Psychological Services Center

Becky Ashare (she/her) focuses on behavioral health among underserved populations, including people with HIV and individuals with serious mental illness. Prior to joining UB in 2021, she served as a Core Investigator for the University of Pennsylvania Center for AIDS Research, where she partnered with community organizations to inform and disseminate HIV-related research. She also provides clinical supervision to UB clinical psychology doctoral students.

Khris Decker is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in counseling for adults, adolescents, and couples/partners from diverse and underserved communities. A UB alum (BA in Psychology, MSW), Khris has extensive experience in trauma, human sexuality, and co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns. He has been a part-time faculty member and field liaison for UB’s School of Social Work since 2007 and a longtime board member with GLYS WNY.

Deborah Erwin is a medical anthropologist with over 30 years of community-based intervention research experience. She is the founder and Research Director of The National Witness Project® and leads Witness CARES, LLC, both focused on improving healthcare access and cancer screening for African American and Medicaid clients.

For more than two decades, Latise has worked as a social worker, counselor, DEI leader, and social justice advocate. She has led statewide welfare practice change initiatives, served as a Global Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and provides leadership and DEI consulting through HOPE Consulting. Latise holds advanced degrees in Counseling, Creativity and Change Leadership, and a PhD in Leadership and Policy, and teaches as an adjunct faculty member at two universities.

Dee Johnson has spent nearly two decades supporting community health outreach, particularly among African American women. Through the National Witness Project®, she and trained Lay Health Advocates reach more than 2,000 women annually and help over 1,000 women access breast and cervical cancer screening. Dee also coordinates community-engaged research and brings extensive experience in volunteer management and grassroots health navigation.

Dior is a born-and-raised resident of Buffalo, NY. She currently works as the Program Manager of FamilyWorks Buffalo, which works to support children and families affected by a loved one’s incarceration in Western New York. Throughout her emerging career, Dior has served in roles such as a conflict-resolution/peace education group facilitator, substance abuse counselor, volunteer, board member, and has been trained as a Social Emotional Arts Facilitator.

Rosaura supports outreach, communications, and program management for East Side Avenues, with a focus on real estate development training for East Side residents and property owners. She brings eight years of community development experience and is dedicated to social justice, equitable development practices, and supporting systematically disenfranchised communities.

Sarah Taber-Thomas (she/her) oversees clinical training for advanced doctoral students in UB’s Clinical Psychology PhD program. She specializes in evidence-based treatments for children and families and is a Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) International Certified Regional Trainer. Her work is focused on expanding access to high-quality, evidence-based care.