Jessica Gokee LaRose, PhD

Director

Dr. Jessica LaRose is a tenured Professor and Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the VCU School of Public Health. She is a clinical psychologist with specialized training in cardiovascular behavioral and preventive medicine in both pediatric and adult populations. Her program of research is focused on developing novel and sustainable interventions to promote cardiometabolic health among underserved populations. Partnership with participants and the populations she aims to serve is a core tenet of her work. She has expertise in the use of digital health and community-based implementation efforts to enhance the reach, impact, and sustainability of behavioral interventions.

Autumn Lanoye, PhD, LCP

Associate Director

Dr. Autumn Lanoye is a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the VCU School of Public Health. Her primary research interest is the development and adaptation of lifestyle interventions in service of chronic disease prevention for at-risk subpopulations including emerging adults and cancer survivors. She is a Co-Investigator on several NIH-funded trials investigating novel approaches to the behavioral management of obesity among young adults with and without a history of cancer.

Vivian Hunter, CCRP

Senior Clinical Research Coordinator

Vivian is a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the VCU School of Public Health. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from VCU in 2021 and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health to deepen her expertise in population health. Vivian brings experience in women’s healthcare, with a focus on gynecologic oncology clinical trials. Her research interests lie in examining how structural and behavioral factors shape health outcomes. She is deeply committed to advancing health equity and improving the well-being of historically underserved communities.

Christina La Rosa, BS

Clinical Research Associate

Christina is a Clinical Research Associate in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the VCU School of Public Health. She has always had a passion for mental health care- and a belief that an integrated, holistic approach between mental and physical healthcare is critical in cementing lasting change. She received a BS in Psychology from Furman University in 2022. She is currently working on her certificate in Clinical and Translational Sciences. She is thrilled and excited to be able to help more young adults take control of their mental and physical health.

Chloé S. Jones, PhD, MS

Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr. Chloé Jones is a trained exercise physiologist and behavioral scientist with a focus on developing sustainable behavioral interventions for underserved communities. Her overarching research utilizes culturally tailored and theory-based methods to improve physical activity and lifestyle behaviors in Black communities to reduce health disparities including cardiometabolic risk factors. By fostering partnerships with residents, recreational facilities, health and other community-based organizations, she hopes to enhance the knowledge of health and overall wellbeing of underrepresented populations to increase health equity. She is a recipient of VCU's Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA), and is undertaking pedagogical training in partnership with Virginia State University.

Karly Casanave-Phillips, PhD, MA

Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr. Karly Casanave-Phillips is a T32 Postdoctoral Fellow in the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s CPC-CHE training program. She joined the OPT for Health team in August 2023 after completing a dual degree program in Sport and Exercise Psychology (PhD) and Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA) at West Virginia University. Her research focuses on developing integrated lifestyle interventions for AYA cancer survivors using a community based participatory approach. Ultimately, she hopes to leverage her work to advance health equity through multilevel interventions and community collaboration.

Namitha Kapa

Research Assistant

Namitha is a research assistant in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the VCU School of Public Health and a graduate of the VCU Honors College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2024. With aspirations to become a physician and public health leader, she has gained clinical experience in women’s cancer care and as a medical scribe across multiple specialties. Her research experience includes advancing diagnostic tools for liver disease and contributing to behavioral health research through VCU’s Spit for Science program. Namitha is driven by a commitment to improving community health through equity-focused research and compassionate, patient-centered care.

Anuoluwapo Owolabi, MHA

Graduate Research Assistant

Anu is a doctoral student in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the VCU School of Public Health and a graduate research assistant on the Wellness Engagement (WE) Petersburg Project. Her research interests lie in understanding the mechanisms behind risk-taking behaviors and health behavior change among adolescents and young adults. She aims to explore how social relationships and social processes influence health-related behaviors, such as physical activity, sexual risk behaviors, and substance use. Anu’s goal is to develop interventions that can improve behavioral health outcomes among adolescents and young adults. In her spare time, she enjoys engaging with the community, playing the violin, trading financial markets, and spending quality time with her family.

Sabrina Janesick, MA

Communications Coordinator

Sabrina has been working for the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences since 2023. She has a variety of previous experience in both the public and private sectors. She joined the OPT for Health lab in 2025 and is excited to use her skills to highlight the team's successes and help disseminate their work to the communities it benefits.