Our team

Alli Smith

Alli Smith, PhD (she/her)

Principal Investigator

Alli is an attending pediatric pain psychologist and the Associate Director of the Pediatric Headache Program at Boston Children's Hospital at Boston Children's Hospital, as well as an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. As a clinician-scientist, her work is grounded in cura personalis: care for the whole person, with the goal of creating healthcare environments where every young person feels seen, valued, and supported. Outside of work, she loves riding roller coasters, traveling, and attending concerts!

Jen Christofferson

Jen Christofferson, PhD (she/her)

Co-Investigator

Jen is the attending psychologist in the Young Adult Pain Rehabilitation Center at Boston Children's Hospital, as well as an instructor at Harvard Medical School. Her clinical and research interests focus on advancing equitable, trauma-informed care for children, adolescents, and families. Through both clinical practice and research, she strives to elevate and promote inclusive approaches that improve access, engagement, and health outcomes. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends!

Hannah Rogan

Hannah Rogan, BA (she/her)

Clinical Research Assistant

Hannah is the research coordinator for the PRISM lab and for the Pediatric Headache Program at Boston Children's Hospital. She graduated from Colgate University in 2024 with a degree in neuroscience, and is currently doing extension studies in the post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at Harvard. Outside of work and school, Hannah loves traveling, cooking, dancing, and listening to live music with friends!

Sebastian Sachs

Sebastian Sachs, BFA (they/them)

Lived Experience Patient Partner

Sebastian is a Lived Experience Patient Partner for numerous projects in the PRISM lab. They are a recent graduate of Boston University with a BFA in Theatre Arts. Working with this group on a personal cause has been an amazing experience. Outside of work, Sebastian loves being active, watching sports, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Larissa Almeida

Larissa Almeida (she/they)

Summer Research Intern

Larissa is a senior at Simmons University pursuing a BA in Psychology and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She is interested in exploring the intersections of marginalized communities and healthcare, with a particular focus on equitable access to appropriate care. Larissa is preparing for a career focused on conducting more inclusive research and translating research findings into practice. In their free time, they enjoy dancing and crafting.

Mar Heron

Mar Heron (they/she)

Summer Research Intern

Mar is a senior at Simmons University studying psychology, biostatistics, and public health. They are interested in the combination of motivational psychology and public health. Her main career goals are to help people and continue learning new things. Mar is focusing on expanding their research knowledge and experience with the PRISM Lab. Outside of academics, they enjoy birdwatching.

PRISM Lab collaborators