Melissa A. Maras

Ph.D. from Miami University, 2008, Clinical Psychology

Predoctoral Fellow at The Consultation Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 2007-2008, Clinical-Community Psychology

M.A. from Miami University, 2005, Clinical Psychology

B.A. from the University of Kentucky, 2002, Psychology—Magna Cum Laude

Articles

Flaspohler, P.F., Meehan, C., Maras, M.A., & Keller, K. (in press). Ready, willing and able: Developing a support system to promotion dissemination and implementation of school-based prevention programs. American Journal of Community Psychology.

Splett J. W., Coleman, S. & Maras, M. A., Gibson, J. & Ball, A. (2011). Interdisciplinary collaboration training: results of a school-based mental health pilot study. Advances in School Mental Health, 4(2), 27-38..

Maras, M.A. & Weston, K.J. (2011). Onsourcing community psychology to PK-12 teacher preparation programs. The Community Psychologist, 44(2), 24-27.

Splett, J. & Maras, M.A. (2011). Closing the gap in school mental health: A community-centered model for school psychology. Psychology in the Schools, 48(4), 385-399.

Hurwitz, L. & Maras, M.A. (2009). School-based health care and community psychology: Potential partnerships for building capacity. The Community Psychologist, 42(1), 24-29.

Flaspohler, P., Duffy, J., Wandersman, A., Stillman, L. & Maras, M. A. (2008).  Unpacking capacity: An intersection of Research-to-Practice models and Community-Centered models. American Journal of Community Psychology, 41, 182-196.

Maras, M.A., Elfstrom, J., Ledgerwood, A., Flaspohler, P., & Drake, P. (2008). The promise of empowerment in school settings: Continuing the Dialogue. The Community Psychologist, 41, 31-34.

Maras, M.A., Macechko, A.^x, & Flaspohler, P. (2008). Policy possibilities: Exploring the potential of local school wellness policies. The Community Psychologist, 41(2), 49-53.

Reiger, C.J., Maras, M.A., & Flaspohler, P.D. (2008). Children as stakeholders and "unheard voices": Informing participants of evaluation results. The Community Student in The Community Psychologist, 41, 47-51.

Maras, M.A., Reiger, C.J., Rokusek, R.M., & Green, J. H. (2006).  Beneficence and nonmalficence: Addressing ethical dilemmas in school-based mental health. The Community Psychologist, 39(3), 24-27.

Bollmer, J., Milich, R., Kern, M.H. & Maras, M.A. (2005).  A friend in need: The role of friendship quality as a protective factor in peer victimization and bullying. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 20(6), 701-712.

Commentaries & Published Reviews

Flaspohler, P.D. & Maras, M.A. (2007). Until the Community Psychologist Arrives: A Commentary on “Establishing Core Competencies for Students in Community Psychology.” The Community Psychologist, 40(1), 43-44.

Maras, M.A. & Flaspohler, P. (2006).  Book Review: Stoecker, R. (2005): Research methods for community change: A project-based approach. Evaluation and Program Planning, 29(1), 57-58.

Technical Reports & Program Evaluation

Traylor, K., Mascendaro, P., & Maras, M.A. (2010).Wellness Policy Evaluation of Select Missouri School Districts. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri.

Maras, M.A., Collier, J., Brophy, C., & Baker, S. (2010). External Stakeholder Survey: Missouri Coordinated School Health Coalition. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri.

Traylor, K. Maras, M.A. (2010). Doing Well by Wellness Policies: A Resource for Incorporating Families and Communities into Policy Promotion. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri.

Maras, M. A. (2006). Building on a Foundation of Success: The Talawanda School District Wellness Policy on Physical Activity and Nutrition.  Oxford, OH: Miami University Center for School-Based Mental Health Programs.

McLaughlin, M. D., Flaspohler, P., Paternite, C. E., Reiger, C. J., & Maras, M. A. (2005).  External evaluation:  Lakota School District Alternative Placement Program (APP).  Oxford, OH:  Miami University Center for School-Based Mental Health Programs.

Maras, M.A., Reiger, C.J., Reynolds, D., Rokusek, R., Davis, N., & Fladpohler, P. (2005). Winton Hills Spring Break Camp Evaluation Report. Oxford, OH: Miami University Center for School-Based Mental Health Programs.

