About

MISSION

The Wright Institute Pipeline to Advanced Degrees (WIPAD) aims to increase access and representation within the field of psychology by creating a pipeline for historically underrepresented students, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and first generation college students. To this end, WIPAD supports three primary programs: (1) Psychology Internship Program, (2) Diversity Recruitment Program, and (3) Psychology Outreach Program. These programs are designed to educate, empower, and inspire historically underrepresented students to explore and pursue advanced degrees and careers in mental health.

OBJECTIVES

• To increase awareness about educational options and career paths in psychology
• To empower and inspire historically underrepresented students to seek advanced degrees in psychology

Programs

PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (on hiatus until further notice)

Mission

Psychology Internship Program (PIP) partners with local high schools to provide mentorship-based internships that facilitate awareness and knowledge about advanced degrees and career options in clinical psychology for historically underrepresented students. PIP has offered internships in two locations in the broader San Francisco Bay Area: East Bay and South Bay.

Psychology Internship Program East Bay (PIP-EB) met for one full academic year. Weekly seminars were led by culturally similar graduate student mentors and undergraduate student assistants. PIP-EB has most recently partnered with the following high schools in the East Bay: Life Academy, Berkeley High School, Contra Costa College’s Middle College High School, Oakland High School, and Oakland Technical High School. PIP-EB is based largely on the Taking Flight model.

Psychology Internship Program South Bay (PIP-SB) met for one full academic year. Monthly seminars were led by culturally similar graduate student mentors. PIP-SB worked with Mills High School in Millbrae since 2018 under the leadership of Dr. Shiyu Zhang, PsyD. PIP-SB is based on the Taking Flight model, served predominantly Asian American students experiencing high academic stress, and was commonly referred to by the PIP-SB team as the Mental Health Awareness Initiative (MHAI).

• To increase interns’ understanding of the field of clinical psychology, including educational pathways and career options
• To increase interns’ overall confidence in their ability to pursue higher education and advanced degrees
• To increase interns’ sense of community and belonging with culturally similar students and professionals

Taking Flight is the main manual-based curriculum used by PIP. It was originally developed by Dr. Anatasia S. Kim. After many years of working with her graduate students and undergraduate assistants and testing, modifying, and streamlining the approach, Dr. Kim and her former graduate student Dr. Abigail Johal synthesized this work into a book that can easily be adopted by psychology programs and departments as well as mental health organizations invested in helping to grow a diverse and representative mental health workforce.

Clinical Psychology Internship for Underrepresented Students: An Inclusive Approach Toward Higher Education (Routledge, 2021).

• Overview of the field of psychology
• Common mental health concerns among adolescents and disenfranchised communities
• Self-reflection and insights
• Research approaches to mental health issues
• Clinical approaches to mental health issues
• Capstone projects and presentations
• Integration of knowledge, skills, and self-concept

• Didactic
• Hands-on application
• Project/presentation
• Guest speakers
• Field trips
• Pre-post surveys

“It made me feel inspired [to be mentored by graduate students and professionals of color]. It made me feel more reassured as a person of color because it gave me models to follow. Having these mentors was crucial to my own mental health. The fact that this was one of the first times I ever saw professionals of color made me scared but reminded me that they existed. They gave me strength when the world really feels like it is against POC.” Fernando, PIP-EB

“It really kick started my career by connecting me to psychology and the mental health field. My experience with the program made it seem possible that I can become a doctor or psychologist to people like me, other people of color.” Victor, PIP-EB

“[Being with other first-generation college-bound students and professionals of color] was inspiring and calming because I was being taught and given advice by people that were just like me.” Yá Hiness, PIP-EB

“Taking Flight has been a complete eye opener to the field of mental health for me and the many careers and study options available.” Yesenia, PIP-EB

“I love being a part of this group...maybe it (psychology) is something I would like to further pursue in the future.” Former PIP-SB Intern

“MHAI presents an opportunity to expand my interests in psychology and I believe that there is no better way to learn than seeking different perspectives and opinions.” Former PIP-SB Intern

“I hope to expand my awareness and knowledge on mental health, give a helping hand to those in need of it, and take on things I would normally shy away from. I'm very proud of myself for applying last year and for the amount of things I've garnered through the Zoom meetings. I hope to be another hand in making more progress toward breaking the stigma!” Former PIP-SB Intern

“I still feel a little discomfort opening up and talking about mental health with others, and I hope that MHAI will help me feel more comfortable and be able to freely share.” Former PIP-SB Intern

The Wright Institute Diversity Recruitment Program is geared towards prospective graduate students who have completed or are in the process of completing their undergraduate degree. It offers several events throughout the year designed to help demystify the graduate school application process as well as information about degree options in psychology, financing graduate education, and specific topics geared for underrepresented students such as imposter syndrome. Participants connect with current faculty and graduate students in The Wright Institute’s MA and PsyD programs as well as The Wright Institute Admissions Director. Events are open to any BIPOC and/or first-generation college students.

