PAWSLibrariesGoSolaruLearnWebMailDirectoryMapEventsIndex

PUBLICATIONS

Articles in Refereed Journals – International/National

Varjas, K., Meyers, J., Bellmoff, L., Lopp, E., Birckbichler, L., & Marshall, M. (In press). Missing voices: Fourth through eighth grade urban students’ perspectives on bullying. Journal of School Violence.

Varjas, K., Graybill, E., Mahan, W., Meyers, J., Dew, B., Marshall, M., & Singh, A. (In press). Urban service providers’ perspectives on school responses to gay, lesbian, and questioning bullying: An exploratory study. Professional School Counseling.

Varjas, K, Dew, B. Marshall, M., Graybill, E., Singh, A., Meyers, J., & Birckbichler, L. (In press). Bullying in schools towards sexual minority youth. Journal of School Violence.

Nastasi, B. K., Hitchcock, J., Sarkar, S., Burkholder, G., Varjas, K., & Jayasena, A. (2007). Mixed methods in intervention research: Theory to adaptation. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(2), 164-182.

Nastasi, B. K., Hitchcock, J. H., Burkholder, G., Varjas, K., Sarkar, S., & Jayasena (2007). Assessing adolescents’ understanding of and reactions to stress in different cultures: Results of a mixed-methods approach. School Psychology International, 28, 163-178.

Varjas, K., Mahan, W. C., Meyers, J., Birckbichler, L., Lopp, G., & Dew, B. J. (2006). Assessing school climate among sexual minority high school youth. Journal of GLBT Issues in Counseling, 1(3), 49-75.

Mahan, W. C., Varjas, K., Dew, B., Meyers, J., Singh, A., Marshall, M., & Graybill, E. (2006). School and community service providers’ perspectives on gay, lesbian, and questioning bullying. Journal of GLBT Issues in Counseling, 1(2), 45-66.

Varjas, K. Meyers, J., Henrich, C. C., Graybill, E. C., Dew, B. J., Marshall, M. L., Williamson, Z., Skoczylas, R. B., & Avant, M. (2006). Using a participatory culture-specific intervention model to develop a peer victimization intervention. Journal of Applied School Psychology, 22(2), 35-58. Co-published in: B. K. Nastasi (Ed.), Multicultural Issues in School Psychology. New York: The Haworth Press, Inc.

Hitchcock, J., H., Sarkar, S., Nastasi, B. K., Burkholder, G., Varjas, K., & Jayasena, A. (2006). Validating culture- and gender-specific constructs: A mixed-method approach to advance assessment procedures in cross-cultural settings. Journal of Applied School Psychology, 22, 13-34. Co-published in: B. K. Nastasi (Ed.), Multicultural Issues in School Psychology. New York: The Haworth Press, Inc.

Varjas, K., Nastasi, B. K., Bernstein-Moore, R., & Jayasena, A. (2005). Using ethnographic methods for the development of culture-specific interventions. Journal of School Psychology, 43, 241-258.

Hitchcock, J. H., Nastasi, B. K., Dai, D. C., Newman, J., Jayasena, A., Bernstein-Moore, R., Sarkar, S., & Varjas, K. (2005). Illustrating a mixed-method approach for validating culturally specific constructs. Journal of School Psychology, 43, 259-278.

Gilman, R., Sverko, D., Floreel, D., Ashby, J., Varjas, K., & Dietrich, J. (2005). The relationship between perfectionism and multidimensional life satisfaction among Croatian and American Youth. Personality and Individual Differences, 39, 155-166.

Mashburn Solis, C., Meyers, J., & Varjas, K. (2004). A qualitative case study of the process and impact of filial therapy with an African American parent. International Journal of Play Therapy, 13, 99-118.

Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., Bernstein, R. & Jayasena, A. (2000). Conducting participatory culture-specific consultation: A global perspective on multicultural consultation. School Psychology Review, 29(3), 401-413.

Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., Schensul, S. L., Silva, K. T., Schensul, J. J., & Ratnayake, P. (2000). The participatory intervention model: A framework for conceptualizing and promoting intervention acceptability. School Psychology Quarterly, 15(2), 207-232.