Maras, M.A., Reiger, C.J., Salvi, L., Doh, N. & Paternite, C.E. (2004).  External evaluation: Warren County Learning Center. Oxford, OH:  Miami University Center for School-Based Mental Health Programs.

Salvi, L., Maras, M.A., Swanson, J. & Paternite, C.E. (2003). Alternative Discipline Programming: Formative External Evaluation. Oxford, OH:  Miami University Center for School-Based Mental Health Programs.

Schilling, K., Paternite, C. E., Graff-Reed, R., Maras, M. A., McLaughlin, M., Swanson, J., Hutchison, R., & Reiger, C. (2003).  "Alternative education" and "alternative school discipline" programs in Butler County (OH):  Narrative summary of Phase II Formative Evaluation and Consultation.  Oxford, OH:  Miami University Psychology Clinic Center for School-Based Mental Health Programs. 

National Presentations & Workshops

Maras, M.A. & Splett, J. (2011, September). Best practices in school mental health: The current reality and strategies for improvement. Paper presented at the 16th Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health, Charleston, SC.

Maras, M.A., Wandersman, A., Chinman, M. (2011, June). Necessary and sufficient: Supporting effective prevention and intervention across systems levels with Getting to Outcomes®. Symposium chaired at the 13th Biennial Conference of the Society for Community Research and Action, Chicago, IL.

Splett, J.& Maras, M.A. (2011, June). Planning, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based programs in school mental health: A qualitative analysis of Getting to Outcomes®. Paper presented at the 13th Biennial Conference of the Society for Community Research and Action, Chicago, IL.

Maras, M.A. & Flaspohler, P. (2011, June). Biennial meeting of the school intervention interest group. Session facilitated at the 13th Biennial Conference of the Society for Community Research and Action, Chicago, IL.

Collier, J., Brophy, C., Baker, S. I., & Maras, M.A. (2011, February). Coordinated school health: A framework to integrate education and mental health in schools. Paper presented at the 43rd Annual Convention, National Association of School Psychologists, San Francisco, CA.

Maras, M.A., Coleman, S., Gysbers, N., Herman, K., Stanley, B., & Flaspohler, P.F. (2010, November). Evaluation capacity in school mental health: Lessons from school counseling. Multi- paper session presented at the 2010 Conference of the American Evaluation Association, Austin, TX.

Hung, A., Gaffney, J., Maras, M., Bernstein, S., & Flaspohler, P. (2010, October). Evaluation of outcomes from participation in a community of practice focused on the integration of education and mental health. Poster presented at the 15th Annual Conference on Advancing Mental Health in Schools, Albuquerque, NM.

Maras, M.A. & Coleman, S. (2010, October). Fostering effective practice in school mental health: Building evaluation capacity from the inside out. Paper presented at the 15th Annual Conference on Advancing Mental Health in Schools, Albuquerque, NM.

Scott, T. & Maras, M.A., (2010, October). A successful partnership: Three-tiered models of intervention as the bridge to integration of education and mental health. Paper presented at the 15th Annual Conference on Advancing Mental Health in Schools, Albuquerque, NM.

Splett, J. & Maras, M.A. (2010, June). Maximizing data use through technical assistance in schools: Promising prevention practices. Poster presented at the 18th Annual Meeting of the Society for Prevention, Denver, CO.

Pate, C.M., Whitney, S.D., & Maras, M.A. (2010, May). Investigating the ecological mechanisms on adolescent mental health and educational outcomes: Mediating and moderating effects of school connectedness. Paper presentation at the Annual Conference of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Denver, Colorado.

Splett, J. & Maras, M.A. (2010, March). Getting to outcomes: Changing School Psychologists’ perspectives, practices, & preparation. Paper presented at the National Association of School Psychologists’ 2010 Annual Convention, Chicago, IL.

Maras, M.A. & Flaspohler, P.F. (2009, November).Connecting the dots: Building evaluation capacity in schools. Paper presented at the 2009 Conference of the American Evaluation  Association, Orlando, FL.

Splett, J., Maras, M.A., Ball, A., Anderson-Butcher, D., & Mellin, E. (2009, November).  Identifying and promoting competencies in interdisciplinary collaboration among education and mental health professionals. Workshop presented at the 14th Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health, Minneapolis, MN.

