Our Executive Team
Dr. David M. Mantell is a licensed clinical psychologist and Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. He received his M.A. from Teachers College in Counseling Psychology (1965) and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Ludwig-Maximillian’s-Universität München in Germany (1972). He is an active clinical and forensic psychologist licensed in the state of Vermont and Connecticut, where he actively consults for the Judicial Department and Department of Children and Families. As a certified Forensic Child Protection Evaluator, Dr. David M. Mantell is able to provide real world questions from the courtroom to help direct our projects to answer these questions. Bringing science into the courtroom, he assists both sides of the court in civil cases and personal injury cases, and the defense in criminal court. His work focuses on ensuring the protection of youth exposed to the legal system, child abuse, and child sexual abuse. For further information regarding Dr. David M. Mantell's publications, please refer to ResearchGate.
Joshua N. Bonilla received his B.A. in psychology and criminal justice, specializing in forensic psychology from Seattle University. Prior to his graduate studies, he was a intern with Washington State's Office of Forensic Mental Health Services and with a Clinical and Forensic Psychiatrist. Serving as a Research Assistant with the Crime and Justice Research Center, he worked with Dr. Jacqueline Helfgott to develop an appendix of 150 copycat crimes. He completed his M.A. at Teachers College, Columbia University in Clinical Psychology with concentrations in Forensic Psychology, Neuropsychology, and Research Methods. As a senior research assistant, he worked towards developing a partnership with Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center and establishing numerous research projects. Joshua is interested in the implementation of neuropsychological practices and justice-involved individuals with a special research interest in traumatic brain injuries (TBI), sexual violence, and disinhibited behaviors.
Anne Moran received her B.S. in Biological Sciences from Florida State University with a focus in Behavioral Neuroscience. There she completed an independent project replicating a prior study to evaluate the efficacy of a novel therapeutic drug on ingestive behavior in female rodents within the Activity-Based Anorexia animal model. She then went on to work at an inpatient psychiatric hospital where she developed patient care skills across patient populations at the acute crisis stabilization level. From there she worked on the Baby Connectome Study with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Study Coordinator which aimed to evaluate the brain and behavioral development of children up to five years of age utilizing MRI, neuropsychological measures, urine and breast milk samples, and family report measures regarding the child’s development. She has also worked at IQVIA as both a Clinical Trials Assistant and Clinical Research Associate on COVID, Neuroscience, Cardiology, and Diabetes trials in phases 2,3, and 4 for clinical trials. She also has experience with Intravascular Ultrasound, Optical Coherence Tomography, and Computerized Tomography imaging modalities within interventional cardiology research.
At Teacher’s College she is completing her M.A. in Psychology in Education with a focus on neuropsychology and the impact of trauma on the development and influence on psychotic spectrum disorders. She is also interested in the interplay between violence against women and children and the development of psychotic disorders. Lastly, within the Child Protection Lab as a Senior Research Assistant she facilitates communication and has helped provide students with opportunities for engagement in the forensic concentration through the Mock Hearing and Mentorship program. In her free time she can be found at a coffee shop or hanging out with her cat.
Brianna Yost earned her B.S. in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology from Texas A&M University, graduating summa cum laude. She is currently pursuing her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. Her research interests center on carceral mental health, reentry support, and systemic reform, with a focus on the psychological impact of incarceration and post-release adjustment. As a senior research assistant and project lead in the Child Protection Lab, Brianna oversees a national study on child forensic interview protocols and supports the lab’s broader efforts in forensic policy research. She also co-leads the lab’s partnership with Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center, coordinating observation opportunities and identifying areas for collaborative research. Brianna is committed to advancing evidence-based practices that promote justice, equity, and mental health for justice-involved populations.
Jenna Wettstein is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Auburn University, where her commitment to criminal justice reform first took shape. Throughout her academic and professional journey, Jenna has been a passionate advocate for building a more equitable and balanced criminal justice system. She embraces a holistic, trauma-informed approach to reform, with a focus on addressing the nuanced needs of both victims and offenders. Her advocacy extends across national and international platforms, including collaborations with policymakers in Washington, D.C., and contributions to United Nations initiatives aimed at advancing a multi-system approach to justice. Within the Child Protection Lab, Jenna serves as the Senior Research Manager and Lead Research Assistant. She leads a nationwide study on testimonial accommodations for child victims of sexual abuse and works closely with Dr. Mantell as his primary research assistant. Overall, Jenna aspires to leverage empirical research to inform and drive systemic improvements within the criminal legal system. In her free time, she enjoys long walks with her dog and discovering new restaurants throughout the city.