Rachael Ellison, PhD

Dr. Ellison is a clinical neuropsychologist who aims to intersect cognitive functioning with issues related to systemic inequities and social determinants of health.

Ellison is a clinical neuropsychologist and researcher, with expertise in applied neuropsychological research with a social and racial justice focus. Prior to her training in neuropsychology, her research and practice focused on issues related to social justice and social determinants of health (e.g., cultural competence, diversity, racial privilege, etc.). With Dr. Ellison’s current research, she aims to continue to intersect clinical neuropsychology with social and racial justice through her Socially Conscious Lab.

Ellison completed her postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology through the two-year APA neuropsychology specialty accredited fellowship at Edward Hines Jr., VA Hospital (with specialized rotations in inpatient/outpatient neuropsychology, TBI, cognitive rehabilitation, and health promotion/disease prevention), and clinical psychology internship at the VA San Diego Healthcare System (with specialized rotations in neuropsychology, TBI, cognitive rehabilitation, and PTSD). She received her PhD in Clinical/Community Psychology from DePaul University. Prior to joining RFUMS, Dr. Ellison was a faculty member in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program at Illinois Institute of Technology.

Ellison is currently the Chair of the Women in Neuropsychology (WIN) Committee of the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (SCN; American Psychological Association; APA Division 40), and engaged in private practice as a clinical neuropsychologist where she conducts comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations as well as cognitive rehabilitation. She was one of the inaugural editorial fellows for Neuropsychology’s Early Career Editorial Fellowship. Dr. Ellison was nominated and accepted to Northwestern University’s Council of 100 (membership by invitation only). She is an incoming council representative for APA Division 40.

Are You a Prospective Graduate Student? Dr. Ellison will not be reviewing applications for the Clinical Psychology PhD program for the 2025-2026 academic year. Though not taking a student for the 2025-2026 academic year, she will still be involved in the interview process. Please note that to remain unbiased in the review of applications and to be equitable across all applicants, it is our department’s policy to not meet individually with applicants prior to our PhD Interview Day. However, if you have a specific question that cannot be answered through our webpage and would influence your decision to apply, you are welcome to reach out with brief questions.

