Current Ph.D. Students

Vera is a PhD Candidate in the Applied Developmental Psychology Program. She earned her BA in Psychology and a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the University of Cyprus before embarking on a journey of professional growth following her school psychology internship.

After relocating to the USA, Vera has committed herself to continuous professional development. She is a Licensed School Psychologist and an active member of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Currently, Vera works at Dr. Curby's DISC LAB, where she explores preschool classrooms and teacher-student interactions. Her research focuses on emotion-focused teaching, teachers' well-being and emotional competence, and the classroom environment, with the goal of understanding their impact on teaching effectiveness and children's overall development.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Vera is passionate about empowering teachers and parents to unlock a child's full potential through everyday interactions and practices. Her commitment to bridging research and practical application underscores her mission to enhance both the educational and socioemotional well-being of children.