Expert Assessment Team

Study participants receive an expert evaluation from a well-qualified treatment team at the University of Pennsylvania. Contact us by phone or by email to enroll.

Principal Investigator Monnica T. Williams, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology in Psychiatry at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, where she specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including OCD. Prior to joining the University of Pennsylvania faculty, Dr. Williams completed her undergraduate studies at MIT and UCLA. She received her Master's and Doctoral Degrees in clinical psychology from the University of Virginia, where she conducted research in the areas of major mental illness, psychological measurement, and ethnic differences. Dr. Williams completed her clinical internship at McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital. Her current interests include OCD subtypes, PTSD, and barriers to treatment. She holds an NIH Supplement Grant for Diversity, under Dr. Edna Foa, and two research awards for the current study.
Clinical Evaluator Janet Chaney, M.A. is a professional counselor, and has worked in the Counseling and Behavioral Health field for the past 20 years. She has a Master's Degree in Human Service, and she is completing her Ph.D. in Human Service with a specialization in Counseling. Ms. Chaney currently works as the Client Services Director for the Hope Pregnancy Center in inner-city Philadelphia. She has been a part of the Mercy Seat Prayer Evangelistic Ministry for the past four years. She loves people and enjoys working in a helping capacity to assist others in reaching their full potential.
Clinical Evaluator Nicole Showell, M.A. received her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling in 2007 from Biblical Theological Seminary and completed her internship under Dr. Dan Collins of the Pastoral Counseling Network. She is the Founder and CEO of the Showell Foundation, Inc. where she develops programming to help individuals of all ages improve their lives. Ms. Showell also serves as Director of Counseling Services for Teet's Counseling and Resource Network, where she provides counseling therapy in various areas to those who desire help and healing, and specializes in trauma, family counseling, and anxiety disorders.
Research Assistant Samantha Farris, B.A., received her bachelor's degree in Psychology with Honors and Sociology, from Rutgers University of New Jersey. Previously, she conducted research at the Center of Alcohol Studies, the Smoking Cessation Laboratory, and the Eating Disorders Clinic at Rutgers University. Ms. Farris is a Research Assistant at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, where she coordinates participation for the adult obsessive-compulsive disorder studies. She plans to attend graduate school in clinical psychology.