Kayla is a current research assistant in the FAMH Lab, participating in VCU's Summer research program for undergraduates (WSURP). She is a junior at Virginia State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (expected May 2028). Her research interests center on child and adolescent mental health in underrepresented communities of color, with a particular focus on the early identification and treatment of mental health concerns in underserved youth and the impact of trauma, chronic stress, and social determinants on their wellbeing. Driven by a commitment to mental health equity, Kayla aspires to pursue Clinical Psychology with the goal of developing accessible, evidence-based interventions for underserved communities and improving mental health outcomes for the next generation.