Nastasi, B. K., Schensul, J. J., Amarasiri de Silva, M. W., Varjas, K., Silva, K. T. & Ratnayke, P., & Schensul, S. (1998-1999). Community-based sexual risk prevention program for Sri Lankan youth: Influencing sexual-risk decision making. International Quarterly of Community Health Education, 18(1), 139-155.

Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., Bernstein, R., & Pluymert, K. (1998). Exemplary mental health programs: School psychologists as mental health service providers (2nd ed.). Silver Springs, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., Bernstein, R., & Pluymert, K. (1998). Mental health programming in schools and the role of the school psychologist. School Psychology Review, 27(2), 217-232.

Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., Sarkar, S., & Jayasena, A. (1998). Participatory model of mental health programming: Lessons learned from work in a developing country. School Psychology Review, 27(2), 260-276.

Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., Bernstein, R., & Pluymert, K. (1997). Exemplary mental health programs: School psychologists as mental health service providers. Silver Springs, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

Books

Nastasi, B. K., Moore, R., & Varjas, K. (2004). School-based mental health service: Creating comprehensive and culturally specific programs. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Nastasi, B. K., Pluymert, K., Varjas, K., & Bernstein, R. (2002). Exemplary mental health programs: School psychologists as mental health service providers (3rd ed.). Silver Springs, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.
 
Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., Bernstein, R., & Pluymert, K. (1998). Exemplary mental health programs: School psychologists as mental health service providers (2nd ed.). Silver Springs, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.
 
Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., Bernstein, R., & Pluymert, K. (1997). Exemplary mental health programs: School psychologists as mental health service providers. Silver Springs, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

Book Chapters

Meyers, J., Truscott, S., Meyers, A., Varjas, K., & Smith Collins, A. (In press). Qualitative and mixed methods designs in consultation research.  In B. Erchul & S. Sheridan (Eds.), Handbook of research in school consultation: Empirical foundations for the field. Lawrence Erlbaum, Inc.

Nastasi, B. K., & Varjas, K. (In press). Best practices in developing exemplary mental health programs. In A. Thomas & J. Grimes (Eds.), Best Practices in School Psychology V. National Association of School Psychologists.

Program Manuals, Curricula, Etc.

Varjas, K., Meyers, J., Bellmoff, L., Kim, S., Boudreault, A., Lopp, G., Webb, K., Wells, L., Cutts, H., & Deming, L. (2007). Glennwood Bullying Intervention Project Curriculum Year 2 (Prepared for the Glennwood Academy). Atlanta, GA: Center for Research on School Safety, School Climate, and Classroom Management, Georgia State University.

Varjas, K., Meyers, J., & Deming, L. (2006). Glennwood Bullying Intervention Project Curriculum (Prepared for the Glennwood Academy). Atlanta, GA: Center for Research on School Safety, School Climate, and Classroom Management, Georgia State University.

Varjas, K., Graybill, E., Meyers, J., Marshall, M., & Boiling, H. (2005). Renfroe Bullying Intervention Project Curriculum (Prepared for the Renfroe Middle School). Atlanta, GA: Center for Research on School Safety, School Climate, and Classroom Management, Georgia State University.  

Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., Maitra, S., & et al. (2005). RISHTA Married Couples Intervention. Developed for Research and Intervention for Sexual Health: Theory to Action (RISHTA), joint project of the Center for International Community Health Studies, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT; Institute for Community Research, Hartford, CT; & International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India. Institute for Community Research, Hartford. CT.

Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., & Schensul, J. J. (1999-2000). Social Development-Cooperative Education Grade 5 Curriculum (Prepared for the New Haven Public Schools Social Development Program). Hartford, CT: The Institute for Community Research.

Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., Bernstein, R., Hellendoorn, C., Brewster, M., Hitchcock, J., Kowal, M. P., & Jayasena, A. (1999). Program for Mental Health Promotion in Sri Lankan Schools: Curriculum Manual & Instructional Guide. (Developed for implementation in the Central Province Schools, Kandy, Sri Lanka). Albany, NY: School Psychology Program, University at Albany, State University of New York.

