Neuron & Rose’s Doctoral Trainee Program

Wondering What a Doctoral Student is? 
FAQ: info on students, training, oversight, and our program from a therapy and evaluations-participant-informed perspective

  • Nope. Practicum students are doctoral-level clinicians in advanced training, not beginners. They’ve completed years of graduate coursework, often hold a master’s degree, and have prior clinical experience before ever working with participants here.

    Also—and this part matters—nothing happens without licensed oversight. Every case is closely supervised by Dr. Hannani or Dr. Hogan from start to finish.

  • Absolutely. Each practicum student is paired directly with Dr. Melody Hannani or Dr. Jessica Hogan, who review assessment plans, discuss cases regularly, and ensure care is accurate, ethical, and neuroaffirming.

    Think of it as team-based care, not a solo act.

  • The quality is high—full stop. In many ways, practicum care is extra thorough because multiple clinicians are thinking carefully about your care, assessments, and feedback.

    You get more eyes, more discussion, and more intention—not shortcuts.

  • Depending on your needs, services may include:

    • Psychological and neurodiversity-affirming assessments

    • Feedback sessions that center strengths and lived experience

    • Therapy or space to explore goals, identity, and personal growth

    All services follow the same neuroaffirming, trauma-informed values as the rest of our practice.

  • Sometimes, yes, but always and only with your consent and transparency. Observation and review are part of how students learn, but your comfort, dignity, and boundaries always come first. You’ll be informed ahead of time and can ask questions or voice concerns at any point.

  • Because good clinicians don’t magically appear fully formed. This program helps train the next generation of ethical, neuroaffirming psychologists—and does so in a way that prioritizes participant care, collaboration, and respect.

    You’re not being used for training—you’re being cared for within a training model that values thoughtfulness and accountability.

  • If you value:

    • Strengths-based, neuroaffirming care

    • Thoughtful assessment and feedback

    • Collaborative, relational work

    • A slower, more intentional approach

    …then the practicum program may be a great fit.

    If you prefer a faster or more directive model, we’re happy to help you explore other options within the practice or give you a trusted referral.

Our Current Doctoral Trainees

  • Addie Ehlenberger, MA

  • Sabrina Alexis

  • Sarah Yang, MA

  • Maya Desi

  • Chloe Towns, MA

  • Camille Laksman, MA

Doctoral Trainees Speak:
Clinical Psychology Externship Experiences

  • "I was truly grateful for the opportunity to be an extern at Neuron & Rose. From the beginning, I felt genuinely supported in my growth as a doctoral extern—not only through thoughtful training and mentorship, but also through the strong sense of community the team created. Neuron & Rose placed real value on connection and collaboration, giving externs meaningful opportunities to engage with and learn from one another. The team and work environment allowed me to thrive by recognizing my strengths while also encouraging me to grow in new ways, always with consistent care and support. I especially appreciated Neuron & Rose’s investment in my learning and development by providing access to resources, books, and conferences that helped me expand my knowledge and stay current in the evolving field of neurodiversity."

    —Pearl Wongserbchart

  • "Externship at N&R was one of the most formative and impactful experiences of my doctoral training. Dr. H and the team do a wonderful job of balancing warmth and care for externs as human beings with top-notch training in neurodiversity-affirming assessment and therapy. That training has opened doors for me that I never would've imagined as I've progressed through the next phases of my career. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat!”

    —Sophia Ortiz

  • "Wowwwwww Neuron and Rose is truly a gem of a training site. I stayed for three years and honestly never wanted to leave!!! From the very beginning, I felt supported in practicing in a way that felt aligned with who I am. Dr. Hogan and the team are incredibly accommodating to trainees’ needs and learning styles. As a trainee, I was encouraged to bring all of me into the room — my curiosity, my creativity, my sensitivity, and even the parts that were still learning, still wondering, still finding their voice. My quieter parts, too. What makes this space so powerful is that you learn how to honor identity in others because your own identity is being honored in the process. Be prepared to feel seen. Be prepared to feel embraced. Be prepared to be cherished for who you are — not despite your differences, but because of them. I am forever grateful to Dr. Hogan and the entire team for the work they do to support neurodivergent individuals and for the care they extend so intentionally to their trainees. Neuron and Rose will forever be a huge part of the clinician I am today and it will always hold a place in my heart!.<3"

    —​Illeanna Holmgren