School Psychology Program Faculty

The School Psychology Faculty at Radford University and well-trained and have real-life experience working as school psychologists with children and families. They are engaged in research and service and are actively involved in state and national school psychology organizations.

Dr. Melinda Cruz graduated from the University at Buffalo. Prior to RU, Dr. Cruz worked as a school psychologist and student services supervisor of school based mental health professionals in a Virginia public school division.   Dr. Cruz is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Virginia Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She currently teaches courses on assessment, mental health prevention and intervention and supervises practicum students. Dr. Cruz has research interests in school based mental health services within a MTSS, crisis prevention and intervention, and resiliency.  She currently serves on the NASP School Safety and Crisis Response Committee and is a trainer for PREPaRE (WS2: Crisis Intervention and Recovery). Dr. Cruz is the current coordinator of the school psychology program. 

Emily Dove, EdS. holds an Educational Specialist and Master’s degree in School Psychology from James Madison University.  She is a Licensed School Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Prior to working at Radford University, Mrs. Dove worked as a school psychologist in public schools in Virginia and North Carolina. In her current role at Radford University, Mrs. Dove provides clinical training and supervision to school psychology students, as well as teaches School Psychological Services and practicum courses.    Mrs. Dove also serves as the Associate Director for the Center for Assessment and Psychological Services.  She is a NASP certified PREPaRE Workshop 1 and Workshop 2 trainer. 

Dr. Jennifer L. Mabry was trained at the University of Virginia. She has worked as a school psychologist in North Carolina and Virginia. She teaches neuropsychological assessment, child psychopathology, and assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Mabry has students working with her on research related to neuropsychological functioning and neurorehabilitation. In doing this, students are administering neuropsychological instruments to adults with acquired brain injury and children living in rural areas that may be exposed to environmental toxins.  She is currently the director of the Center for Assessment and Psychological Services (CAPS).

Dr. Eric Mesmer graduated from the University of South Florida. Dr. Mesmer’s expertise is in academic and behavioral interventions, and school-based consultation. His current research interests include factors influencing teacher interpretation of student progress data, and analysis of school psychologists job descriptions. He teaches behavioral assessment, academic assessment and intervention, preinternship seminar and internship.