Nastasi, B. K., Schensul, J. J., Ratnayake, P., & Varjas, K. (1996). Youth and Sexual Risk in Sri Lanka: Small Group Intervention. Program Manual & Facilitator Guide. Developed for a Joint Project of the Centre for Intersectoral Community Health Studies, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka; Center for International Community Health Studies, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT; and Institute for Community Research, Hartford, CT. Peradeniya, Sri Lanka: Centre for Intersectoral Community Health Studies.

GRANTS

External Grants

Varjas, K. & Meyers, J. (Co-principal Investigators). City Schools of Decatur (CSD) Bullying Project. City Schools of Decatur, 2007-2008, $6,000.

Cadenhead, C., Varjas, K., & Wells, L. (Co-principal Investigators). Promoting Psychological Well-Being Globally: Conducting Formative Research in Mexico. Georgia Association of School Psychologists, 2007, $900.

Varjas, K. & Meyers, J. (Co-principal Investigators). City Schools of Decatur (CSD) Bullying Project. City Schools of Decatur, 2006-2007, $5,000.
 
Varjas, K., & Meyers, J. (Co-principal Investigators). Program evaluation of Project SOLVE. YouthPride, Incorporated, 2006, $5,908.

Varjas, K., Dew, B., & Meyers, J. (Co-principal Investigators). Renfroe Bullying Intervention (RBI) Project. Service Project Application, National Association of School Psychologists Children’s Fund, 2005, $3,700.

Varjas, K. (Principal Investigator). Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Intersex (GLBTQI) Youth Bullying Project. Society for the Study of School Psychology, Early Career Grant, 2004-2005, $14, 215.

Henderson, J. & Varjas, K. (Co-Principal Investigators). An Exploratory Investigation of Acculturation and Adaptive Behavior for African American Adolescents.  Georgia Association of School Psychologists, 2003-2004, $500.

Lopp, K. & Varjas, K (Co-Principal Investigators). Georgia School Psychologists Addressing Issues of Diversity in Practice.  Georgia Association of School Psychologists, 2003, $240 Supplement.

Lopp, K. & Varjas, K (Co-Principal Investigators). Georgia School Psychologists Addressing Issues of Diversity in Practice.  Georgia Association of School Psychologists, 2002-2003, $500.

Varjas, K. (Principal Investigator). Shelter Plus Care, Department of Mental Health, 1994-1999, $350,000. This was a five-year federal grant that was awarded to the Connecticut Department of Mental Health. Individual grants were written by and awarded to local social service agencies as part of the federal grant application to provide housing and case management services for individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. 

Internal Grants

Varjas, K. (Principal Investigator). Promoting psychological well-being globally. College of Education Request for International Funds (RIF), Office of International Programs, Georgia State University, 2006, $1000.

Varjas, K., & Meyers, J. (Co-principal Investigators). An Investigation of School-based Bullying Among Children in an Urban School District. College of Education, Educational Research Bureau, Georgia State University, 2006-2007, $6,000.

Varjas, K., & Meyers, J. (Co-principal Investigators). Developing a comprehensive school-based
 research program to address bullying among children. College of Education, Educational Research Bureau, Georgia State University, 2005-2006, $5,400.

Varjas, K., Henrich, C., Meyers, J., & Jarrett, O. (Co-principal Investigators). Bullying among school children: A research program to determine its causes, impact, and effective school-based interventions. Georgia State University Internal Research Team Grant, 2005-2006, $15,000.

Varjas, K. (Principal Investigator). Support for Bullying Project through the Center for Research on School Safety, School Climate, and Classroom Management. College of Education, Georgia State University, Spring 2005, $900.

Varjas, K., Dew, B., Meyers, J., Henrich, C. & Jarrett, O. (Co-principal Investigators). Bullying Among School Children:  A Research Program to Determine its Causes, Impact and Effective School-Based Interventions. College of Education, Georgia State University, Spring 2005, $2,000.

Varjas, K., Dew, B., Meyers, J., Henrich, C. & Jarrett, O. (Co-principal Investigators). Bullying Among School Children:  A Research Program to Determine its Causes, Impact and Effective School-Based Interventions. College of Education, Georgia State University, Fall 2004, $2,000.

