Thank you for being interested in our research study! Our team is looking forward to hearing from you and seeing if this study is a good fit for you!

INVESTIGATORS

Laura Meis, PhD
Principle Investigator, Minneapolis 
Hi there! I'm Dr. Laura Meis, a clinical psychologist and researcher committed to improving PTSD treatments. I’m especially interested in making PTSD treatments more effective by improving the support therapists provide and involving loved ones in treatment. I work with the Women's Health Sciences Division at the National Center for PTSD and the Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research at the Minneapolis VA. I also serve as an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. I've had the privilege of receiving support from both the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to conduct diverse studies, develop and adapt treatments, and run clinical trials aimed at enhancing PTSD treatment. Thank you for considering participating in our research—we're committed to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families dealing with PTSD.

Courtney Baker, Psy.D
Lead Site Investigator, Phoenix
Dr. Baker is a clinical psychologist by education and training. She serves as Chief, Organizational Health and Experience Officer for Phoenix VA and previously serves as Team Lead in the PTSD Clinical Team.

M. Alejandra Infante, PhD 
Lead Site Investigator, San Diego
M. Alejandra Infante, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist at the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) and an Assistant Clinical Professor in the UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry. Her research has primarily examined the impact of alcohol exposure on the developing brain and its influence on behavior, resulting in multiple publications in this area. Her emerging research interests include strategies to enhance the delivery of trauma focused treatments and to improve engagement among Veterans receiving these interventions. Dr. Infante currently serves as the Local Site Investigator at VASDHS for the COOPERATE study.

Brandi Luedtke, Psy.D
Lead Site Investigator, Phoenix
I am a Clinical Psychologist and Consultant with a primary focus on supporting individuals impacted by trauma and PTSD, as well as advancing the development and dissemination of scientifically-based mental health interventions. I earned my undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and later obtained my Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the University of Indianapolis. Over the past decade, I have held various clinical, research, and leadership roles within one of the largest PTSD programs in the United States. My extensive work in trauma has illuminated the profound effects it has not only on individuals but also on their significant others and loved ones, inspiring me to specialize in couple therapy for PTSD.

Ursula Myers, PhD 
Lead Site Investigator, Charleston 
Dr. Myers is a clinical psychologist and researcher whose work aims to improve access to and engagement with high-quality treatments for Veterans with PTSD.

STUDY THERAPISTS

Veronica High, PhD, MBA 
Study Therapist, Phoenix 
Dr. Veronica M. High is a Clinical Psychologist on the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Clinical Team (PCT) at the Phoenix VA Medical Center. She completed her doctoral training at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and her clinical internship at the Phoenix VA Medical Center, with specialized training in the treatment of PTSD. Dr. High provides a range of evidence-based psychotherapies, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT), Written Exposure Therapy (WET), and Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT). She is actively involved in PCT research and serves as a study therapist on multiple clinical trials, including the current Partnered Prolonged Exposure (PPE) trial. She is also part of a research team that is preparing to launch a pilot study examining MDMA-assisted Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD in military Veteran couples.

Julie Hurd, PhD
Study Therapist, Charleston 
Julie is a clinical psychology postdoctoral fellow in the MIRT Advanced Fellowship Program at the Ralph H. Johnson VAHCS. Her research and clinical work focus on couples, trauma, psychosocial functioning, and women’s health.

Miranda Snow, MS 
Study Therapist, San Diego
Miranda is a doctoral trainee in clinical psychology at the San Diego VA. She specializes in treating PTSD using both individual and couples-based approaches.

RESEARCH STAFF

Emily Hudson, PhD 
Project Manager, Minneapolis
Hi, I’m Emily Hudson, the Project Manager for the COOPERATE clinical trial. I have a PhD in psychology and work on all aspects of the study—helping with coordination behind the scenes as well as connecting directly with Veterans who take part. My goal is to make your participation as smooth, clear, and supportive as possible. I’m honored to be part of a team working to improve care and outcomes for Veterans, and I appreciate your willingness to consider participating in our research.

Katherine Beavis, PhD
Assessor, Charleston 
Katherine Beavis is a licensed psychologist and Health Science Specialist with the Ralph H. Johnson Health Care System. She has worked on a variety of studies involving topics such as PTSD, substance use disorders, suicidal ideation, and motivational interviewing and has served in a several roles including project coordinator, independent assessor, trainer, and therapist. She also facilitates the Veteran Research Engagement Board for the local Center of Innovation.

Emily Campbell, MA 
Veteran Engagement Facilitator, Minneapolis
Emily Campbell is a research coordinator at the Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research (CCDOR) at the Minneapolis VA. She received her Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Maryland with a focus on qualitative research. She is the primary facilitator for CCDOR’s Veteran Engagement Workgroup which collects Veteran feedback on research topics including PTSD treatment and women’s health. She is passionate about including Veterans throughout the research process, so that the results are relevant and accessible to the Veteran community. 

Tim Fey, BAS
Study Coordinator, Phoenix 
With over 13 years of experience in clinical research, Tim Fey has built a distinguished career supporting the advancement of medical innovation throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Demonstrating a sustained commitment to research excellence and patient-centered care, Tim Fey has collaborated with diverse research sites and healthcare networks across the region, contributing to the successful execution of complex clinical studies.Throughout his career, Tim Fey has played an integral role in the management and coordination of device trials, pharmaceutical trials, and Principal Investigator (PI)–initiated investigational studies. Their experience spans all phases of clinical development, with comprehensive involvement in regulatory compliance, study start-up, patient recruitment and retention, data integrity, and adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Recognized for professionalism, regulatory expertise, and the ability to build strong relationships with sponsors, CROs, investigators, and study participants, Tim Fey remains dedicated to advancing clinical science and improving patient outcomes across the Phoenix community and beyond.

Kenny Kuruwychak
Research Assistant, Minneapolis
Kenny Kuruwychak works as a research assistant at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center across multiple studies.

Alex Lin 
Study Coordinator/Assessor, San Diego
Alex is a Research Coordinator at the San Diego VA Medical Center. He facilitates the recruitment of Veterans and their loved ones and conducts clinical interviews with prospective participants.

Benjamin Rooney, MA 
Assessor, Minneapolis 
Benjamin has a master’s degree in psychology and has worked with veterans with PTSD at the VA for over six years. He presently works as a Clinical Assessor via the Minneapolis VA Medical Center determining participant study eligibility and measuring participant outcomes over the course of study participation.

Hope Salameh, MPH 
Research Coordinator, Minneapolis 
Hope works as a Research Coordinator at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center supporting veteran recruitment across multiple study sites and managing daily administrative responsibilities. 

Sarah Szafranski, MA, LPC 
Study Coordinator, Charleston 
Sarah is a licensed counselor and works as a Research Coordinator at the Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina. She manages recruitment and supports the participating Veterans throughout the study.  

Austin Thao, MSW, MPH 
Study Coordinator, Minneapolis 
Austin is a Public Health Social Worker by education and training.  He works as a Research Coordinator at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center supporting the study through daily administrative responsibilities, operational assistance, Veteran recruitment, and the organization and facilitation of stakeholder engagement panels.

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