Meet the 2GETHER Team
Dr. Michael Newcomb
newcomb@northwestern.edu
Associate Professor and all2GETHER Principal Investigator
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hello! My name is Michael Newcomb and I’m an Associate Professor at Northwestern University and the creator of all2GETHER. I grew up in Rochester, NY, and moved to Chicago for college in 2000. I went on to get my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago and then joined the faculty at Northwestern – so I’ve been in Chicago for almost two decades. I run a research program at Northwestern that aims to help LGBTQ people thrive by strengthening their relationships with important people in their lives, including romantic relationships and families. I started writing 2GETHER about 8 years ago. What’s funny is that I also met my husband around that same time, so the program was built in part around many of the things I was struggling with! Over the years, we’ve continued to refine 2GETHER and now all2GETHER based on the experiences of couples and participants that have gone through the program.
Fun Fact: My husband and I get asked if we’re twins on at least a weekly basis. He even looks more like me than my actual brother.
Dr. Kathryn Macapagal
Associate Professor and all2GETHER Co-Principal Investigator
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hey y’all! I’m Kathryn. I’m from the great state of Texas. I’m a professor and clinical psychologist, and a few years ago I created 2GETHER with our fearless leader Michael. Back in the day I facilitated a ton of 2GETHER sessions, but these days I spend my time as a supervisor — making sure your facilitators are on point by giving them advice and feedback on their sessions. My research is on HIV prevention and promoting healthy sexuality and relationships in LGBT youth through media and technology, so 2GETHER which is now all2GETHER is right up my alley.
Fun fact: I won 5 spelling bees in a row in 4th-7th grade and I’m pretty sure I’d win a grown up spelling bee right now if given the chance.
Dr. Elissa Sarno
elissa.sarno@northwestern.edu
Research Assistant Professor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hello! My name is Elissa, and I’m a Research Assistant Professor at Northwestern University, a licensed clinical psychologist, and the Clinical Director for all2GETHER. I’m originally from Los Angeles and have lived all over the country (Ann Arbor, MI; New York City; Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia) before moving to Chicago in 2018. I have been working on all2GETHER for four years. I started out as a facilitator, and now, in my role as Clinical Director, I provide supervision to our facilitators to help them make sure couples get the most out of their skills coaching sessions. My research focuses on how experiences of stigma can impact mental and physical health for young LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.
Fun fact: I have fully embraced my new hometown by dressing up as a Chicago dog every year for Halloween.
James Foran
james.foran@northwestern.edu
Senior Research Study Coordinator and all2GETHER Facilitator
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hello! My name is James, and I am Research Study Coordinator at the Institute for Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health (ISGMH for short). I am originally from Minneapolis Minnesota, and I moved to Chicago for College, where I graduated from Loyola with a Bachelors in Science in Psychology. I’ve worked on multiple projects in my time with ISGMH, with research varying from PrEP research to work with Queer Public health on a broader scale. With All2gether, I work as a facilitator in the skills coaching sessions as well as some behind the scenes work such as payments, answering emails, etc. Queer public health research is a major passion of mine and I am excited to work on a new project and gain new experience!
Fun Fact: One of my greatest life accomplishments was getting to hold a baby sloth on a trip to Costa Rica.
Afiya Sajwani
afiya-sajwani@northwestern.edu
Research Study Assistant and PhD Student
Pronouns: they/them
I am a Clinical Psychology PhD student at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. I am also a research assistant and facilitator for the couple’s sessions on ALL2GETHER. Prior to NU and ISGMH, I received my bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and worked for several years post college as a research coordinator in the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Fun fact: I played Scrabble competitively during middle and high school and was on my school’s team for many district and state level competitions.
Chris Garcia
Christopher.p.garcia@northwestern.edu
Research Project Coordinator and all2GETHER Facilitator
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hi everyone I’m Chris and I am the project coordinator on all2GETHER who pesters you into recruiting your partners and/or filling out the eligibility screener. I also help facilitate all2GETHER sessions. I am originally from rural Indiana, but have spent time in eastern PA in addition to my 11 years in Chicago. I have been doing relationship and sexual health research for almost seven years. My favorite part of working on all2GETHER is getting to know our amazing participants throughout the country and here in Chicago. I love learning from your experiences and hopefully bringing you closer together with the people you love.
Fun Fact: I am the youngest of eight children and my mom is the oldest of eleven. I highly value my alone time.
Cole Price
cole.price@northwestern.edu
Research Study Assistant
Pronouns: he/him/him
Hello all! My name is Cole, and I’m a Research Study Assistant on all2GETHER. My primary duties are related to participant retention, so you may be receiving some texts from me! I’ve been working on the all2GETHER team for almost two years now. Prior to this, I got my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from George Mason University (go Patriots), and did my undergraduate thesis on the experiences of gay and bisexual men in fraternities.
Fun fact: I am lactose intolerant (not that fun, but it’s the best I could come up with)
Jim Carey
Research Project Coordinator and Clinical Operations Manager
james.carey@northwestern.edu
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hi guys! My name is Jim, and I am the Research Project Director and Clinical Operations Manager for all2GETHER. I helped design the content, train and supervise the facilitators, and make sure all other aspects of this trial are operating swimmingly. I grew up in central Illinois but got to Chicago as quickly as I could! I have been doing sexual health research and education for the past fifteen years and have been training adult learners and HIV test counselors for the same amount of time. I am a firm believer that sex should be fun, and there are many ways of protecting yourself and each other. I have been in a relationship with my partner Kevin for over 20 years, so I enjoy helping other couples strengthen their relationship and increase intimacy.
Fun fact: In my spare time, I enjoy painting and photography. I have had five solo gallery shows and am hoping to have more this year!
Dr. Ricky Hill
ricky@northwestern.edu
Research Assistant Professor
Pronouns: they/them/theirs
Hey, folks! My name is Ricky and am the community advisory board lead for all2GETHER. I got my start in queer public health more than a decade ago, working on media literacy curriculum related to LGBTQ+ alcohol and tobacco use. I am still interested in how these products are marketed to our communities, serving as a subject matter expert on the This Free Life campaign. I hold a PhD in Health Communication from the University of New Mexico focusing my studies on qualitative and community-based research methods, and believe in the power of people’s stories to impact social change.
Fun Fact: I once had the honor of eating a hot dog with Gabrielle Union on my birthday.
Dr. Madison Shea Smith
madisonsmith@northwestern.edu
Research Fellow and all2GETHER Facilitator
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Hi y’all! My name is Madison, and I’m a postdoctoral research fellow at ISGMH. I’m also a facilitator on all2GETHER and you may hear from me about scheduling sessions (if you’re participating as a couple) or additional interviews. I got my bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma State University and moved to Indiana in 2014 for my master’s and PhD in clinical psychology. I’ve been in Chicago since 2020 doing research on how romantic relationships can improve health among queer communities. I love working with couples!
Fun facts: I’m originally from Oklahoma, so I say y’all a lot! I’m also a foodie, retired model, and fitness enthusiast. In my off time, I enjoy spending time with my two German Shepherd dogs.
Kyle Jozsa
kyle.jozsa@northwestern.edu
Research Study Assistant and PhD Student
Pronouns: he/him/him
Hello all! I’m Kyle