HFU Blog Contributors

Parris Johnson

Psy.D. Student in Counseling Psychology

Psychology | School of Arts & Sciences

Parris Johnson is a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at Holy Family University. With a steadfast commitment to mental health and social justice, Parris aspires to become a licensed counseling psychologist in the state of New York. Her long-term goal is to work in forensic settings, with a particular focus on supporting incarcerated youth within the criminal justice system.

Currently, Parris works as a mental health counselor at a psychiatric inpatient hospital for children and adolescents. In her clinical practice, she primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help her clients develop effective coping strategies and foster emotional resilience.

Parris is deeply passionate about her educational journey, and is thankful to have a supportive family that helps her to stay motivated. She envisions a future where psychological research more thoroughly addresses the needs and experiences of incarcerated youth, and at risk youth. She is committed to contributing to a more equitable and evidence-based approach to mental health care within forensic environments.

Parris’ wish for all Holy Family students is to stay committed to their dreams, and educational aspirations because it takes more time to not believe in yourself than to!

Keith Kopka

Assistant Professor/Director of MFA Program

English | School of Arts & Sciences

Keith Kopka received the Tampa Review Prize for his collection of poems, Count Four (University of Tampa Press, 2020). His poetry and criticism have recently appeared in American Poetry Review, New Ohio Review, The International Journal of the Book, and many other journals. The recipient of the International Award for Excellence from the Books, Publishing, and Libraries Research Network, he is also the author of the critical texts Asking a Shadow to Dance: An Introduction to the Practice of Poetry (GRL, 2018) and Crossing Disciplines: A Cross-Curricular Writing Guide (Kendall Hunt, 2022). His work has been supported by the MacDowell Foundation, Centrum, and the Vermont Studio Center. Kopka is a senior editor for Narrative magazine and Director of the low-res MFA at Holy Family University in Philadelphia.

Liam Mahoney

Psy.D. Student in Counseling Psychology

Psychology | School of Arts & Sciences

Liam Mahoney is a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program at Holy Family University. Prior to beginning doctoral studies, Liam worked as a Behavior Specialist for adults with autism and worked as a dual-diagnosis therapist at a substance use rehabilitation center for those with co-occurring disorders. Currently, Liam is working as an outpatient therapist providing both group and individual therapy for individuals facing a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. This clinical experience deepened their interest in delivering evidence-based, culturally responsive care to diverse populations. In their role as a therapist, Liam focused on building strong therapeutic alliances and using integrative approaches tailored to clients’ unique needs. They are excited to bring both academic insight and real-world experience to their writing, using this platform to reflect on the intersections of psychology, culture, and healing.

Gbemiro Olasupo

Psy.D. Student

Psychology | School of Arts & Sciences

Gbemiro Olasupo is a dedicated doctoral student in psychology at Holy Family University. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience from Temple University. Additionally, Gbemiro earned a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Holy Family University.

Throughout his career, Gbemiro has gained extensive experience in diverse clinical mental health settings. His work has spanned a variety of roles, including case management for children in crisis, direct support for adults with developmental disabilities, and crisis intervention for children through CMCT. He has also served as a counselor in early intervention programs, providing support to young children and their families. Additionally, Gbemiro has provided outpatient therapy to clients of various age groups, further honing his expertise in mental health care.

Passionate about helping others, Gbemiro’s clinical experience, combined with his advanced academic training, shapes his holistic approach to psychology and mental health treatment.

Jill Swirsky

Assistant Professor

Psychology | School of Arts & Sciences

Dr. Jill Swirsky is a psychologist with a diverse array of experiences and interests. She earned dual undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Gender Studies from Drew University, but always knew she wanted to pursue advanced study in Psychology. After working in the field for a few years as a BCaBA and research assistant, she earned her PhD in Developmental Psychology from Temple University.

Dr. Swirsky is currently pursuing a few distinct lines of research: 1) adolescent social development (e.g., bullying, victimization, social media, popularity); 2) feminism and gender roles (e.g., women's marital name choices); and 3) using popular culture to teach about psychology. She teaches several of the department's developmental courses (e.g., Child Development, Adolescent Development, Family Violence), as well as other courses in the major (e.g., the Psychology of Popular Culture, Introduction to Psychology, and Senior Seminar). She enjoys getting involved with student life, including advising clubs, mentoring honors students, and attending events on campus. 

In her (admittedly limited!) free time, Dr. Swirsky loves binge watching Netflix with her partner, Mike; reading fantasy novels; baking muffins; and swimming with otters.

Christopher White

Psy.D. Student in Counseling Psychology

Psychology | School of Arts & Sciences

Christopher White is a doctoral student in the Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology program at Holy Family University. Christopher has had a private practice for the past six years and is married with two children, twins Maya and Christopher, who are 17 years old.