Meet The Team

Mads Bruce (she/her) is an Assistant Professor at Webster University, Clinical Consultant at UTHealth Houston’s Trauma and Resilience Center, and an Instructor at the Jefferson College Law Enforcement Academy. She is a clinical psychologist with expertise in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her research focuses on improving evidence-based treatments for PTSD and as well as the impact of traumatic events occurring in institutional contexts. Outside of work, she enjoys ultra- swimming, running, and carb-loading, and she is the mother of 5 guinea pigs, 2 of whom are well-behaved.

Elise is a senior in psychology at Webster University and an aspiring gerontologist, set to begin her Master’s in Gerontological Studies at Miami University in Fall 2025. In the lab, she focuses on advanced statistical analysis and data management, supporting research and theory on the social contexts of trauma. With experience in cognitive stimulation therapy, hospice care, and tutoring academic and research writing, she is committed to an ethically-rooted scientific career that informs practice and policy. In her free time, she enjoys being in community at church, staying active with ballet and daily walks, and cooking new vegetarian recipes. 

I am a senior graduating in May of 2025 with a BA in Psychology with an emphasis in mental health. I am from, and currently based in St. Louis. I plan on going down the clinical route and pursuing a PhD in clinical or counseling psychology in the next few years. I am particularly interested in trauma and disorders rooted in or affected by trauma. My goal is to eventually be a counseling psychologist, working with clients to help them heal, build wellness, and improve their quality of life. I’d love to work with women, queer folks, and adolescents. Outside of academic and professional interests, I am a musician. I sing, write music, and play guitar. I love thrifting, activism, and arts and crafts. 

​Emma is a junior at Webster University currently earning her BA in psychology with a minor in art. She is an aspiring art therapist with the goal of working with children and adolescents. This is her first year as a research assistant and is ready to immerse herself in the research of the lived experience of trauma survivors. In her free time, she enjoys reading, arts and crafts, playing with her cat, and spending time with her loved ones. 

Madeleine (Maddie) Allman, MPH, MA is currently a Doctoral Psychology Intern at UT Health Science Center in the Trauma and Resilience Center. She is in her final year of her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Houston. She is interested in research and clinical work serving children and families who have been exposed to trauma, as well as expanding access to evidence-based treatments for trauma. Maddie's NIH-funded dissertation examined the implementation of a parenting support program for Black mothers and children who have been exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). In the future, Maddie hopes to pursue a clinical science career in an academic medical center working to improve outcomes for trauma-exposed families. In her spare time, Maddie likes to run with her goldendoodle (named Rosie) around Houston's beautiful parks and try new restaurants.