Varjas, K. (Principal Investigator). The Mumbai Mental Health Project (MMH Project). College of Education, Georgia State University, 2004, $2,700.

Varjas, K., Meyers, J. & Dew, B. (Co-principal Investigators). Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Intersex (GLBQTI) Youth Bullying Project. College of Education, Georgia State University, 2004, $2,000.

Varjas, K., Dew, B., Meyers, J., Henrich, C. & Jarrett, O. (Co-principal Investigators). Bullying Among School Children:  A Research Program to Determine its Causes, Impact and Effective School-Based Interventions. College of Education, Georgia State University, 2004, $2,700.

Varjas, K. (Principal Investigator). The Sri Lanka Mental Health Project- International Grant. College of Education, Georgia State University, 2002-2003, $5,000.

Varjas, K. (Principal Investigator). The Sri Lanka Mental Health Project - Consultant Grant. College of Education, Georgia State University, 2002-2003, $2,500.

Training Grants

Varjas, K. Integrating Technology in Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS). Georgia State University Technology Fee Grant, Atlanta, GA, 2005-2006, $19,458 (technology and software).

Decker, S., & Varjas, K. Dean-Woodcock Neuropsychological Battery Award. The Woodcock-Munoz Foundation, Olympia, WA, 2005, $4,125 (test materials).
 
Varjas, K. Woodcock Johnson Tests – Bateria III Complete Battery Award. The Woodcock-Munoz Foundation, Olympia, WA, 2004, $7,080 (test materials).

Varjas, K. Woodcock Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities: Third Edition Award. The Woodcock-Munoz Foundation, Olympia, WA, 2003, $2,100 (test materials).


PRESENTATIONS


International/National Peer-Reviewed Presentations

 Varjas, K., Meyers, J., & Henrich, C., Kim, S., & Cutts, H. (2007, August). Program evaluation: Urban school peer victimization program in the U. S. Paper presented in symposium “Cultural specificity and international program development: Mixed methods research designs”, at the American Psychological Association 114th Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA.

Nastasi, B. K., Hitchcock, J., Varjas, K., Sarkar, S., & Jayasena, A. (2007, August). Developing culturally-specific evidence-based interventions: An illustration from a developing country. Paper presented in symposium “Cross-cutting children’s mental health: Innovations in evidence-based treatment for ethnic minority children and adolescents”, at the American Psychological Association 114th Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA.

Nastasi, B. K., Hitchcock, J., Varjas, K., Sarkar, S., & Jayasena, A. (2007, April). Using mixed methods to assess a school-based mental health program. Paper presented in symposium “Innovative applications of mixed methods research” at the American Educational Research Association Meeting, Chicago, IL.

Lopp, E., Bellmoff, L., Meyers, J., Varjas, K., Birckbichler, L., Marshall, M., & Williamson, Z. (2007, March). Bullying in an urban school district: Perceptions of 4th through 8th grade students. Paper presented in symposium “Utilizing mixed methods to investigate bullying: Urban youths’ perspectives”, at the National Association of School Psychologists 2007 Annual Convention, New York, NY.

Bryant, A. C., Varjas, K., Meyers, J., Birckbichler, L., & Graybill, E. (2007, March). Assessing school climate among sexual minority high school students. Paper presented in symposium “Utilizing mixed methods to investigate bullying: Urban youths’ perspectives”, at the National Association of School Psychologists 2007 Annual Convention, New York, NY.

Paxinos, K., Skoczylas, R., Varjas, K., Meyers, J., & Henrich, C. (2007, March). Student survey of bullying behavior- Revised 2. Paper presented in symposium “Utilizing mixed methods to investigate bullying: Urban youths’ perspectives”, at the National Association of School Psychologists 2007 Annual Convention, New York, NY.

Meyers, J. & Varjas, K. (2007, March). Mixed methods and intervention research on bullying in urban settings. Paper presented in symposium “Utilizing mixed methods to investigate bullying: Urban youths’ perspectives”, at the National Association of School Psychologists 2007 Annual Convention, New York, NY.

