Members

Krista Ranby is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Colorado Denver and head of the Healthy Couples Lab. She comes to the study of health behavior from the perspective of social and quantitative psychology. She is particularly focused on ways in which close relationship partners affect each other's health. Dr. Ranby is interested in disease prevention through the promotion of physical activity and smoking cessation. Further, she has a particular interest in life transitions (e.g., marriage, pregnancy, disease diagnosis) as a naturally occurring opportunity for behavior change. Her work considers intervention targets for encouraging behavior change within romantic relationships such as joint planning (i.e., collaborative implementation intentions) and consideration of whether partners view each other’s health as their responsibility (i.e., partner investment). Finally, Dr. Ranby does dyadic work within several patient populations (e.g., diabetes, bone marrow transplant, cancer, heart disease) through collaborations with researchers at the Anschutz medical campus.

Zane Freeman brings over a decade of diverse research experience spanning academia, non-profit, tech and digital health, and FDA research. He earned his BA in Psychology from the University of Texas, where he subsequently coordinated a smoking cessation exercise program. Zane later earned an MA in Psychology from CU Denver, with his thesis focusing on the health benefits of socializing in natural environments. His current research investigates interventions for couples seeking to quit smoking. Clinically, Zane has served as a student therapist at CBT Denver, Headspace, and the UCHealth Cancer Center, and will continue his clinical work at the Aurora VA Health Psychology Clinic for the upcoming year. Outside of his professional pursuits, Zane enjoys tennis, hiking, and swimming.

Jess earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. There, she worked as a research assistant and lab manager on projects related to romantic relationships, intercultural competence, and health psychology. She then went on to work as program and development coordinator at a nonprofit brain injury support center. Next, Jess received her Master of Counseling degree from Arizona State University, where she joined the...

Kelsey Nogg earned her BA in psychology from Occidental College and her MA in psychology from San Diego State University. Her background is in both qualitative and quantitative behavioral health research, through which she has examined psychosocial factors related to health behavior change among LGBTQ+ and racial/ethnic minoritized groups. She is passionate about scientific advocacy and addressing health disparities. Her thesis at San Diego State University examined motivation for physical activity, and she later extended this work to examine how interpersonal factors relate to the same constructs within the parent-child dyad. Kelsey’s dissertation in the Healthy Couples Lab focuses on the experiences of same-sex couples during the transition to parenthood, particularly as they relate to stress, health, and relationship functioning. She is seeing patients in integrated primary care within academic medical and community health settings. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys cooking, checking out new restaurants, live music, and spending time at the parks in Denver.

Travis Kelly received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Religious Studies with minors in Computer Science and Human Development from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. There, he worked as a research assistant in multiple labs on projects associated with relationship health, miscommunication, big data, and mindfulness. His undergrad thesis focused on how linguistic analysis of big data can help provide a better understanding on how COVID-19 impacted mental health. He then went on to work with diverse populations as a supervisor at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline while continuing research focused on referential communication. Travis' research interests include close relationships and the mechanisms (social control, personality, attachment, cognition) that may play a role in one's ability to adhere to health behavior changes (diet, physical activity, smoking cessation). In his free time, Travis enjoys exploring nature, reading, and visiting local coffee shops.

Sierra Quintana earned both her Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Prior to matriculating at CU Denver, she spent 6 years in public health research at the Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health at CU Anschutz. Her background includes a focus on adapting public health curricula for immigrant communities, training volunteers in Trauma-Informed Care practices, and working with young adults struggling with eating disorders. Sierra’s interests include romantic relationships and health outcomes, multigenerational intervention, parent/child relationships, men’s mental health, emotion regulation, and skills-based therapy interventions. Outside of academia, she is passionate about spending time in the community, liberty puzzles, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Anna earned a B.A. in Psychology from the Miami University of Ohio, as well as a minor in Art Therapy and an Outdoor Leadership Certificate. There, she worked as a research assistant in the Mechanisms Affecting Relationships, Stress, and Health (MARSH) lab on multiple projects associated with social support, partner responsiveness, and digital ghosting motivations. Additionally, Anna worked as a Crisis Consultant for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. After graduation, she became a Registered Behavioral Technician in Littleton, CO and assisted in clinical, administrative, and research tasks for the company. Anna’s research interests focus on romantic relationships and how small actions (in regards to cultural backgrounds, physical outdoor activity, and love) create lasting effects on a partner’s overall health. In her free time, Anna can be found skiing, paddle boarding, reading, or spending time with friends and family.

Victoria is an undergraduate student at CU Denver in her second year working towards a B.A. in Psychology. Victoria joined the Healthy Couples Lab to develop research skills. Within the field of psychology, Victoria is interested in industrial and organizational psychology and plans to pursue a master's in the subject. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys embroidery, pilates, sewing, and dancing.

Michelle is an undergraduate student at CU Denver working towards a B.S. in Psychology and minor in Biology. Michelle joined the Healthy Couples Lab in November of 2023 in order to expand her knowledge, develop her research skills, and get involved in research that relates to her professional interests. Within the field of psychology, Michelle is especially interested in studying couple relationships and child-rearing styles within families, as well as working with individuals with special needs. After graduating, she plans to attend graduate school and earn a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology one day. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys doing yoga, crocheting, watching TV shows, and traveling.

Delaney earned a Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, where she completed a thesis on the socio-psychological influence of highly alarming language surrounding the climate crisis on pro-environmental beliefs and behavior. She is an aspiring clinical psychologist with an interest in how both romantic and child-parent relationships influence mental and physical health. To gain the experience necessary for her success in a graduate-level clinical psychology program, she is currently working as a special education paraprofessional as well as a volunteer research assistant for the Healthy Couples Lab, where she hopes to develop her knowledge of the research process and learn more about how relationships can inform both mental and physical well-being.

About Sarah Sarah Wolfson graduated with a BA in Psychology from Tufts University. She works as a Behavioral Health Specialist in the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit at Children's Hospital Colorado. She also worked as an Administrative Assistant and Clinic Intake Coordinator at the Clinic for Interactive Media and Internet Disorders at Boston Children's Hospital, and she volunteers with the National Crisis Text Line. Sarah is thrilled to be volunteering with the...