Team
Principal Investigator
-
Heather Agazzi, Ph.D.
Lab Director
Heather Agazzi, Ph.D.
Lab DirectorHeather Agazzi, PhD, MS, ABPP, is a Professor in Pediatrics and Psychiatry, a licensed psychologist, and Division Chief of Child & Adolescent Psychology at the University of South Florida. Dr. Agazzi directs the Mindsets in Motion Lab, and her research and clinical work focuses on effective interventions for children and families with developmental disabilities, disruptive behavior disorders and social-emotional problems associated with adverse experiences. Dr. Agazzi is a board-certified psychologist and is endorsed as an Infant Mental Health Mentor (Research/Faculty) in Florida. She has received multiple teaching and service awards.
Faculty
-
Sarah Dickinson, Ph.D.
Project Director
Sarah Dickinson, Ph.D.
Project DirectorDr. Sarah Dickinson, Ph.D., ABPP Dr. Dickinson is an Assistant Professor, licensed psychologist, and board certified clinical child and adolescent psychologist in the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Dickinson is a Professional Trainer of the DOCS parenting programs, a PCIT Therapist, and a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy certified therapist. Her clinical and research interests include assessment and intervention for young children with developmental disabilities, disruptive behavior disorders, and/or trauma exposures.
-
Melissa Whitebread, M.A.
DOCS Parenting Project Coordinator
Melissa Whitebread, M.A.
DOCS Parenting Project CoordinatorMelissa Whitebread holds a Master of Education in Special Education, with a focus on Challenging Behaviors, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She began her career as a Case Manager in suburban Chicago schools where she co-developed and taught a research-based social skills curriculum. She later served as an Assistant Professor at Illinois State University, where she supervised and evaluated teacher candidates.Since October 2023, Melissa has been a DOCS Program Instructor, bringing her expertise in behavior support and family-centered practices to her work with parents and caregivers. Her professional interests include applying the problem-solving model within family contexts and exploring attachment theory to strengthen parent-child relationships. She is passionate about the impact of positive behavioral support and meaningful interactions and is committed to fostering strong family connections through the DOCS Parenting Programs.
Post-Doctoral Fellow
-
Rose Johnson Rodriguez, Psy.D.
Long Island University, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, graduated May 2026
Rose Johnson Rodriguez, Psy.D.
Long Island University, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, graduated May 2026I am passionate about working with youth and their families, particularly those who have been impacted by trauma. I especially enjoy working with adolescents who present with challenging behaviors, including emotional dysregulation and high-risk behaviors, as I find it rewarding to help them develop healthier coping skills and build resilience.