Marshall, M., Graybill, E., Varjas, K., Meyers, J., & Skoczylas, R. (2007, March). Urban teachers’ perspectives on bullying in schools. Poster presented at the National Association of School Psychologists 2007 Annual Convention, New York, NY.

Nastasi, B. K., Jayasena, A., Hitchcock, J., Burkholder, G., Varjas, K., & Sarkar, S. (2006, April). Reactions of female adolescents to a school-based mental health program. Paper presented at the 10th National Convention on Women’s Studies, Columbo, Sri Lanka.

Nastasi, B. K., Hitchcock, J., Burkholder, G., Sarkar, S., & Varjas, K. (2006, April). Mixed methods in intervention research: Theory to adaptation. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association Meeting, San Francisco, CA.

Varjas, K., Siegel, C., Lopp, K., Tillery, A., Harper, E., & Carpenter, J. (2005, August). Issues of diversity in assessment: Practices of Georgia school psychologists. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association 113th Annual Convention, Washington, DC.

Hitchcock, J., Burkholder, G., Nastasi, B. K., & Varjas, K. (2005, August). A mixed-method approach for validating culturally specific constructs. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association 113th Annual Convention, Washington, DC.

Nastasi, B. K., Jayasena, A., Hitchcock, J., Varjas, K., Bernstein Moore, R., & Sarkar, S. (2005, July). Cultural and contextual specificity of stress reactions. Paper presented at the 27th International School Psychology Association Colloquium 2005, Athens, Greece.
 
Mahendra, V. S., Verma, R., Pulerwitz, J., Khandekar, S., Rokade, M., Sarmalkar, V., & Varjas, K. (2005, July). Sexual coercion and HIV risk in Mumbai slums: Perspectives of young men as perpetrators of violence. Paper presented at the 7th Annual Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP), Kobe, Japan.

Nastasi, B. K., Hitchcock, J. H., Burkholder, G., Sarkar, S., Varjas, K., & Disch, W. (2005, April). Validating cultural and gender specific constructs: A mixed method approach to advance assessment procedures in cross-cultural settings. Paper presented in symposium “Issues in Fairness and Equity”, at the 2005 American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Montreal, Canada.

Larson, K., Singh, A., Dew, B., Varjas, K., & Meyers, J. (2005, April). School and community service providers' perspectives on bullying towards GLBTQI youth. Poster presented at the American Counseling Association 2005 Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Varjas, K., Dew, B., Henrich, C., Graybill, E., Marshall, M., Ades, H., Defnall, L., Meyers, J., & Mahan, W. (2005, April). Symposium “School and community service providers’ perspectives on bullying” presented at the National Association of School Psychologists 2005 Annual Convention, Atlanta, GA.

Varjas, K., Dew, B., Henrich, C., Graybill, E., Marshall, M., Ades, H., Defnall, L. & Nastasi, B. K. (2005, April). Bullies and their targets: Building a safe school community. Mini-skills presented at the National Association of School Psychologists 2005 Annual Convention, Atlanta, GA.

Varjas, K., Nastasi, B. K., Bernstein Moore, R. & Jayasena, A. (2004, July). Application of the participatory culture-specific intervention model: Sri Lanka mental health project. Paper presented in Symposium “Participatory culture-specific intervention model: School and community applications”, at the 26th Annual International School Psychology Colloquium, Exeter, United Kingdom.

Lopp, K., Varjas, K. & Henderson, J. (2004, July). Developing culturally specific interventions for girls dealing with anger issues. Paper presented in Symposium “Participatory culture-specific intervention model: School and community applications”, at the 26th Annual International School Psychology Colloquium, Exeter, United Kingdom.

Lopp, G., Varjas, K., Carpenter, J., Lee, S., Verma, R. & Khandekar, S. (2004, July). Addressing masculinity as a strategy to reduce HIV/AIDS related risky sexual behavior among young men in India. Paper presented in Symposium “Participatory culture-specific intervention model: School and community applications”, at the 26th Annual International School Psychology Colloquium, Exeter, United Kingdom.

Gilman, R. C., Florell, D., Sverko, D., Ashby, J., Varjas, K. & Dietrich, J. (2004, July). Perfectionism and multidimensional life satisfaction among Croatian and American youth. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association 112th Annual Convention Honolulu, HI.
 
