2026 Fellows

Priscilla Dass-Brailsford is a graduate of Harvard University and a faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry at Georgetown University. Her work is grounded in community-engaged and action-oriented scholarship that examines the psychological and social consequences of trauma, violence, abuse, and structural adversity. She focuses particularly on how individuals and communities from historically oppressed or stigmatized groups experience trauma, navigate culturally specific stressors, and mobilize resilience and healing practices. Dr. Dass-Brailsford’s scholarship integrates empirical research, clinical expertise, and community partnership to inform trauma-responsive policies, interventions, and systems of care. Prior to entering academia, she coordinated the Community Crisis Response Team for the Victims of Violence Program at Cambridge Health Alliance, where she led collaborative, community-based responses in the aftermath of interpersonal and collective trauma. This applied work continues to shape her participatory research approach and commitment to translating research into practice. She is the author of three books—A Practical Approach to Trauma: Empowering Interventions (2007), Disaster and Crisis Response: Lessons Learned from Hurricane Katrina (2009), and Trauma, Violence, & Abuse (2020)—a fourth, a second edition of her first book is coming out in April 2026 – and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Dass-Brailsford has presented nationally and internationally and is recognized for advancing trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and equity-centered approaches to research and practice. She is incoming Division 27 PP.IG column editor team for 2026 and an APA Fellow, as well as a Fellow of APA Divisions 17, 29, 35, 42, 45, and 56.

Patrizia Meringolo, PsyD, Psychologist and Psychotherapist, was Full Professor in Community Psychology at the University of Florence. and the Coordinator of many National and International Research Projects. She is Founder and member of the Scientific Committee of the former academic spin-off “LabCom. Research and Action for psychosocial well-being”. She is a member of scientific associations, such as APA American Psychological Association, SCRA Society for Community Research and Action, and SIPCO – Società Italiana di Psicologia di Comunità. Her research interests concern social and community psychology, gender differences, resilience, migrations, radicalization, health promotion, and risky behaviors. She has expertise in Qualitative Methods and Participatory Action Research. She is the author of numerous scientific publications and has made contributions to presentations at national and international conferences. ORCID 0000-0002-2002-4080 web page https://www.unifi.it/p-doc2-2017-200049-M-3f2a3632382e30-0.html Some recent publications: Meringolo, P., Cecchini, C., Donati, C. (2021). Migrants as suspects? A participatory consensus conference to promote well-being and inclusion. Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community, 1-16. Meringolo, P. (Ed.) (2020). Preventing Violent Radicalisation in Europe. Multidisciplinary perspectives. Cham: Springer. Meringolo, P., Volpi, C., Chiodini, M. (2019). Community Impact Evaluation. Telling a stronger story. Community Psychology in Global Perspective, 5(1), 85-106.

Dr. Geraldine (Geri) L. Palmer, is a community psychologist, scholar/practitioner-activist, educator and writer; co-founder of Community Wellness Institute (CWI) and Assistant Professor at Adler University, Chicago. Earning a PhD in Community Psychology from National Louis University her work is grounded within community psychology and crosses the fields of African American studies, political and cultural studies and sociology. Through CWI she facilitates professional development training programs for boards, educational institutions, faith-and community-based entities, hospitals and for profit organizations which include workshops that focus on anti-racism, historical and intergenerational trauma, reframing language that others and more. She is co-editor of an open-education textbook in community psychology practice, author and co-author of chapters in three other books and numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals, and other trade newsletters, blogs, written works and is featured in two podcasts. She is the recipient of numerous awards for her tireless work on advancing social and racial justice including the 2024 Award for Distinguished Contribution to Practice in Community Psychology, the 2016 Nonprofit Partner Award, the 2015 Community Treasure Award, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County and the 2014 Phenomenal Woman Award in Human Services & Social Justice. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, playing pickleball, watching movies, and playing New York Times (NYT) games: Pips, Wordle, Connections and Strands!