Our Team
Nada Goodrum, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Dr. Nada Goodrum is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Carolina, in the Clinical-Community program. Dr. Goodrum’s research investigates family- and community-level risk and protective factors for youth well-being among families affected by major stressors. Her work currently centers on the impact of family stressors, such as trauma, HIV and other chronic illness, racism, financial strain, and parental substance use, on child health and parent-child relationships. She is interested in parents’ role in promoting youth well-being and preventing the intergenerational transmission of risk. The goal of her research is to promote health equity by using knowledge about risk and protective factors to guide the development of family-based, trauma-informed prevention and intervention efforts. In her free time, she enjoys drinking coffee, baking, and taking care of her house plants. She is also a mother of two young children.
Dr. Goodrum received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Georgia State University. She completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina. Prior to her graduate training, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majored in psychology and international studies with a minor in Arabic.
Email address: ngoodrum@sc.edu
Graduate Students
Diamonde McCollum
Diamonde McCollum is a graduate student in the Clinical-Community Psychology PhD Program at the University of South Carolina. She serves as an interviewer for the ImPACT Study. Diamonde’s research interests include 1) examining systemic inequities and risk and protective factors that influence the relationship between childhood trauma and risky health behaviors among Black American families and children and 2) employing this knowledge to develop prevention and intervention methods tailored to BIPOC communities. Her overarching objective is to address systemic inequities, striving to increase mental health services for BIPOC communities and contribute to the well-being of Black families and children. Beyond her academic pursuits, she enjoys dining out, traveling, shopping, and reading.
Julie Nguyen
Julie Nguyen is a graduate student in the Clinical-Community Psychology PhD Program at the University of South Carolina. She serves as a parent coach for the ImPACT Study. Her research focuses on three main themes: 1) examining sociocultural risk and protective factors for ethnic minority children and families, 2) using this knowledge to culturally adapt trauma-informed, family-based evidence-based treatments, and 3) increasing access to mental health services through implementation science and policy. The ultimate goal of her research is to understand and address racial/ethnic minority health inequities. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, pottery making, and binge watching the newest tv show.
Lauren Butler
Lauren Butler is a graduate student in the Clinical-Community Psychology PhD Program at the University of South Carolina. Her research focuses on: 1) violence exposure in adolescence, examining individual factors (e.g., corporal punishment, harsh parenting), family influences (e.g., interparental violence), and community-level factors (e.g., community violence); 2) how structural inequities and disparities in mental health services impact underserved and marginalized communities; and 3) integrating evidence-based practices and policies to improve mental health service access and effectiveness for historically marginalized groups. Her overarching goal is to address systemic inequities and violence exposure in these communities. Outside of her studies, Lauren enjoys trying new restaurants, reading romantic fiction, and seeking travel and adventure!
Research Staff
Carolyn Jeter, Community Liaison & Interviewer
Carolyn Jeter is a dedicated Community Liaison/Interviewer for The IMPACT Research Study, bringing 15 years of experience as a Parent Peer Support Provider/Family Peer Support Provider (PPSP/FPSP). Her role is grounded in lived expertise, and she proudly views herself as ‘The Community.’ Throughout these years, she has championed impactful projects and collaborations, embodying the belief that every interaction is an opportunity for positive change. Carolyn continues to drive my passion forward, committed to Improving Health for Parents and Children Together. My journey is marked by specific achievements and a profound dedication to making a lasting impact. Some of those achievements include collaboration with Department of Social Services Family Voice Alliance, Thriving Families Safer Children of SC, Casey Anthony National Lived Experience RoundTable, Implementation Parent Advisory Council, and Social and Economic Justice Collaborative.
Erin Martin, ImPACT Parent Coach
Erin Martin is a Parent Coach for the ImPACT Study. Erin earned a BS in Family Consumer Science Business with a concentration in Child Development from South Carolina State University and is earning a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education. She has several years of experience in child development, early intervention, service coordination, and family training to families that had children receiving services through BabyNet and the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. She is accredited in Family Life Skills and Group Triple P. Erin has experience working with children from birth to five years of age. Erin is a wife and mother to four amazing children.
Sania Blackman, Research Coordinator
Sania Blackman is an alumna of the University of South Carolina. She majored in Psychology with a minor in counseling and now serves as the Research Coordinator for the ImPact Study. Although Sania intends to go to graduate school to become a Marriage and Family Therapist, her newfound interest in research involving parents and children has inspired her to find something in between. She loves to read, cook, and do her natural hair. Sania always seeks to understand others and strives to be her best self.
Research Assistants
Tam Dinh
Tam Dinh is a senior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Psychology. After graduation, she intends to obtain her specialist degree in school psychology and work in the educational setting. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, trying new foods, and spending time in nature.
An Le
An Le is a senior at the University of South Carolina majoring in biological sciences with a minor in philosophy. She plans to attend physician assistant school after graduation, with aspirations of becoming a PA specializing in emergency medicine. In her free time, she enjoys binge-watching movies and TV shows, working out, and exploring new food spots.
Michelle Gagen
Michelle majors in Psychology, has a minor in Spanish, and is doing an interdisciplinary study in law & society. After obtaining her bachelor’s, her next step is to pursue a masters in psych. education. Her hobbies include drawing, playing video games, and baking for her friends and family.
Sofia Garcia
Sofia Garcia is a junior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Neuroscience. She is interested in research that focuses on mental health. After graduation she is planning to go to medical school to become a physician. In her free time she enjoys doing yoga, going to the gym, and baking.
Stella Portadin
Stella Portadin is a junior at the University of South Carolina majoring in psychology and minoring in criminal justice and counseling education. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. She hopes to one day work in counseling with children or families. She is interested in research that positively affects and creates resources for families and children’s mental health. In her free time she enjoys going on runs, reading, and attending sports games with her friends!