Maras, M.A., Walling, S., & Matlin, S. (2009, June). Opportunities and challenges for early career psychologists. Paper presented at the 12th Biennial Conference of the Society for Community Research and Action, Montclair, New Jersey.

Flaspohler, P., Maras, M.A., Helm, S., Fuentes, M.A., & Cuellar, R.E. (2009, June). Community Psychology in and with schools:  The School Intervention Interest Group. Paper presented at the 12th Biennial Conference of the Society for Community Research and Action, Montclair, New Jersey.

Maras, M.A. & Flaspohler, P. (2009, June). Building and assessing evaluation capacity in schools. Paper presented at the 12th Biennial Conference of the Society for Community Research and Action, Montclair, New Jersey.

Maras, M.A. & Flaspohler, P.D. (2008, November). No data left behind: Defining, building, and measuring evaluation capacity in schools. Paper presented at the 23rd Annual Conference of the American Evaluation Association, Denver, CO.

Green, J.H., Reiger, C.J., Maras, M.A., Jones, K., Marconi, M., & Perlin, R. (2008, September). Triumphs & tribulations of a community-university partnership in expanded school mental health. Poster presented at the 13th Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health, Phoenix, AZ.

Elfstrom, J., Flaspohler, P., Cuellar, R., Owens, J. & Maras, M.A. (2007, October). Building interdisciplinary collaboration: Schools, communities, and universities working together. Paper presented at the 12th Annual Conference on Advancing School-Based Mental Health, Orlando, FL.

Maras, M.A., Elfstrom, J., Ledgerwood, A., Flaspohler, P., Drake, P., Crouch, P., Ozer, E., & Klein, D. (2007, June). The promise of empowerment in school settings: Lessons from the field. Paper presented at the 11th Biennial Conference of the Society for Community Research and Action. Pasadena, CA.

Weinberg, R. & Maras, M.A. (2007, June). Best practices for identifying and obtaining a Clinical-Community Psychology internship. Paper presented at the 11th Biennial Conference of the Society for Community Research and Action. Pasadena, CA.

Weinberg, R., Serrano-Garcia, I., Maras, M.A., Porter, N. & Chow, L. (2007, June). Incorporating and illuminating personal values in Community Psychology training. Paper presented at the 11th Biennial Conference of the Society for Community Research and Action. Pasadena, CA.

Maras, M.A. (2007, June). Building general evaluation capacity in schools. Poster presented at the 11th Biennial Conference of the Society for Community Research and Action. Pasadena, CA.

Maras, M.A., Flaspohler, P., Paternite, C.E., Golden, C., Owens, J., Parkin, J., & Weston, K. (2006, September). Making the grade in school-based mental health: Preparing the mental health workforce.  Workshop presented at the 11th Annual Conference on Advancing School-Based Mental Health, Baltimore, MD.

Rokusek, R.M., Maras, M.A., Reiger, C.J., & Green, J.H. (2006, September). Navigating ethical issues in interdisciplinary work in expanded school-based mental health. Paper presented at the 11th Annual Conference on Advancing School-Based Mental Health, Baltimore, MD.

Maras, M.A., Rokusek, R.M., Bertel, J., Reiger, C.J., Landon, D., Ledgerwood, A. D., Parkin, J., & Mosher, J. K. (2005, October). Graduate student perspectives on non-traditional Clinical Psychology experiences with university-community partnerships. Paper presented at the 10th Annual Conference on Advancing School-Based Mental Health, Cleveland, OH.

Reiger, C. J., Maras, M. A., McLaughlin, M. D., & Paternite, C. E. (2005, October). Challenging traditional approaches to school violence:  Alternative constructions of youth anger and aggression.  Poster presented at the 10th Annual Conference on Advancing School-Based Mental Health, Cleveland, OH.

Flaspohler, P., Paternite, C.E., Duvall, N., Anderson-Butcher, D., Maras, M. A., & Wandersman, A. (2005, June). Aligning community science and school based mental health: Policy and practice. Symposium presented at the 10th Biennial Conference of the Society for Community Research and Action. Urbana-Champaign, IL.

Maras, M., Reiger, C., Rokusek, R., Conaway, K., Mosher, J., McLaughlin, M., & Ledgerwood, A. (2005, June). Prevention support through university-community  partnerships. Paper presented at the 10 th Biennial Meeting, Society for Community Research and Action, Research and Action, Urbana-Champaign, IL.

