Carly is a Research Study Assistant in the READi Lab, working on the RISE and Sprout studies. Born and raised in Merced, California, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Prior to joining the lab, Carly worked as a Certified Behavior Technician providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children diagnosed with ASD. Carly loves to read, travel, and find new favorite food spots in Seattle. She aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology in the future.
Clara Herrera, BA, Research Study Assistant
Clara is a Research Study Assistant at the READi Lab working on the RISE and Sprout studies. Born in Dallas, Texas and raised in Kent, Washington, she received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Washington. Prior to joining the lab, Clara was a student intern at the Seattle Children’s Autism Center and worked as a Certified Behavior Technician providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children diagnosed with ASD. In her spare time, Clara enjoys taking dance classes, reading, and trying out new food spots around Seattle. She is excited to be a part of the READi team and aspires to pursue a PhD in clinical child psychology in the future.
Dana Parkin, MA, Student Research Study Assistant
Dana is a school psychology graduate student at the University of Washington and a student research assistant in the READi Lab. Originally from Spokane, Washington, Dana graduated from the University of Washington in 2018 with her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She obtained her Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis from Whitworth University in 2020. Before joining READi Lab, Dana worked with children with autism spectrum disorders at Seattle Children’s Autism Center as a research intern and in the field of applied behavior analysis as a Registered Behavior Technician. In her spare time, Dana enjoys spending time with her cat, watching college basketball (Go Zags!), and reading. She is excited to continue learning about early autism research and its application to the field of school psychology.
Gina Damilano, MEd, BCBA, LBA, Research Study Assistant
Gina is a Research Study Assistant in the READi Lab, working on the RISE and Sprout studies. Born and raised in the Central Valley of California, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from Sonoma State University. Prior to joining the lab, Gina worked with children with developmental disabilities (primarily ASD) in school, clinic, home, and community settings. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education, with a focus on applied behavior analysis and autism spectrum disorder, from University of Washington. Gina loves watching baseball (Go Giants!), DIY crafts, and spending time on Lake Washington. She is excited for the opportunity to join the READiLab Team and learn more about autism research.
John Hershberger, BA, Research Coordinator
John is a research coordinator in the READiLab. Born and raised in New York City, John has grown to love the Pacific Northwest. He is pursuing a second career in child developmental research after working in children’s media as Brand Manager at the Pokémon Company International. His time working with children at Pokémon sparked his interest in learning more about how children’s minds grow over time. He is excited to be involved in scientific research firsthand at READi Lab. John enjoys hiking, video games, and occasionally acting on stage in his spare time.
Karla Uroza, BA, Research Study Assistant
Karla is a Research Study Assistant at the READi lab. Karla will be working on the RISE study as a bilingual (English/Spanish) caregiver liaison. Karla was born in San Diego and raised in Tijuana, Mexico. At 15 years old she immigrated to San Diego where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at San Diego State University. Prior to joining the lab, Karla worked as a preschool teacher for Navy child development centers. During her undergraduate career, she worked as Registered Behavioral Technician providing ABA services for children diagnosed with ASD and other developmental disabilities. In her spare time Karla enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time outdoors. She aspires to earn a Master’s in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology in the future.