Real Talk Event Flyer

The Wright Institute Psychology Outreach Program (POP) aims to broaden pathways into the field of psychology by creating opportunities for students and aspiring professionals. POP is committed to increasing access for individuals who have historically faced barriers to entering the profession, helping prepare future psychologists and therapists who reflect the populations they serve. The program supports interest in psychology across different stages of education and career development by hosting events that encourage mentorship, networking, and knowledge-sharing.

The program aims to foster community, expand knowledge, and provide meaningful opportunities for students and professionals to learn from each other. POP is organized with an executive director, assistant executive director, program manager, outreach and coordination staff, social media coordinator, teen advisor, and volunteers.

Our Team

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Anatasia Kim, PhD
Executive Director, WIPAD

Anatasia S. Kim, PhD, is a Professor at The Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. She received her BA in Psychology from UC Berkeley and her PhD in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Developmental Psychology from UCLA. She is a National Ronald McNair Scholar and the recipient of a number of awards including the American Psychological Association Minority Fellowship, Okura Mental Health Fellowship, and APAGS Guardian of Psychology Award. In addition to graduate teaching, she has a private practice specializing in treating children, adolescents, and young adults with anxiety disorders, depression, and neuro-cognitive disorders using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Theory, Family Systems, and Buddhist Psychology. She also provides Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) consultation and training to organizations. In recent years, she served as President of the Alameda County Psychological Association, Chair of California Psychological Association (CPA) Immigration Task Force, CPA’s state Diversity Delegate, and APA Division 31 Diversity Leadership Development Program. Dr. Kim is the lead author of It’s Time to Talk (and Listen): How to Have Constructive Conversations About Race, Class, Sexuality, Ability, and Gender in a Polarized World (New Harbinger, 2019) and of Clinical Psychology Internship for Underrepresented Students: An Inclusive Approach Toward Higher Education (Routledge, 2021). For more information about Dr. Kim, please check out: www.anatasiakim.com

Anu Orebiyi, MA, LMHC, PsyD
Assistant Executive Director, WIPAD

Dr. Anu Orebiyi, M.A., LMHC, Psy.D. is a mental health practitioner, who received her B.S. in Biology with a Psychology minor at Truman State University in 2006, her M.A. in Counseling Psychology at The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology in 2009, and her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at the Wright Institute in 2024. Dr. Anu is a licensed mental health counselor in WA State, and she is currently working as post-doctoral, psychological associate at Core Insights Psychological Group, Inc.

Dr. Anu is passionate about working alongside marginalized communities and in increasing equitable access to mental health supports both to and within marginalized communities. Throughout her 16+ years working as a clinician, Dr. Anu has worked with a wide variety of individuals within a variety of settings including working in a sub-acute facility with kids experiencing significant trauma and behavioral difficulties, in multiple school settings, in-home both with kids diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and their families and with individuals 55+ struggling with depression, in an agency providing specialized case management for African American elders who were 65+, in the Wright Institute's In-house Clinic, with UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital's Center for the Vulnerable Child (CVC)'s Support to Enhance Early Development Program (SEED), and in outpatient primary care and within urgent care settings at LifeLong Medical Center’s William Jenkins Medical Center with the Wright Institute’s Integrated Health Psychology Training Program.

Dr. Anu has also worked alongside the University of Washington’s Health Promotion Research Center in researching the efficacy and dissemination of their in-home depression counseling program across diverse populations and continues to proactively dedicate herself towards the increased efficacy of and access to mental health services across diverse populations.

Lelia Youn, MA
POP Program Manager

Lelia Youn (she/her) is a 6th year student at the Wright Institute’s Doctoral program. She received her BS in Microbiology with a minor in Asian Studies at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Lelia joins the WIPAD program with experience in PK-12 education; having worked as an assistant high school counselor and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) teacher; previously she was a middle school biology teacher. With an appreciation for systems thinking and honoring the experiences of the individual, Lelia strives to foster supportive relationships while keeping in mind the sociopolitical contexts we live in. As a previous PIP mentor, Lelia appreciated the supportive environment co-created with her fellow mentors and incredible mentees. This is Lelia’s fourth year with WIPAD, previously working as a PIP mentor and program manager. She returns as the POP program manager and is excited to partner with the POP team.

Inspired by her experiences with WIPAD and PIP, Lelia became deeply curious about the experiences of BIPOC mentors and the impact that mentoring has on them. This interest led to her dissertation, titled “What About the Mentors?: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of the Experiences of BIPOC Mentors Providing Culturally Congruent Mentorship.” She is currently in the process of completing her dissertation.
Clinically, Lelia is passionate about accessible mental health services. Her training includes high school counseling, the Wright Institute Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Clinic, and the Richmond Area Multi-Services (RAMS). Additionally, Lelia completed her predoctoral internship at RAMS, where she facilitated a reflection group for peer counselors, conducted psychological assessments, and continued to provide psychotherapy services to adolescents and adults. She hopes to continue working and training at community mental health clinics, serving those who may face barriers such as low SES, a convoluted healthcare system, and/or mental health stigma.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Ali Manrique, MA
Social Media Manager

Ali Manrique (she/her) is a fourth year doctoral student at the Wright Institute. She is a first-generation student and identifies as a proud bilingual Peruana. She received her B.A. in Psychology and minor in Education from UC Berkeley in 2018. During undergrad, she began working with the WIPAD program as a research assistant. After graduating UC Berkeley, she had experience working as a youth case manager, a mental health counselor, and an IEP legal advocate for high schools in Oakland. During her doctoral education journey at the Wright Institute, she has worked with primarily first-generation BIPOC students in middle school, high school, and college settings. Ali is committed to helping BIPOC communities have access to equitable, culturally inclusive mental health services and demystify higher education for first-generation youth. She is delighted to be entering her fifth year working with the amazing WIPAD family as the social media manager!