Reiger, C. J., Maras, M. A., Humphreys, C. L., & Conaway, K. A. (2005, June). Becoming a member of the community: Lessons learned by behavioral health consultants. Poster presented at the 10 th Biennial Conference of the Society for Community Research and Action, Urbana-Champaign, IL.

Reiger, C. J., Maras, M. A., McLaughlin, M. D., & Rokusek, R. M.  (2004, October). Everything I needed to know, I learned in Head Start:  Observations and reflections of behavioral health consultants.  Poster presented at the 9 th Annual  Conference on Advancing School-Based Mental Health, Dallas, Texas.

Owens, J.S., Paternite, C.E., Richerson, L., & Maras, M. A. (2004, October).  University involvement in mental health—education partnerships: Benefits for all. Paper presented at the 9th National Conference on Advancing School-based Mental Health, Dallas, TX .

Maras, M. A., Paternite, C.E., Noll, R.B., Vannatta, K. (2004, October). An evaluation of the relationship between peer acceptance and reciprocated friendships. Poster presented at the 9th National Conference on Advancing School-based Mental Health, Dallas, TX .

Local/State Workshops & Presentations—Invited

Maras, M.A. (2011, June). School mental health: Foundation for promotion and response. Invited presentation at the 2011 Missouri School-wide Positive Behavior Support Summer Institute, Columbia, MO.

Maras, M.A. (2011, March). Reframing evaluation for school counselors. Invited presentation at the Northeast Missouri School Counselor Association Spring Meeting in Bevier, MO.

Maras, M.A. & Stanley, B.^x (2011, January). Evaluation trends in School counseling. Invited webinar presentation to the National Leadership Cadre, Columbia, MO.

Maras, M.A. (2010, November). Building evaluation capacity among school counselors in Missouri. Invited paper presented to representatives from the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong China Government, Columbia, MO.

Coleman, S. & Maras, M.A. (2010, September). Results from the 2009-2010 Effective Practices Survey for School Counselors. Invited Presentation to the Missouri Counselor Educator’s Association, Jefferson City, MO.

Maras, M.A. (2010, June). School mental health: Identification and support. Invited paper presented at the 2010 Missouri School-Wide Positive Behavior Support Summer Institute, Columbia, MO.

Maras, M.A. & Offutt, C.A. (2009, October). A problem-solving approach to making decisions in schools. Invited workshop presented at the Missouri Association of School Psychologists Fall Conference, Columbia, MO.

Maras, M.A. (2009, April). Everyday evaluation: Building general evaluation capacity. Invited paper presented at the Meeting of the Minds Partners in Prevention Conference, Kansas City, Missouri.

Local/State Workshops Presentations

Maras, M.A., Collier, J., Brophy, C., Jacobs, K., & Hatch, L. (2010, December). Circles, triangles, & squares: Aligning frameworks and Initiatives in school health and mental health. Paper presented at the 18th Annual Missouri Coordinated School Health Conference, Columbia, MO.

Goel, N., Brooks, C., Maras, M.A., & Young-Walker, L. (2011, April). Extending training borders: An overview of the MU Mental Health Cross-Training Program. Poster presented at the 3rd Annual ESCP Conference, Columbia, MO.

Maras, M.A., Weston, K., Carter, P., & Scott, T.^⧗(2011, March). Creation of a Missouri Community of Practice in school mental health. Presentation at Missouri’s 24th Annual Pathways Conference, Columbia, MO.

Maras, M.A. (2010, July). First year findings: Missouri’s Show-Me Bright Futures evaluation. Presentation to Show-Me Bright Futures State Leadership Team, Jefferson City, MO.

Splett, J., Maras, M.A., & Smith, C.(2009, September). Improving outcomes: The practices and preparation of School Psychologists to lead systemic improvement in schools. Paper presented at the 32nd Annual Special Education Administrators’ Conference, Lake of the Ozarks, MO.

Reiger, C.J. & Maras, M.A. (2007, May). Children as stakeholders: The potential for youth participation in program evaluation. Paper presented at the Ohio Program Evaluators’ Group Spring Exchange, Columbus, OH.

Maras, M. A., Rokusek, R. M., & Reiger, C. J. (2006, Febrauary). Center for School-Based Mental Health Program at Miami University. Paper presented at the 1st Annual Miami University-Ohio University School Mental Health Workforce Development Summit, Athens, OH.

