award, Master’s Category. This award recognizes faculty for their success in mentoring graduate students in their intellectual growth; helping them develop independent research interests; and fostering development of their communication skills, interpersonal skills, research skills, and professions skills. He was also elected as President Elect of NCAMFT.
- Dr. Kayla Fitzke was elected as Treasurer of AAMFT’s Intervention Research in Systemic Family Therapy TIN.
- Mahsa Shahinbana, rising 2nd year doctoral student, received the Mel Markowski Medical Family Therapy Scholarship. She said "Receiving this award is an honor and has greatly eased the financial burden of pursuing my Ph.D. in Medical Family Therapy at East Carolina University. This scholarship not only validates my academic achievements but also allows me to dedicate more time to my studies and professional development."
- Dr. Adrian Knauss received recognition as this year's Outstanding MedFT Graduate.
Conferences/Presentations
REcent Publications
Our faculty and students have made significant contributions to science through their research and publications. Below, we highlight key publications organized by topics, showcasing the breadth and impact of their work. Explore their research on social support, mental and physical health, romantic relationships, trauma, and spirituality. These publications reflect our commitment to advancing knowledge and improving practices in family therapy and related disciplines.
Social Support, Mental and Physical Health
Brown, B. J., Aller, T. B., Lyons, L. K., Jenson, A., Juhasz, A. C., Jensen, J. F., & Hodgson, J. L. (2024). Can we talk? Exploring the effects of mental health stigma, support, and openness on national collegiate athletic association student-athlete mental health. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology. LINK
Bernardino, A., Desai, P. P., Brimhall, A. S., & Sang, C. J., Jr. (2024). “I am worried she won’t live that long:” Voices of adolescent well-siblings of individuals living with complex congenital heart defects. Children’s Health Care. LINK
Das, B. M., Jensen, J. F., Johnston, & C. M. (2025). Examining health and social support among university housekeepers: A mixed-methods exploratory study. Health Promotion Practice. LINK
Hellstern, R. Lamson, A., Jensen, J., Hylock, R. & Martin, M. (2025). Physical and mental health outcomes in integrated care: Systematic review of study. Families, Systems, and Health. LINK
Romantic Relationships
Knauss, A., Jensen, J., Fish, M., Brimhall, A., & Bolin, L. (2025). The impact of a romantic partner on patient experience of heart rate variability biofeedback. Biofeedback. LINK
Kee, S., Jensen, J., Fish, M., & Reed-Fitzke, K. (2025). Does my friend like my romantic partner? Links among relationship work with partners and friends and physiological implications. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. LINK
Various Forms of Trauma
Küçükardalı-Cansever, B., Lamson, A., Sira, N., Bridgland, S. A,. Eagan, S., & Roberts, E. (2025). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) screening in primary care settings for adults: A systematic review. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma. LINK
Carr, C. P., Tate, A. D., Trofholz, A., de Brito, J. N., Trejo, A. N., Troy, M. F., Berge, J. M., & Kunin-Batson, A. (2024). Associations between neighborhood social polarization with cardiometabolic health, academic achievement and cortisol in a racially/ethnically diverse sample of children from Minneapolis – St. Paul. Health Equity. LINK
Ferraro, A. J., Reed-Fitzke, K., Petren, R. E., Oehme, K., & Perko, A. (2025). Long reaching impacts of childhood trauma on the efficacy of divorce education programming. Family Relations. LINK
Trejo, A. N., Tate, A. D., Noser, A., Wieling, E., Kunin-Batson, A., Trofholz, A., & Berge, J. M. (2025). The role of discrimination, childhood maltreatment, and social determinants of health in BIPOC adult pain disparities. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. LINK
Spirituality
Young, T., Rappleyea, D., Jensen, J., Sira, N,. & Quagliana, H. (2024). The current state of spirituality: A four world view. Journal for the Study of Spirituality. LINK
Call for Collaboration
The full call for collaboration from Roberta Bellamy: "I specialize in the mental health of our farmers and farmworkers as a contracted consultant for agricultural entities. I am sub-contracted through the NC Agromedicine Institute at the BSOM at ECU. Agricultural behavioral health (or agrarian behavioral health) is a new concept for many therapists. It has its origins in the farming crisis of the '80s and is today an emerging area of research, both nationally and internationally. There is a renewed emphasis on ag-behavioral health due to the high rates of suicide in the farming community. For a brief intro, please see this article written by me and recently published in Psychology Today. Currently, there are several states across the U.S. working together to identify strategies for addressing mental health needs of our farming population, which has been historically difficult to reach and to connect with. Farmers are of a unique culture, and being familiar with the culture is essential to connecting with this community. We use a Systems approach when working with or developing content for family farms. This approach considers the behavioral health needs of the whole farm (farm families and farmworkers).
We are currently looking to build a network of providers in NC who are from a farming background, thus who understand the culture. We are also interested in identifying any mental health providers who are interested in ag-behavioral health and are willing to be trained. Funding exists for therapists who provide therapy for anyone from the ag-community. Also, anyone who wishes to collaborate in some way, I welcome a discussion! If you have questions or are interested in this area of work, please get up with me."
cell: 252-268-2309 (text first); email: robertabellamy@gmail.com