Welcome

We are excited to welcome Corinne Akyildiz as our new Fiscal Assistant II! Originally from Atlanta, Corinne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Art History from Saint Louis University. Before joining our team, she worked as a job coach for individuals with intellectual disabilities and held various administrative roles.

In her new position, she will be handling department P-Card reconciliation, invoices, department purchases, moving expenses, and dues and memberships. Outside of work, Corinne enjoys drawing, experimenting with DIY projects, and exploring new places. She’s fluent in German and has traveled to every continent except Antarctica—truly a global explorer!

You can find Corinne in the 1329 Building or 352.594.4306 |  corinne.akyildiz@ufl.edu

The department is pleased to welcome Dr. Clare Liddon to the psychology division. Dr. Liddon earned her master’s degree and doctorate in behavior analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. She completed her postdoctoral training through Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, as a fellow on the Inpatient Neurobehavioral Unit of the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Dr. Liddon is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Division of Psychology at the University of Florida. 
 
Dr. Liddon’s clinical and research activities are focused broadly on applications of behavior analysis, with emphases in assessment and treatment of severe behavior, community consultation, early intensive behavioral intervention for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, and supervision and training of pre-service professionals in these areas. Using a scientist-practitioner model of training, Dr. Liddon’s work has a heavy emphasis in mentorship of professionals in the context of evidence-based clinical service delivery and applied research. 

Kayla McCray brings six years of administrative experience to her role as the Addiction Medicine Fellowship Assistant at the Springhill MOB, including three years in non-profit healthcare with a focus on continuing education and event coordination.

Previously, she served at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), where she honed her organizational and communication skills in a dynamic healthcare environment. With a Bachelor of Arts in Health Administration from Santa Fe College, Kayla is passionate about supporting programs that align with her commitment to healthcare and education and looks forward to contributing to the mission of the fellowship program.

You can find Kayla in the Springhill MOB 352.294.4904 | kaylamccray@ufl.edu

Kati graduated from the University of Central Florida where she earned a bachelor’s in Health Sciences with a minor in Psychology. She also holds a master’s degree with merit in Global Health and Development from University College London. She has experience promoting health and social equity in the healthcare, nonprofit, and business development sectors nationwide, including one year of AmeriCorps VISTA service. Kati approaches her work patiently and creatively, enabling her to solve any problem and improve efficiency.

While she grew up in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Kati has lived in five states and visited 13 countries. She is uncommitted to a few hobbies but tries to read, stretch, and walk a mile every day. You can trust her to have a positive attitude, gratitude, and an appetite for free food.

You can find Kati in the MBI, L4-100 or 352.294.4900 |  ktrejo@ufl.edu

Congratulations!

Sabrina Zequeira, graduate student in Dr. Setlow's Lab placed 2nd at the 2024 SfN McKnight Brain Research Foundation's poster session. 

Congratulations to the department recipients of the 2024 Exemplary Teaching Awards. This award, given by the College of Medicine, is awarded to faculty based on their teaching excellence of medical students, residents and fellows, physician assistant students, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and mentorship of junior faculty.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween spirit was in full swing across the department! From creative door decorations to pumpkins, festive lunches, and more, every location brought their unique touch to the celebration. See how we celebrated across the department  

Introducing Our New Administrative Information Page!

We’ve consolidated all our administrative forms and resources into one convenient location, making it easier for you to access everything you need. From tax exemption forms and travel authorizations to entertainment policies and reimbursement guidelines. This page is designed to simplify your search for the right documents and ensure compliance with our organizational standards.

To further support your needs, designated contacts for each category—Accounting, Fiscal, Grants, and HR—are listed alongside the relevant documents. We encourage everyone to explore the page and reach out to the appropriate team member if assistance is needed.

The link can be found in the About Us section under Staff or by clicking the button below.

November 8 | Grand Rounds

Pediatric Behavioral Health Collaborative Care: Part I: Florida and UF Experience Andres Pumariega Professor and Chief, Child Division Department of Psychiatry Time: 12 – 1 p.m. This presentation will be given in-person at the UF Psychiatric Hospital, Room 1901, with watch parties held at the McKnight Brain Institute, Room L4-101, and AOPC, Room 3242. Attend via Livestream or Zoom. Grand Rounds

November 15 | COM Town Hall

Join us via Zoom (link below) for our next town hall Nov. 15, 7:15-7:45 a.m., with Interim Dean Jennifer Hunt, M.D., M.Ed.

November 15 | Grand Rounds

Precision Medicine in Autism (PRISMA): Lighting the Path to Research Through Community Perspectives in Genomic Psychiatry Daniel Moreno de Luca, MD, MSc CASA Research Chair, Associate Professor, & PI PRISMA Group, CASA Mental Health University of Alberta Time: 12 – 1 p.m. This presentation will be given in-person at the UF Psychiatric Hospital, Room 1901, with watch parties held at the McKnight Brain Institute, Room L4-101, and AOPC, Room 3242. Attend via Livestream or Zoom. Grand Rounds

November 22 | Grand Rounds

Storm Chasers: Pursuing the “Why” of Co-Occurring Behaviors in Youth with Disruptive, Impulse Control, & Conduct Disorders Mindy Le Resident Department of Psychiatry Daniel McNeil Resident Department of Psychiatry Time: 12 – 1 p.m. This presentation will be given in-person at the UF Psychiatric Hospital, Room 1901, with watch parties held at the McKnight Brain Institute, Room L4-101, and AOPC, Room 3242. Attend via Livestream or Zoom. Grand Rounds

Employee Assistance Program

The UF Employee Assistance Program aims to support UF employees by providing a safe space and quality mental health and wellness resources. EAP therapists and affiliated employees uphold UF’s non-discrimination policy (UF Regulation 1.006), ensuring services are inclusive and respectful of everyone, regardless of their background or identity. UF employees and their household members may call the EAP at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (833) 306-0103, and anyone experiencing a crisis with more urgent needs should call the Alachua County Crisis Center at (352) 264-6789. You can also request an appointment online. EAP Resources & Appointment Requests

Let Us Know!

Do you have some news or an announcement you would like to share? Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond and who you would like to recognize?  Want us to save the date for an upcoming event? Editorial Team:  Melinda Fawcett Aubrey Bonsal