Meet the Team

Welcome to our team page! We’re a dedicated group of researchers working to promote equity and health justice by dismantling oppressive systems and creating liberatory change across the U.S. and globally. Each of us brings unique expertise and passion to our mission, driving meaningful change through collaboration and quality in everything we do.

Learn more about our team members, what drives us, and how we’re contributing to a more just and equitable world.

A woman with black curly hair and glasses smiling, sitting in a red armchair near a window with a city view.

Kennedy Curtis (she/her) is a graduate of DePaul University, class of 2023. She majored in psychology, with a concentration in human services, and minored in creative writing. She has not learned what her specific research interests are, but she’s excited to discover them along the way. For her personal hobbies, she loves jigsaw puzzles, watching movies, and listening to music.

Ren Mondesir (she/her) is a forth-year medical student at Feinberg School of Medicine. She is a graduate of Northwestern University where she studied Psychology and Art Theory and Practice. She is pursuing a career as a pediatric physician. Her research interests include pediatric and adolescent mental health. In her free time, she loves to create clothing, stuffed animals, and decor through crochet.

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Sheridan Grettenberger (she/her) is thrilled to join the I+HEAL team as a Behavioral Research Coordinator! Sheridan has a background as a music therapist working on the inpatient units at Lurie Children’s Hospital to support patients and families throughout their hospitalizations. Through her clinical work and graduate studies, Sheridan developed a strong interest in research and a passion for promoting accessibility within medical systems. She is excited to support the I+HEAL team’s mission of striving for health equity and health justice across healthcare and community settings. In her spare time, Sheridan sings in an LGBTQ+ choir in Chicago and enjoys spending time with her wife, family, and friends – ideally accompanied by good food and good board games.

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Yiyang (any pronouns) is a graduate from Northwestern University, where she studied Human Development in Context and Psychology. Her research interests center on the intersection of research and practice, especially as it relates to using community-engaged approaches that address social determinants of mental health and well-being, with the goal of fostering equitable institutions and healthy communities. In her free time, Yiyang enjoys testing out new recipes, reading, and crafts of all kinds!

Noah Padilla (he/him) is a rising junior at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Noah was born and raised in Chicago, IL, but his family roots are deeply embedded in Mexico and on the island of Puerto Rico. At Northwestern, Noah is studying Political Science & Global Health in hopes to become a prominent figure in healthcare policy, after getting his JD, to find more permanent solutions to fix our broken healthcare system that disproportionately harms minority groups. He is excited to be part of a team of like-minded individuals that aim to make the world a better place, and that begins by making certain that everyone, regardless of any demographic, has a fighting chance at life.

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Sareena Shah (she/her) is a junior at Stanford University majoring in Human Biology. She is interested in researching the factors that influence the adoption of mental health prevention programs in schools and community settings, including interventions for eating disorders and substance use. In her free time, Sareena enjoys spending time with friends and family, going outdoors, and exploring Chicago.

Ruth Debono (they/them) is a 4th year undergraduate student at Northwestern University majoring in Global Health and Black Studies. Ruth is passionate about social justice and health equity, with research interests focused on reducing health disparities for marginalized adolescents. They are interested in using health equity research to meet community needs and create lasting change. Ruth hopes to pursue a MPH following graduation as they work towards a justice focused career in public health. Outside of the lab, Ruth loves to spend time outdoors with friends, read, crochet, and cook new dishes.

Emily Lynott (she/her) is a recent graduate of Northwestern University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at Feinberg School of Medicine. Within research she is particularly interested in clinical psychology and health equity both domestically and internationally, and has gained these interests through experience in the workplace and abroad. She spent the spring quarter of her sophomore year in South Africa on a Public Health and Development study abroad program, and the following summer she worked in a psychiatric partial care facility where she learned a lot more about the clinical environment. Outside of the lab, she likes to spend her time training for triathlons or hanging out with her foster cats!

Carly Ragin (she/her) is a first year Clinical Psychology PhD student at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Her research interests center on suicide prevention and implementation science, with a focus on adapting and delivering culturally responsive interventions. She is particularly interested in shifting existing suicide prevention screening frameworks to better meet the needs of youth with complex health conditions across clinical and community settings, and improving how evidence-based interventions are carried out in real-world contexts.
In I+HEAL, Carly hopes to build skills at the intersection of implementation and dissemination science and community equity. Long term, she envisions a consultant style role partnering with hospitals, healthcare systems, and community organizations to support the implementation of evidence-based mental health interventions in culturally responsive and accessible ways for chronically ill adolescents and emerging adults. Outside of the lab, she loves arts and crafts, K-Pop, and all things Harry Potter.

Kristina Kostovski is a content creator who supports the lab’s social media strategy and storytelling efforts. Outside of work, Kristina is passionate about wellness, creativity, and intentional living. She loves traveling, taking Pilates classes, exploring new coffee shops, and capturing beautiful moments through photography. Kristina is always inspired by meaningful conversation and finding the balance between softness and impact. Fun fact: she danced for 7 years growing up (Jazz and Hiphop!) and still choreographs routines in her head whenever a good song comes on.

Sarah Sauerteig (she/her)is in her second year at Northwestern's SPS Pre-medicine Certificate Program. With a background in interior design and sales, Sarah has made a switch into preparing for medical school with a special interest in pediatrics. Because she hopes to one day be an internal medicine-pediatric doctor, she is focusing her time outside of the classroom on learning about how to close the gaps in healthcare provided to children who require lifelong care. She enjoys all things fitness, wellness, and being outdoors.

Yashika Dixon (she/her) is a fourth-year medical student and aspiring pediatrician at Windsor University School of Medicine. A graduate of Alabama A&M University (B.S. in Biology, Pre-Med), her research interest explores topics across pediatrics and adolescent medicine. Outside of her medical studies, she loves to travel and spend time with family and friends.
In I+HEAL, Carly hopes to build skills at the intersection of implementation and dissemination science and community equity. Long term, she envisions a consultant style role partnering with hospitals, healthcare systems, and community organizations to support the implementation of evidence-based mental health interventions in culturally responsive and accessible ways for chronically ill adolescents and emerging adults. Outside of the lab, she loves arts and crafts, K-Pop, and all things Harry Potter.

A woman with shoulder-length black hair, wearing hoop earrings and a black top, standing outdoors near a tree with green leaves, with water and trees in the background.

Janelle is the multifaceted C.E.O. of All Things Janelle Marie LLC, which provides administrative support services to businesses and institutions across several states. She utilizes her 12+ years of administrative experience to support the advancement and growth of businesses and institutions that focus on the direct upliftment and support of disenfranchised communities. She has also been a professional wedding planner for the past 7 years. In her free time has a passion for learning and explores opportunities to advance her knowledge on various subjects at all times. She enjoys domestic traveling, history & culture, and spending time with her 6-year-old son.