Graduate Students

	Christopher Gonzalez, MS Christopher is a 5th year PhD candidate specializing in neuropsychology. His research interests include the cultural effects of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and social determinants of health (SDOH), particularly in the preclinical stages of Alzheimer's disease. His other research interests are SARS-CoV-2, imaging markers, cardiovascular health, memory, and health disparities among English/Spanish speaking non-Hispanic Black and Latine/Hispanic populations. Christopher actively contributes to his field as the Student Representative-Elect Board of Directors for the Hispanic Neuropsychological Society (HNS) and as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Ambassador for New2Neuropsychology. Through these roles, he promotes collaboration and awareness of the challenges faced by underrepresented communities. He hopes to unravel the complexities of neuropsychology and advocate for marginalized communities with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of individuals affected by cognitive decline and related health disparities.
	Humza Khan, MS Humza Humza is a seventh-year PhD student in the Illinois Institute of Technology’s clinical psychology doctoral program. He is currently a neuropsychology intern at the University of Washington at Seattle (UW) in the Rehabilitation Neuropsychology track. Before starting at IIT, he received his BS in Neuroscience at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Humza's current research interests include examining social determinants and health in the context of neuropsychology, specifically identifying differences between health information and executive functioning. His clinical interests include cross-cultural neuropsychology, demyelinating disorders, and dementia. Outside of research, Humza is interested in non-profit work, architecture, and racket sports.
	Jared Cherry Jared is a 2nd-year Clinical Psychology PhD student specializing in Neuropsychology and a Clinical Psychology extern at the Captain James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center. He received his BA in History and BFA in Music Performance from York University in Toronto. He has work experience as a teacher and course designer for multiple international educational institutions, and he has a variety of research experience with several Neurology, Neuropsychology, and Neuroscience laboratories throughout North America. His research interests lie at the intersection of neuroscience and psychology, focusing on the use of neuroimaging and neuropsychological assessment for the development and administration of cognitive and behavioral interventions such as psychoeducation, cognitive rehabilitation, cognitive training, and counseling.
	Karen Basurto Karen is 2nd year doctoral student in the clinical psychology PhD program at RFUMS, specializing in multicultural neuropsychology. Her academic focus is enhancing healthcare practices through comprehensive assessment and evaluation, particularly for Spanish-speaking Latin American populations. Her research has contributed to understanding the neuropsychological impacts of various socio-demographic factors and adverse experiences on cognitive and functional performance. Her interests span a wide range, from investigating health literacy in cognitive diagnostics to exploring neuropsychological challenges such as bilingualism/acculturation, epilepsy, and organ transplant care for Spanish-speaking patients. Recent work includes studying the impact of adverse childhood experiences on symptom and performance validity tests among patients with ADHD, exploring subfactors of adult cognitive disengagement syndrome, and assessing the limitations of performance validity using neuropsychological tests. Her contributions extend to clinical settings, such as her continued service as a bilingual neuropsychological psychometrist. Her work showcases a multidimensional approach to understanding cognitive functioning, health literacy, and neuropsychological assessment across diverse populations and clinical conditions. Beyond her academic and research pursuits, Karen is passionate about personal growth and community engagement. She enjoys learning new languages, volunteering, and teaching, which complement her academic work by broadening her cultural and individual perspectives. Karen also values time spent with family and friends, emphasizing a well-rounded approach to her professional and personal life.
	Hannah VanLandingham, MS/MA Hannah is a 5th-year clinical psychology PhD candidate at RFUMS, and an advanced neuropsychology extern at The Neurology Center of Southern California. She previously trained at Northwestern Medicine, the University of Illinois Chicago, and the Edward Hines, Jr. VA hospital. She is primarily interested in integrating neuropsychology and rehabilitation in her areas of interest, namely cognitive health for underserved populations with complex medical conditions, brain injury and/or neurodegenerative pathology. Her current research centers on the impact of health inequities on cognitive functioning, cognitive rehabilitation, and examining the neurocognitive sequelae and profiles of various medical pathologies. Before attending RFUMS, she earned her MS in psychology at the Illinois Institute of Technology and completed her clinical master’s thesis on verbal and nonverbal processing speed discrepancy profiles for Veterans with co-occurring mTBI and PTSD. Moreover, she earned an MA in Psychology from San Diego State University and her BS in Psychology with a minor in English at Virginia Commonwealth University.
	Kimberly Grzesek Kim is a third-year PhD student specializing in neuropsychology. Her research focuses on the role of executive functioning and emotional regulation in underrepresented communities. She is particularly interested in identifying differences in neuropsychological testing and cognitive health outcomes among diverse populations with complex medical conditions. Outside of research, Kim enjoys running, photography, spending time with friends, and traveling.
	Jessica Hudson Jessica is a second-year master student in the clinical counseling program. Her research interests include cognitive rehabilitation and traumatic brain injury in underrepresented communities. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, exercising, reading and spending time with family and friends.
	Thomas A. Sedgwick, MA Thomas is a volunteer research assistant and has been involved with Dr. Ellison’s Socially Conscious Lab since 2023. He received his BS in Neuroscience with a specialization in behavioral/systems at The Ohio State University and his MA in Clinical Psychology at Roosevelt University. His research interests include cognitive rehabilitation, executive functioning, and pediatric neuropsychology. In his free time outside of research, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, playing and watching soccer.
	Janelli Rodriguez Janelli is a first-year clinical psychology PhD student on the neuropsychology track at RFUMS. Before graduate school, Janelli received her BA in Cognitive Neuroscience from Washington University in St. Louis, also minoring in Latin American Studies. Her research interests include racial disparities in different dementia syndromes and cognitive functioning, as well as neuropsychological assessments and cognitive rehabilitation in diverse populations, especially within Spanish-speaking communities. Janelli is also passionate about community outreach in populations underrepresented in research. Outside of her academic work, she enjoys weightlifting, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
	Madeleine Smith, MS Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student; Neuropsychology Dr. Ellison Primary Clinical/Research Advisee Madeleine is a first-year clinical psychology PhD student specializing in neuropsychology. She completed her master’s degree at Johns Hopkins University and received training at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her research interests focus on putative risk factors across the lifespan influencing late-life neuropsychiatric functioning and rapid brain aging in BIPOC populations. Madeleine is interested in utilizing in vivo brain imaging with neuropsychological assessment to investigate relationships between sociodemographic disparities and subclinical neuropathology. Drawing from her clinical background, she plans to conduct research on adaptive treatment strategies that target modifiable risk factors to slow cognitive decline in individuals disproportionately affected by racially patterned stress. Contact: madeleine.smith@my.rfums.org

Selected Publications

Dr. Ellison was an invited guest editor for a special issue with the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology (JCEN; 10/2022) on Mentoring in Neuropsychology. She has a forthcoming special issue as a guest editor for The Clinical Neuropsychologist (TCN) on Current Directions in Women’s Neuropsychology Research.

