Culturally Responsive Evidence-based Practices in School Psychology

Doctoral Students

Grace Bintz

(Entered 2025-2026)

Hi! My name is Grace, and I was born and raised here in the beautiful Garden City! I recently received my B.A. in psychology and a certificate in forensic science from the University of Montana in 2024, and now I am back as a School Psychology doctoral student! As an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to work as a research assistant in the Existential Trauma Lab at UM. I was also able to gain experience working with youth at the Boys and Girls Club of Missoula County where I led the afterschool club that served the rural community of Lolo, MT. My research interests include working closely with Native American communities to understand resilience in their youth. Specifically, I would like to explore activities and relationships that Native American students engage in that impact their resilience. When I am not at school or work, I am likely walking with my dog, Bogey, grabbing a bite to eat with friends or family, or snuggling in with a good tv series or thriller novel

Ana Carolina Grizoni Elias

(Entered 2024-2025)

Hi there! My name is Ana Carolina, and I am an international student originally from Brazil.  

I was born and raised in a small city called Assis, in the state of Sao Paulo. I graduated in 2020 from Paulista University with a bachelor’s in psychology. After graduating, I had an amazing experience working as a clinical therapist and as well in a rehabilitation center for men with addiction to alcohol and drugs. Although I loved working in these areas, my heart always had a special love for working with children. I moved to the US in 2021 for a cultural exchange, where I could focus on improving my English. I also used this time to explore the options and different areas of psychology that I wanted to continue gaining knowledge and conducting research. I am very excited to continue my journey as a PhD student at the University of Montana. As a new member of Dr. Anisa Goforth's Culturally Responsive Evidence-based Practices in School Psychology lab, I am interested in investigating inclusion in education, focusing my research on helping schools that need bilingual professionals to support students struggling with language, and conducting appropriate assessments to help diverse learners.

Exploring the U.S. and learning about American culture have been my favorite things to do in my free time. When I am not traveling, I like to hike, go to the gym, try new breweries, or read a good book. I am very excited to live in Montana and enjoy all that Missoula has to offer. 

Awards and Recognition While at UM:

• 2024 Student Affiliates of School Psychology BIPOC Equity in School Psychology Training (BEST) Scholarship

Arturo Jimenez

(Entered 2024-2025)

Hello all. I am Arturo Jimenez, I grew up in central MN before moving to El Paso, TX in middle school. I graduated in 2023 with a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in History from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX, where I played football and threw in track and field. I have previously worked in a developmental psychology research lab and with youth K-6 in an afterschool program. My research interests focus on equitable educational systems and identity-supportive school environments. The research I am interested in developed from my background as a person of mixed race living in central MN. In my free time I enjoy reading, listening to music, going disc golfing, and cooking new recipes. I am looking forward to being involved in the CRESP lab and other opportunities Missoula offers.

Awards and Recognition Received While at UM:

• 2025 National Association of School Psychologists Graduate Student Research Grant ($1000)

Deborah Ith

(Entered 2023-2024)

Hello everyone, my name is Deborah Ith. I moved around so many times as a child and into early adulthood that I did not form a sense of being from a particular place. But one of my favorite places to have lived is Longview Washington and so if pressed I will say that I am from there. Missoula Montana is a close second. I received my B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Cultural Anthropology from Central Washington University in 2021. My research focuses on promoting equity in public schools, multitiered social-emotional and behavioral interventions in K-12 education, and programs that build hope, resilience, and wellness in children and adolescents. I am grateful to be a part of the CRESP Lab and have learned a great deal from Dr. Goforth and  the other lab members. I am also the project coordinator for Project SELA (see the Research Projects link to learn more about Project SELA) and have grown as both a researcher and a person as I have worked with educators, community members, and other university researchers to collaboratively support the social-emotional learning and wellbeing of students and educators in schools on the Flathead Reservation.  This year I will also be completing my masters thesis focused on understanding the lived experiences of Latine immigrant students related to school belonging in high school.

In my free time I enjoy creating diverse types of art and enjoying art created by others. I also enjoy chatting with my grown kids who live far away, hiking with my dogs, and simply being outside in nature.

Awards and Recognition Received while at UM:

• 2025 American Psychological Association Division 16 Student Poster Finalist, APA Convention, Denver
• 2024 National Association of School Psychologists Graduate Student Research Grant ($1000)
• 2024 Montana Association of School Psychologists Montana Exemplary Student Action Award ($500)

Anna Reszewicz

(Entered 2023-2024)

Hey! I am Anna, I am a doctoral student in the School Psychology PhD program here at the University of Montana. I am a born and raised Canadian from Calgary, AB where I graduated from the University of Calgary with my B.A in Psychology. My research interests include bilingualism and executive functioning and how the two intersect with each other in the academic setting. Currently, I am a member of the Culturally Responsive Evidence Based Practices in School Psychology Lab (CRESP Lab) under my advisor Dr. Anisa Goforth. When I'm not working or doing school work you will most likely find me attending a spin class, skiing or hiking.

Jaida Lilly

(Entered 2022-2023)

Hi everyone! My name is Jaida Lilly (she/her) and I am originally from Chicago, Illinois. I received my B.S. in psychology with an art minor, from Carroll University in 2019. As an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to work directly with students in various PreK-12 settings, including providing ABA therapy and assisting in special education. My experiences studying abroad ignited my passion for social justice advocacy and the application of culturally responsive interventions. After graduation, I gained my clinical experience by working as a Behavioral Specialist for 2.5 years, providing direct patient care within residential and partial-hospitalization facilities. I also had the opportunity to navigate the creation and leadership of the hospital’s BIPOC employee resource group. I’m looking forward to being involved in the CRESP lab’s current research and hope to explore my interests in the academic standards contributing to educational inequity, in addition to global mental health.

I love traveling, making arts/crafts, yoga, SUP with my pup, and spending time in nature. For the past 2 years, I’ve enjoyed living in the Pacific Northwest with my dog, Jasper, and we are so excited to see what new adventures Missoula has to offer!

Awards and Recognitions Received while at UM:

• 2026 APA Division 16 Outstanding Contributions to Anti-Racism in School Psychology: Student Award
• 2024 Outstanding Student Diversity Leadership Award, University of Montana
• 2023 Student Diversity Leadership Award, University of Montana
• 2023 Student Leadership Champion, National Association of School Psychologists Graduate Student Committee