Varjas, K., Nastasi, B. K., Bernstein-Moore, R. & Jayasena, A. (2004, April). Using qualitative methods to develop a culture-specific intervention. Paper presented in Symposium “Contributions of qualitative research to the validity of intervention research”, at the National Association of School Psychologists 2004 Annual Convention, Dallas, TX.

Lopp, K.., Varjas, K., & Henderson, J. (2004, April). Girls at risk: Gender differences in anger. Paper presented in Symposium, “Addressing issues of diversity through service delivery”, at the National Association of School Psychologists 2004 Annual Convention, Dallas, TX.

Varjas, K., Siegel, C., & Lopp, K. (2004, April). Georgia school psychologists addressing issues of diversity in practice: A qualitative study. Paper presented in Symposium, “Addressing issues of diversity through service delivery”, at the National Association of School Psychologists 2004 Annual Convention, Dallas, TX.

Henderson, J.., Varjas, K., & Lopp, K. (2004, April). An exploratory investigation of acculturation and adaptive behavior for African American adolescents. Paper presented in Symposium, “Addressing issues of diversity through service delivery”, at the National Association of School Psychologists 2004 Annual Convention, Dallas, TX.

Varjas, K. & Nastasi, B. K. (2003, August). Developing a culture-specific intervention for Sri Lankan youth. Paper presented in Roundtable Discussion, “International perspectives on assessment, counseling, diversity, adaptation, and youth and family services”, at the 111th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Toronto, Canada.

Varjas, K. & Nastasi, B. K. (2003, April). Redefining culture by using a Participatory Culture-Specific (PCSC) approach. Paper presented in Symposium, “Participatory approaches to intervention in urban settings”, at the National Association of School Psychologists 2003 Annual Convention, Toronto, Canada.

Nastasi, B. K., Bernstein, R. & Varjas, K. (2003, April). Participatory (Culture-Specific) Intervention Model: Integrating research and practice. Paper presented in Symposium, “Participatory approaches to intervention in urban settings”, at the National Association of School Psychologists 2003 Annual Convention, Toronto, Canada.

Varjas, K., Siegel, C., Perez, L., Lopp, K., & Henderson, J. (2003, April). Addressing diversity issues in intelligence testing and phonological processing. Mini-skills presented at the National Association of School Psychologists 2003 Annual Convention, Toronto, Canada.

Varjas, K., Lopp, K., Perez, L., & Henderson, J. (2003, April). Conducting culturally appropriate social/emotional/behavioral assessments. Mini-skills presented at the National Association of School Psychologists 2003 Annual Convention, Toronto, Canada.

Lopp, K., Varjas, K., & Henderson, J. (2003, February). Gender differences and anger: Girls at-risk. Paper presented at the 14th annual National Youth-At-Risk Conference, Savannah, GA.

Varjas, K. & Nastasi, B. K. (2002, March). The Sri Lanka mental health project: The struggles of defining culture. Paper presented at the 62nd annual meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology, Atlanta, GA.
 
Mashburn, J. C. & Varjas, K. (2002, March). Issues in assessing culturally diverse children in the area of language proficiency. Paper presented in Symposium, “School psychologists addressing diversity issues in assessment” at the National Association of School Psychologists 2002 Annual Convention, Chicago, IL.

Varjas, K. & Mashburn, J. C. (2002, March). How do we sum it all up?  Assessing culturally diverse children in schools from start to finish. Paper presented in Symposium, “School psychologists addressing diversity issues in assessment” at the National Association of School Psychologists 2002 Annual Convention, Chicago, IL.

Nastasi, B. K. & Varjas, K. (2001, August). Child’s perspective on interventions: Conceptual model for guiding research. Paper presented in Symposium, “Do researchers care about what children and adolescents think about interventions?” at the 109th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, San Francisco, CA.