Kaseda, E. T., Arentoft, A., Bangen, K. J., Mahmood, Z., Thomas, K., Kim, S. H., Tan, A., Prieto, S., Dawson, E. L., Riegler, K., Sullivan-Baca, E., & Ellison, R. L. (in press). Parental, caregiving, and family leave during clinical neuropsychology postdoctoral training: Recommendations and guidelines from the Women in Neuropsychology (WIN) committee and Education Advisory Committee (EAC) of the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (SCN; APA Division 40). The Clinical Neuropsychologist. doi: 10.1080/13854046.2023.2217673

Ellison, R. L. & Sparks, J. (Eds.). (2022). WIN/JCEN Special Issue [Special Issue]. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology (JCEN), 44(5-6). https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/ncen20/44/5-6?nav=tocList

Sparks, J. & Ellison, R. L. (2022). WIN/JCEN Special Issue: Mentoring in neuropsychology: How theory and practice can support diverse mentees. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology (JCEN), 44(5-6), 337-344. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803395.2022.2125500

Ellison, R. L. & Sparks, J. (2022). WIN/JCEN Special Issue: Mentoring in neuropsychology: Sage advice compilation from our field. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology (JCEN), 44(5-6), 345-365. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803395.2022.2130181

Calamia, M., Kaseda, E. T., Price, J. S., De Vito, A., Silver, S. H., Cherry, J., VanLandingham, H., Khan, H., Sparks, J., & Ellison, R. L. (2022). Mentorship in clinical neuropsychology: Survey of current practices, cultural responsiveness, and untapped potential. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology (JCEN), 44(5-6), 366-385. https://doi.org/10.1080/13803395.2022.2128068

Lindsey, A., Ellison, R. L., Herrold, A. A., Aaronson, A. L., Kletzel, S. L., Stika, M., Guernon, A., & Bender Pape., T. (in press). rTMS/iTBS and cognitive rehabilitation: A theoretical framework and review examining paired treatment to remediate deficits associated with TBI and PTSD. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. doi: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.21090227

VanLandingham, H., Ellison, R. L., Laique, A., Cladek, A., Khan, H., Gonzalez, C., & Dunn, M. R. (2021). A scoping review of stereotype threat for BIPOC: Cognitive effects and intervention strategies for the field of neuropsychology. The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 1-20. doi.org/10.1080/13854046.2021.1947388

Stika, M. M., Riordan, P., Aaronson, A. A., Herrold, A. A., Ellison, R. L., Kletzel, S., Drzewiecki, M., Evans, C. T., Mallinson, T., High, W. M., Babcock-Parziale, J., Urban, A., Bender Pape, T. L., & Smith, B. (2021). Cognition and other predictors of functional disability among Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 36(1), 44-55. doi: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000000611

Ellison, R. L., Cory, M., Horwath, J., Barnett, A., & Huppert, E. (2020). Can mentor organizations impact mentor outcomes? Assessing organizational norms on mentor intent to stay and willingness to ‘go the extra mile’. Journal of Community Psychology, 48(7), 2208-2220. doi:10.1002/jcop.22391

Ellison, R. L., Todd, N. R., Orth, R. D., & McConnell, E. A. (2019). Openness to diversity and White privilege awareness: The moderating role of gender for White Christian students. Journal of College Student Development, 60(5), 563-576. doi:10.1353/csd.2019.0050

Ellison, R. L. (2018). Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and prospective employment decisions: Exploring social change through college students. Journal of College and Character, 19(4), 275-291. doi:10.1080/2194587X.2018.1517648

Ellison, R. L., & Stika, M. (Winter, 2018). Feedback on invalid neuropsychological testing: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Journal of Health Service Psychology, 44(1), 19-23.

Todd, N. R., Boeh, B. A., Houston-Kolnik, J. D., & Suffrin, R L. (2017). Interfaith groups as mediating structures for political participation: A multilevel analysis. American Journal of Community Psychology, 59(1-2), 106-119. doi:10.1002/ajcp.12121

Todd, N. R., Houston-Kolnik, J. D., & Suffrin, R. L. (2017). Understanding community issues of interfaith groups. Journal of Community Psychology, 45(2), 160-177. doi:10.1002/jcop.21840

Suffrin, R. L., Todd, N. R., & Sanchez, B. (2016). An ecological perspective of mentor satisfaction with their youth mentoring relationships. Journal of Community Psychology. 44(5), 553-568. doi.org/10.1002/jcop.21785

Todd, N. R., Houston, J. D., & Suffrin, R. L. (2015). Applying affiliation social network analysis to understand interfaith groups. Psychosocial Intervention, 24(3), 147-154. doi:10.1016/j.psi.2015.07.007

Todd, N. R., Suffrin, R. L., McConnell, E. A., & Odahl-Ruan, C. A. (2015, March 25). Understanding associations between religious beliefs and White privilege attitudes. Sociological Perspectives, 58(4), 649-665. doi:10.1177/0731121415572689

Todd, N. R., McConnell, E. A., & Suffrin, R. L. (2014). The role of attitudes toward White privilege and religious beliefs in predicting social justice interest and commitment. American Journal of Community Psychology, 53, 109-121. doi:10.1007/s10464-014-9630-x