Parenting Lab Team
Parenting Lab Director
Emma Hooper, PhD
Associate Professor, Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MFT)
ehooper@CalLutheran.edu
805-493-3625
Dr. Hooper received her doctoral degree from the Ohio State University in Human Development and Family Science with a specialization in Couple and Family Therapy. Prior to this, she received her M.S. from OSU in Human Development and Family Science and her B.A. from Chatham University in Psychology and Cultural Studies. Dr. Hooper has clinical experience working with individual, couple, and family clients and was a Family Advocate at the Schoenbaum Family Center in Columbus, Ohio working with preschoolers and their families. Dr. Hooper’s primary clinical and research interests concern children’s emotion socialization within the family context.
Sara Dorman
Sara is a vibrant part of our Parenting Lab team at California Lutheran University and is currently working toward her master's degree in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from California State University Northridge. Sara was drawn to our study by her own experiences as a parent during the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking to deepen her understanding of family resilience and coping mechanisms. In her free time, Sara enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling to new places, and losing herself in a good book.
Nikita Sarmiento
Nikita is a valued part of our Parenting Lab team at California Lutheran University and is in the process of earning her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands. Nikita has experience serving children, adolescents, and their families as a Youth Counselor with Aspiranet in Camarillo, California. Outside of academics, Nikita serves as a Commissioner on the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission of the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, advocating for equitable treatment of justice-involved youth.