Schilling, K., Paternite, C., Graff-Reed, R., Maras, M. A., McLaughlin, M., Swanson, J., Hutchison, R., & Reiger, C. (2003, November). “Alternative education” and “Alternative school discipline” programs in Butler County (OH): Narrative summary of Phase 2 formative evaluation and consultation. Paper presented to the Butler County Alternative Education Coalition, Hamilton, OH.

Funded

MU Partnership for Education Renewal – Faculty Partner 2010-2011. Developing Evaluation Capacity among Moberly School District Counselors ($1329.80).

Ralph Bedell Fund, University of Missouri College of Education Gifts and Endowments Fund, Department of Educational, School & Counseling Psychology – Principal Investigator 2010-2011. Validating the Effective Practices Survey for School Counselors in Missouri ($1075).

Missouri Foundation for Health; Missouri Department of Mental Health – Evaluator 2010-2012. Show-Me Bright Futures: Building Community Capacity for Mental Health using the Public Health Model ($20,000).

American Psychological Association Board of Educational Affairs Block Grant Award – Principal Investigator 2008-2010. Promoting Competency in Interdisciplinary Collaboration among Graduate Students Engaged in Expanded School Mental Health ($2000).

MU Partnership for Education Renewal – Faculty Partner 2008-2009. South Park’s Care Team Training & Collaboration Project ($1450.80).

Under Review

National Institute of Child Health & Development (NICHD) – Principal Investigator 2012-2014. Building Healthy Communities through Participatory Research with youth ($90,000).

2009–2012 — Loan Repayment Program Recipient, National Institutes of Health

2009 — Faculty Grant Writing Institute, University of Missouri

2007–2008 — Ziegler Center for Child Development and Social Policy Fellow, Yale University

2006 — SCRA Student Travel Award, 11th Biennial Conference of the Society for Community Research and Action, Pasadena, CA

2006 — Mentoring Research Award, Miami University Doctoral-Undergraduate Opportunities for Scholarship (DUOS) Program

National

2010–present — Associate Editor, Advances in School Mental Health Promotion

2010, Spring — Coordinator, Spring Meeting of the Mental Health Education Integration Consortium (MHEDIC), University of Missouri, Columbia, MO (May 12—14, 2010)

2009–present — Co-editor, The Community Psychology School Intervention Interest Group Column

2009–present — Co-leader, School Intervention Interest Group—Society for Community Research and Action (Division 27 American Psychological Association)

2009–2010 — Member, Developing Safe and Civil Schools Leadership Team

2008–present — Ad Hoc Journal Peer Reviewer: American Journal of Community Psychology, Psychology in the Schools, The Community Psychologist, Advances in School Mental Health Promotion

2008–present — Training Lead, Mental Health Education Integration Consortium (MHEDIC)

State

2011–present — Member, Show-Me Bright Futures State Leadership Team

2009–present — Co-facilitator, Missouri Community of Practice in School Mental Health

2010–present — Co-organizer, Annual Missouri Coordinated School Health Coalition Conference

2009–2010 — Member, Missouri Interagency Tertiary Workgroup

2008–present — Member, Missouri Coordinated School Health Coalition

University of Missouri

2010–present — Member, Missouri CommUNITY Network Advisory Board

2010–present — Co-coordinator, Annual Department Conference (Sponsor, 2011)

2009–present — College Representative, Health Community Partnership—Columbia, MO

2009–present — Faculty Advisor, University of Missouri Student Affiliates of School Psychology

2009–present — Co-coordinator, School Psychology Practicum

2009–2010 — Program Representative, Annual Meeting of the Council of Directors of School Psychology Programs

2008–present — Department Representative, Special Cases Committee

2008–present — Faculty supervisor, Maras Research Team

2008–2010 — Member, ESCP Climate Committee

2008–2010 — Assistant Director (Interim Director, 2009-2010), Center for the Advancement of Mental Health Practices in Schools

2008–2009 — Faculty Mentor, Teacher Development Program Undergraduate Honors Research

Local

2010–2011 — Co-leader, United 4 Healthy Neighborhoods Youth Leadership Action Teams

2010–2011 — Facilitator, Strengthening Supervision in School Psychology Reading Group, Columbia Public Schools