Meet Our Board
Amanda Bucknam: PresidentAmanda is from Simsbury, Connecticut and received her B.A. in Psychology and Spanish from Dickinson College in 2023. She took a gap year between graduating from Dickinson and starting graduate school to work in an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) clinic in Connecticut as a Behavior Technician. During this year, she worked one-on-one with children from ages 5 to 16 with autism spectrum disorder. She implemented a variety of strategies and interventions with these kids, focusing on functional communication and social skills training. This job is what helped Amanda decide that she wanted to work in a field that supports childhood development. Amanda is currently a graduate assistant working with Dr. Constantino in the Education Policy, Planning & Leadership department. She is eager to connect with the incoming first year students and help them as they enter this amazing program!
Carleigh Rollins: Vice PresidentCarleigh graduated from Christopher Newport University in 2022 with a B.A. in Psychology. Originally from Glen Allen, Virginia, she has work experience in two inpatient mental health hospitals, as well as a preschool setting. Currently, she works as a graduate assistant for Project Empower. Carleigh is passionate about mental health advocacy and chose to pursue a career in school psychology after recognizing the significant need for mental health support within schools. As a future school psychologist, she aspires to deliver inclusive and compassionate services to students from diverse backgrounds.
Brandon Cuellar: TreasurerBrandon was born in Bloomfield, NJ and raised in Chesterfield, VA. He attended Virginia Tech and received a B.S. in Biology and a B.S. in Clinical Neuroscience in 2021. Upon graduating, Brandon worked a wide variety of jobs, starting as a lab technician and later moving on to work as an observational avian biologist. Since middle school, he has also worked with children in several paid and volunteer capacities, including tutoring and substitute teaching. Through these experiences, Brandon noticed the unique academic and educational struggles that English language learners face on a daily basis. This drove him to pursue a career as a school psychologist in hopes that he can provide services to children in their native language and reduce the barriers to their learning. Brandon is currently working as the teaching assistant for EDUC P20A: Psychoed Assessment under the supervision of Rachel Sleeth. As both Rachel’s TA and treasurer of the SPSA, Brandon is excited to connect with the incoming first year cohort and help them on their journey to becoming fantastic school psychologists!
Marissa McDole: SecretaryMarissa is a second-year School Psychology student from Winchester, VA. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech in 2023. Before entering the School Psychology program, Marissa worked as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in-home clinician, supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. She has experience working with children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds, many of whom were insured through Medicaid. She feels that it is important for all children and families to have equitable access to the proper supports they need to thrive and succeed. As a future school psychologist, she is committed to advocating for and supporting the individual needs of students and their families.
Kelli Claiborne: D&I Representative Kelli is currently a second-year School Psychology student who serves as a Graduate Assistant for the School of Education Communications department. Kelli holds a B.A in Early and Elementary Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and an M.S in Educational Psychology from George Mason University. She has spent many years working with students in Title I schools and has a passion for connecting with students, their families, educators, and her community. She feels that it is extremely important for all people to be seen and heard, and to be able to feel safe in sharing their needs and desires. As a future school psychologist, she hopes to educate and support students and their families.

Lili is currently a second-year School Psychology student who serves as a graduate assistant in the School of Education. Lili holds a B.S in Family Science from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an M.Ed. in School Psychology from William & Mary. She looks forward to promoting the School Psychology program and uplifting its students. As a future school psychologist, she hopes to work implementing school-wide intervention programs for children and families.