Who We Are

Matthew Porter, Ph.D.,  Creative Director and Principal Investigator. Associate Professor of clinical psychology in the Clinical Psy.D. Program of the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego, California, and former activist in HIV (ACT-UP, 1991-2000). I received my doctorate in clinical psychology at the New School for Social Research, NYC in 2005 and had two postdoctoral fellowships, the first in health psychology, at the US National Institutes of Health (Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NYC, 2007) and the second in religion and health, with the Templeton Foundation (Healthcare Chaplaincy, 2009).  Since 2000, I have dedicated a portion of my private practice to provide psychotherapeutic care to people living with HIV/AIDS, and, founded two free programs of yoga dedicated to HIV (at Housing Works, NYC, 2006, and in 2008 with colleagues at the Center for Special Studies at New York Hospital).

HIV has acted in my personal life, in my community and in the lives of some of the people I love most.  Even with today's effective treatments, I sense deeply the virus' cultural and psychological impact.  That tender feeling of recognition and bonding inspires and directs my efforts in my role as a researcher.  I want to help clarify under what circumstances HIV can open doors to greater self-knowledge, as it joins or separates people, and whether (and how) these processes can relate to our well-being and health.  

https://www.alliant.edu/faculty/matthew-porter/
https://www.cies.org/grantee/matthew-porter


Maria Helena Costa Couto, Ph.D., Co-Principal Investigator.  Fellow in  Technological-Industrial Development (Medical Education Technologies) from CNPq - Nível B.   I hold an BA in Social Services from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (1991), specialization in hospital administration (1992), residency in clinical social work  (Rio de Janeiro State University, UERJ, 1994), MA (2002) and PhD (2007) in Public Health (UERJ).   Staff of UERJ since 1994, and researcher at the Institute of Social Medicine (IMS/UERJ, 2008), coordinator of the Committee for Ethics in Research (CEP/IMS/UERJ, 2006).    

CV: http://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/visualizacv.do?id=K4793414U8

Erika Pereda, B.S., Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, Research Assistant. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Texas at El Paso in 2012. I have had the opportunity to work in the healthcare field for many years since 2010 with a variety of providers and settings such as a Neurology Private Practice, medical health insurance, and pediatric speech, occupational, and physical therapy home health services. I am currently working on obtaining my doctorate’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University. I have clinical experience in the areas of health psychology and acute inpatient services.

Mia Sarno, B.A., Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, Research Assistant. After receiving my bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology from University of California Santa Barbara in 2013, I took a 3-year break to hone in on my passion and gain work experience in the field before committing to graduate school. During this time, I realized that my ultimate purpose and goal is to contribute to client/patient empowerment and help bridge the perceived gap of spiritual, mental and physical health. I am now attending California School for Professional Psychology at Alliant San Diego, gaining the tools and knowledge to make that goal a reality. 

Patricia Sotolongo, M.S., Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, Research Assistant.  I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Miami, and my masters in psychology from Barry University, before moving to San Diego and pursuing my Psy.D. at the California School of Professional Psychology, with a focus on health psychology.  I am also a yoga teacher, and have always had a passion for helping others and improving the health and well-being of those in the community. Working on the Strong Hearts Project allows me the opportunity to combine my interests in clinical work, translational research, and community outreach. I also enjoy the opportunity to practice my Brazilian Portuguese.


Kelli Tilquist, M.A., Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, Research Assistant.  I received my bachelor's degree from Boise State University and recently obtained my master's degree in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego.  I am continuing at Alliant and currently working on my doctorate.  The Strong Hearts Project has allowed me to have a unique opportunity to help give back to the community and I am grateful to be a part of this team.

Valeria Valdivieso, B.A., Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, Research Assistant. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver (2014). I then obtained two diplomas in adult and child cognitive assessment at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, and another diploma in Attachment Theory at Universidad del Desarrollo in Santiago, Chile (all in 2014). I am currently a graduate student at Alliant International University in San Diego, CA training to become a Clinical Psychologist.