DIVERSITY RECRUITMENT PROGRAM STAFF

POP OUTREACH AND COORDINATION TEAM MEMBERS

Priscilla Mei, MA
POP Outreach and Coordination Team

Priscilla (she/her) is a fourth-year clinical psychology doctoral student at the Wright Institute. She identifies as a bilingual Chinese American and first-generation college student from Chicago, IL. She received her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Chinese Language and Culture from Washington University in St. Louis. During her time at WashU, she was a part of a mentor-mentee program aimed at pairing undergraduate students with adopted Chinese adolescents in the St. Louis area with the purpose of fostering a relationship and providing guidance to the mentee. After graduating WashU, she worked as a clinical research assistant for a psychology lab for a couple years before entering WI's PsyD program. Her current clinical passion lies with community mental health, and she aims to serve historically marginalized communities and individuals, especially those who lack services and have multiple responsibilities including school and family.

Shah Shepherd, MA
POP Outreach and Coordination Team

Shah Shepherd is a third-year PsyD student at The Wright Institute, where he also serves as a Teaching Assistant for the Assessment Series. He has lived in the Bay Area for over a decade. Shah earned an AA-T in Psychology and an AA in Behavioral Health Sciences from City College of San Francisco before transferring to UC San Diego, where he completed his BA in Psychology with a minor in Human Developmental Sciences.

His clinical experience includes supporting college students with a range of mental health concerns through the Wright Institute College Wellness Program and working with individuals with acute dual diagnoses at Sutter Alta Bates Herrick Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital. Currently, Shah provides treatment for individuals navigating substance use and co-occurring diagnoses at HealthRIGHT 360 and conducts collaborative psychological assessments at The Wright Institute Assessment Clinic.

Shah’s professional interests center on the experiences of underrepresented communities and the development of integrative approaches to healing and coping. He is particularly passionate about working with individuals affected by trauma, PTSD, and personality disorders.

In addition to his clinical and academic roles, Shah serves as Chair of The Wright Institute’s Black Student Union and as a co-leader of the Fireside Chats series. Outside of his professional commitments, he enjoys mentoring, traveling, volunteering, cooking, styling hair, composing poetry, and tending to his plants.

Phoebe Brock-Dolas
POP Outreach and Coordination Team

Phoebe Brock-Dolas (she/her) is a second year doctoral student at the Wright Institute. She grew up in Berkeley after being adopted from China when she was a baby. She earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Economics from Whitman College in Washington. While at Whitman, Phoebe was a peer tutor in statistics, a member of the Peer Listeners club, and a research assistant for a lab studying perceptions of diversity and a lab focused on personality, attachment, and LGBTQ+ experiences. After graduating, Phoebe was a LifeLine Counselor for the Trevor Project’s Hotline. She also worked at an adult day program helping to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in self-determining their lives and pursuing their goals. Phoebe is passionate about fostering a sense of belonging in the field of mental health for individuals from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities, whether they aspire to become future psychologists or seek support as future clients. She is eager to be working with the POP team in reaching people at different stages of their education in the Bay Area community!

Theresa Easter
POP Outreach and Coordination Team

Theresa Easter (she/her) is a first-year PsyD student at The Wright Institute, a Sacramento native, and a Navy veteran with five years of experience as a psychiatric technician at Naval Medical Center San Diego. She earned her BA in Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis from Post University in 2024. Theresa has extensive experience in crisis intervention, supporting individuals with serious mental illness, and providing case management and strength-based therapy to underserved populations in community mental health.

She is currently completing her first-year practicum at Contra Costa College. Her clinical interests include trauma, at-risk youth, and serious mental illness. Theresa is passionate about helping individuals reclaim their lives, deepen their understanding of their own life stories, and find fulfillment. She is committed to serving underrepresented communities and improving mental health accessibility. Theresa is also excited to be part of the Psychology Outreach Program, where she aims to increase representation in the field and inspire the next generation of mental health professionals.

POP TEEN ADVISOR

Naomi McBride
Teen Advisor

My name is Naomi McBride and I am the teen youth advisor for the Psychology Outreach Program. I am a junior at Oakland Technical High School and my passions are poetry, photography, and social equity.

Contact Us

Psychology Outreach Program

If you are interested and/or have any questions, please contact: takingflight@wi.edu

Diversity Recruitment Program

For information about upcoming events, please contact: pipeline@wi.edu