NOTEBOOK - New York State Psychological Association

www.NYSPA.org
Megan Eliot, PhD
Aviva Gaskill, PhD
Dr. Eliot earned her PhD in Clinical and School Psychology from the University of Virginia in 2009. She is
currently employed as a Staff Psychologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at the St. Lukes'-Roosevelt
Hospital Center for Comprehensive Care, the largest HIV care clinic in New York State, where she
provides services to children and adults in both English and Spanish. She recently completed a one-year
program in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the National Institute of Psychotherapies and also
volunteers as a psychological examiner for HealthRight International . Dr. Eliot's research interests
include clinical applications of attachment theory and treatment interventions for chronic childhood
trauma. She believes in the importance of political advocacy on behalf of the field of psychology in order
to protect the future of the profession and to ensure that high quality services are available to underserved
populations. Dr. Eliot is a member of NYSPA and APA.
Dr. Gaskill earned a PhD from Yeshiva University in Clinical Psychology with Health Emphasis in 2011.
Dr. Gaskill has a vested interest in healthcare reform and the role of psychologists in the primary care
doctor’s office. She is currently a postdoctoral fellow providing psychotherapy to individuals and groups
in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. She continues to pursue an interest
in group psychotherapy planning to earn her Certification in Group Psychotherapy (CGP). She currently
works as a consultant for Psych Internship Prep, assisting graduate students as they apply for APA accredited
internships. Dr. Gaskill is a board member of the Westchester Group Psychotherapy Society and
a member of NYSPA, APA, and the Westchester County Psychological Association.
Lauren Kois, MA
Lauren Kois is a PhD student focusing on Clinical Forensic Psychology with an anticipated graduation
date of May 2016. She is working on research projects in conjunction with Mount Sinai School of
Medicine and the Race and Community Effects Lab of John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Ms. Kois is
the immediate past chair for the American Psychology – Law Society (AP-LS) Student Section and is the
current student representative for the AP-LS Professional Development of Women Committee and is a
student member of NYSPA. Ms. Kois believes that research, teaching, clinical work, and service to the
profession are all integral to her development as a psychologist.
Dr. Johnston earned her PsyD in School-Clinical Child Psychology from Pace University in 2010. She
currently works as a psychologist in the Family Court Mental Health Services through the New York
City Health and Hospitals Corporation. She completes court-ordered forensic evaluations for juvenile
delinquency matters, child abuse and neglect proceedings, termination of parental rights proceedings,
and emergency assessments. She is also an adjunct professor in Pace University's doctoral program.
Dr. Johnston plans to continue working with underserved populations, providing direct clinical
services, including individual, family, and group therapy, as well as assessments. Her long-term goal is
to open a private practice working with adolescents and young adults. Dr. Johnston feels that having a
Samantha Johnston, network of other mental health professionals is particularly important for continued growth and
PsyD, MSEd development as a psychologist. Dr. Johnston is a member of NYSPA and APA.
Luba Roytburd, PhD
Dr. Roytburd is a psychologist with a PhD in Counseling Psychology from University at Albany, SUNY
2005. She owns a private practice providing psychotherapy, assessment, and consultation including
bilingual services (Russian) to children, adolescents, and adults in Manhattan and Queens. Dr.
Roytburd is also an adjunct assistant professor at Manhattan College's Graduate Counseling programs.
She has a career goal to head up a multidisciplinary innovative group private practice, which provides
services to the community in the areas of assessment, individual, and group therapy. Dr. Roytburd
would like to work towards encouraging more collaboration between psychologists and mental health
professionals from different disciplines to ensure the best services possible are provided to clients.
Dr. Roytburd is a member of NYSPA and APA’s Division 42.
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