Payton is a doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Northeastern University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Gonzaga University. Along with assisting with the More Fun with Sisters and Brothers Program, Payton is also a member of the SNAP/Social Research team in Providence, RI, which uses social media communication data to better understand dating violence among teen in the juvenile justice system. Payton also has an interest in the ways childhood trauma affects outcomes in adolescence and later life, particularly in areas of emotion regulation and interpersonal relationships. Clinically, she has worked with children, adolescents and their families in a variety of settings, including outpatient and inpatient services. Payton’s clinical and research experiences have revealed the protective nature of sibling relationships and parental involvement, demonstrating the importance of accessible programs for caregivers such as the MFWSB program.