I am behavioral researcher with a Ph.D. in Health Psychology specializing in substance use disorders, with extensive experience in addiction research, counseling, training, and education. Prior to join my doctoral program, I spent many years as a senior project manager, implementing and evaluation large community projects on substance use disorder. In addition, I received the prestigious Hubert Humphrey Fellowship in Substances Abuse Education, Treatment and Prevention from NIDA and the U.S. Department of State in 2013, through which I led multiple research collaboration with several senior investigators in substance use disorder research.
In 2009, I was introduced to Motivational Interviewing and quickly developed a deep interest in this client-centered approach.Since then, I have attended numerous workshops and training sessions and, in 2015, became a Motivational Interviewing Trainer and joined the MINT Network of Trainers. Over the past ten years, I have trained healthcare providers, law enforcement, college students, and other professionals on the application of MI, emphasizing its effectiveness in fostering change and implementing client-centered strategies for behavior modification.
My research focuses on substance use disorders particularly on the intersections of SUD, alcohol use disorder (AUD), and health outcomes. I currently work as a researcher at VCU and in the same time provide MI trainings as an independent contractor for Ryan White Program at the Department of HIV at the Virginia Department of State. In this role, I train medical and non-medical case managers on MI to enhance their practice and support individuals living with HIV.
I am also certified by UNODC United Nation on Drugs and Crime as a Country level trainer on Elements of Psychsocial Treatment - TOT Treatment Package project. I have conducted many trainings in Albania and region mostly in Greece, Hungary and Bosnja-Hercegovina. I speak my mother tongue Albanian as well as Italian, English, and Greek.
As a public figure in my county I have given many interviews regarding the problems of addiction among youth, you can find in the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo_M1_d1CA0
Currently I am located in Richmond, VA. I return to Albania for summers.
