ALLYSON BERGER
Student
Wayne,NJ
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Facilitator
Hoos Connected
01.2026 - Current
- Facilitate weekly small group discussions focused on belonging, connection, and well-being. Guide activities that foster vulnerability and inclusive dialogue while supporting a positive group environment.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Department of Psychology
10.2023 - Current
- Worked with Dr. Amrisha Vaish and Ph.D. students to investigate how children learn about and express thankfulness across different cultural contexts.
- Early Social Development Lab, University of Virginia
Teacher Assistant
The Learning Experience
05.2025 - 08.2026
- Co-led an early childhood classroom and supported the implementation of daily classroom activities and curriculum. Communicated with parents regarding children’s experiences and needs
Undergraduate Research Assistant
School of Education and Human Development
08.2024 - 05.2026
- Supported multiple research projects conducted by Ph.D. students in the field of autism research. Conducted literature searchers and reviews to identify and synthesize relevant research findings.
- Supporting Transformative Autism Research (STAR), University of Virginia
Teacher Assistant
Wayne YMCA’s Early Childhood Learning Center
09.2022 - 08.2024
- Supported lead teachers in providing care and educational activities for young children. Supervised children during aftercare programming and helped maintain a safe and supportive environment.
Youth Soccer Coach
Wayne YMCA
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Created and implemented weekly lesson plans for youth soccer programming. Led activities designed to develop children’s soccer skills while encouraging teamwork and participation.
Camp Counselor
Wayne YMCA
05.2022 - 09.2022
- Supervised and engaged children in recreational and educational camp activities. Supported a safe, inclusive, and positive camp environment.
Camp Counselor
Police Athletic League
06.2021 - 09.2021
- Supervised children and facilitated activities as part of a youth summer camp program. Promoted positive participation and engagement in a structured recreational environment.
Education
B.S.Ed. - Youth & Social Innovation, Psychology
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA05.2027
Skills
Strategic planning
Facilitation techniques
Community outreach
Research and analysis
Relationship building
POSTERS AND PUBLICATIONS
- Pappagianopoulos, J., Baker, E., Kiernan, B., Howard, M., Smith, J.V., Menezes, M., Gerken, R., Berger, A., Dinora, B., & Mazurek, M. (2026) Group-Based Social Skills Interventions for Autistic Youth: A Systematic Review (submitted)
- Berger, A. & Chen, L. (2026). AI as a Learning Tool, Not a Shortcut: Building an Interactive Study App with Generative AI. Poster session presented at the Hunter Student Research Conference, School of Education & Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.
Timeline
Facilitator
Hoos Connected
01.2026 - Current
Teacher Assistant
The Learning Experience
05.2025 - 08.2026
Undergraduate Research Assistant
School of Education and Human Development
08.2024 - 05.2026
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Department of Psychology
10.2023 - Current
Teacher Assistant
Wayne YMCA’s Early Childhood Learning Center
09.2022 - 08.2024
Youth Soccer Coach
Wayne YMCA
09.2022 - 06.2023
Camp Counselor
Wayne YMCA
05.2022 - 09.2022
Camp Counselor
Police Athletic League
06.2021 - 09.2021
B.S.Ed. - Youth & Social Innovation, Psychology
University of Virginia