Our Team
Joya Hampton-Anderson, PhD
Director & Principal Investigator
Dr. Hampton-Anderson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. Her program of research aims to understand the sociocultural determinants of health disparities and integrated health outcomes in youth and families, with a particular interest in childhood adversity and chronic stress. She is also interested in risk and protective factors that influence mental and physical health diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment with a specific interest in culturally competent clinical practice and research.
Troy Maxwell
Research Coordinator
Troy is a recent graduate of Tuskegee University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, graduating summa cum laude. Troy's research interests are centered around internalized disorders, with a strong emphasis on investigating their occurrences in underrepresented populations. She plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology to further her research and clinical training. Outside of her work in the lab, Troy enjoys listening to music, composing playlists, attending concerts, and watching films and television.
Eukirah Pennyman, MSW
Social Worker & Director of Community Outreach
Eukirah holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Tennessee State University and a Master of Social Work in health and mental health from Clark Atlanta University. She serves as a social worker and primarily works in criminal justice policy and research enhancing strategies through evidence-based decision-making. Her interests include producing data-driven and culturally competent clinical research regarding at-risk youth's accessibility and comfortability to mental health resources with regard to socio-economical and cultural risks. Her research interests support her ongoing pursuit of providing holistic, trauma-informed clinical treatment for youth. Outside of work, Eukirah enjoys cooking and traveling, and with a background in film and communications, she also enjoys watching various documentaries.
Akina Griffin, MSW
Social Worker & Director of Youth Outreach
Akina earned his Bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College and earned his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia. His interests include reducing stigmas within African American communities with a primary focus on providing mental health and wellness services to children, adolescents, and their families. He specializes in using Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Client-centered and Solution-focused therapeutic approaches. Akina is also interested in researching the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACES ) on individuals and helping them find healthy alternatives to live more fulfilling lives. He enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, and attending music concerts in his free time.
Olimiposi Samo
Digital Communications Manager
Posi is a recent graduate of Emory University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. With the goal of pursuing a career in psychotherapy, she is particularly invested in providing accessible and affordable therapy for those struggling with their mental health. Posi loves the color green, The Real Housewives, learning new crafts, and Afrobeats music.
Reeya Bazari
Research Assistant
Reeya is a recent graduate of Emory University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology on the pre-med track. She is interested in learning more about the causes and effects of stress in people of color, especially since it is often overlooked. She plans to attend medical school and become a physician (specialty uncertain).
Leia Marshall
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Leia is a senior at Emory University, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology on the pre-med track. She is interested in developing care that acknowledges patients’ unique experiences as people of color.
Tyler Perry, MD, MPH
Graduate Research Assistant
Dr. Perry is in the Psychiatry Residency Program at Emory University School of Medicine. He is interested in cultural psychiatry and its impact on adolescent and maternal populations. His research interests are focused on disparities in mental health care around African American youth. He hopes to practice culturally informed psychiatry within marginalized populations and build out his research interests further.
