Faculty
School Psychology Program: Primary Faculty
Candice N. Aston, Ph.D, NCSP, Associate Professor, Program Director
Dr. Aston earned her doctorate in School Psychology in 2017 from Duquesne University. She also earned a M.S. degree in Child Psychology and a M.A. in Elementary Education. Dr. Aston has years of experience working with urban populations in school and clinical settings. She recently completed her doctoral internship at Sarah Reed Children’s Center, which provides intensive psychiatric services for children with significant trauma and mental health concerns. The focal point of her research has centered around culturally relevant social-emotional interventions for racially diverse populations. In addition, Dr. Aston is interested in Black female identity development and disproportionality. Dr. Aston has extensive intervention experience and has published several journal articles on school-based interventions. In addition, she has presented at several national conferences and is currently a member of NASP and APA. Dr. Aston will be responsible for the coordination of practicum placements and will be teaching the Practicum Seminar.
Erica A. Payne, Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Payne is a native of Baltimore County. She is a proud graduate of Hampton University and a three-time graduate of Gallaudet University. She specializes in working with students who are D/deaf or Hard of Hearing as well as implementing school-based practices related to social emotional learning and cognitive skill remediation. Dr. Payne has over 27 years of combined career experience as a School Psychologist, Special Education Coordinator, Consultant, Research Associate, Entrepreneur, and Professor. She taught undergraduate and graduate students at four institutions of higher learning prior to joining the TU faculty team. Professionally, she enjoys teaching, mentoring, and serving as a School Psychologist with an emphasis on equitable and culturally responsive practices.
Shanye Phillips, Ph.D., NCSP, Assistant Professor
Dr. Phillips earned her doctoral degree in educational studies in 2023 from ohio state university. Her dissertation examined the experiences of black caregivers as they navigate the special education process. Other research experience includes peer reviewed publications on a range of topics including social justice, the use of African American vernacular english and reading achievement, effectiveness of behavioral interventions on black students, linguistic demands in preschool assessments, and self-care. Dr. Phillips has presented on these topics at the local and nationally level. Moving forward, dr. Phillips hopes to continue to conduct research examining the influence racial identity and culture has on education. Additionally, Dr. Phillips is a nationally certified school psychologist (ncsp) and has worked with school aged children, predominately at the elementary and middle school levels, in urban settings in ohio and maryland.
Craig Rush, Ph.D., NCSP, Associate Professor
Dr. Rush graduated from the University of Alabama with a Ph.D. in school psychology and an Ed.S. in educational psychology-school psychology. He also earned M.S. degrees in rehabilitation counseling, substance abuse counseling, and vocational evaluation from East Carolina University. Before his faculty appointment in the Department of Psychology at Towson University, Dr. Rush was a member of the faculty in the Department of Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology, and Counseling at the University of Alabama and the Department of Psychology at Barry University. His research interests are primarily focused on technological applications and alternative methods related to consultation, professional training, school-based disaster preparation and response, and various forms of intervention and assessment. Before working in academe, Dr. Rush worked in public rehabilitation agencies in North Carolina and Nevada. He holds the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential and is a Licensed Applied Psychologist in Virginia.