Varjas, K. & Nastasi, B. K. (2001, March). Using qualitative data to guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of culture specific interventions. Paper presented at the 61st annual meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

Varjas, K., Nastasi, B. K., Bernstein, R., & Jayasena, A. (2000, September). Developing a culture-specific intervention:  The Sri Lanka mental health project. Paper presented at the 5th annual Asia-Pacific Social Science and Medicine Conference of the Asia-Pacific Network of the International Forum for Social Sciences and Health, Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Nastasi, B. K., Jayasena, A., Varjas, K., & Bernstein, R. (2000, September). Mental health promotion among youth in Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the 5th annual Asia-Pacific Social Science and Medicine Conference of the Asia-Pacific Network of the International Forum for Social Sciences and Health, Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Jayasena, A., Nastasi, B. K., Bernstein, R., & Varjas, K. (2000, September). Preparing teachers to conduct mental health promotion programs for Sri Lankan youth. Paper presented at the 5th annual Asia-Pacific Social Science and Medicine Conference of the Asia-Pacific Network of the International Forum for Social Sciences and Health, Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., Sarkar, S., Hellendorn-Cothren, C., Hitchcock, J., Kowal, J., Brewster, M. (2000, July). Developing school-based mental health programs in Sri Lanka. Paper presented in Symposium, “Developing a culture specific mental health program”, at the 23rd annual convention of the International School Psychology Association, Durham, New Hampshire.

Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., Bernstein, R., Hellendoorn-Cothren, C., Brewster, M., Peters Kawal, M., Sarkar, S., & Hitchcock, J. (2000, March).  Developing culture-specific assessment and intervention tools for mental health promotion. Workshop conducted at the 32nd annual convention of the National Association of School Psychologists, New Orleans, LA.
 
Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., & Jayasena, A. (1999, August). State University of New York at Albany training model in international mental health. Paper presented in Symposium, “Expanding the role of school psychologists as mental health practitioners”, at the 107th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Boston, MA.

Varjas, K., Bernstein, R., Sarkar, S., Hellendoorn-Cothren, C., Hitchcock, J., & Brewster, M. (1999, August). Developing culture-specific interventions through participatory action research. Paper presented in Symposium, “Participatory action research in urban school and community settings”, at the 107th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Boston, MA.
 
Varjas, K. (1999, April).  Developing culture-specific interventions: Lessons from the Sri Lanka mental health project. Paper presented in Symposium, “Developing contra cultural-specificity: Blueprint for a global perspective” at the 31st annual convention of the National Association of School Psychologists, Las Vegas, NV.   

Varjas, K. (1998, August). School psychology in the 21st century. Paper presented in Symposium, “Perspectives on school psychologists of the future”, at the 106th annual convention of the American Psychological Association, San Francisco, CA.
   
Varjas, K. (1998, April). Action research model of mental health programming. Symposium presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
 
Varjas, K. (1998, April). School psychologists as mental health service providers:  Integrating theory, research and practice. Paper presented in Symposium, “Providing mental health services in the U.S. and developing countries: Alternative roles for school psychologists”, at the 30th annual convention of the National Association of School Psychologists, Orlando, FL.

Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., Bernstein, R., & Pluymert, K. (1998, April). Child and Professional Advocacy Update:  School Psychologists as mental health providers in the United States. Special session at the 30th annual convention of the National Association of School Psychologists Annual National Convention, Orlando, FL.

Nastasi, B. K. & Varjas, K. (1997, August). Promoting acceptability through collaborative action research. Paper presented at the 105th annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Chicago, IL.

Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., Bernstein, R. & McDougal, J. (1997, April). NASP research on school-based mental health project. Paper presented at the 29th annual convention of the National Association of School Psychologists, Anaheim, CA.

Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K. & Sarkur, S. (1997, March). Sexual decision-making intervention program for young women in Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology, Seattle, WA.
 
Nastasi, B. K., Varjas, K., & McDougal, J. (1996, April). NASP research on school-based mental health programs. Paper presented as part of the Children’s Services Forum on Mental Health, at the 28th annual meeting of the National Association of School Psychologists, Atlanta, GA.

Nastasi, B. K., Schensul, S. & Varjas, K. (1996, March). Heterosexual decision-making of young women in Sri Lanka: A model for AIDS prevention. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology, Baltimore MD.

Varjas, K & Singer, M. (1994, November-December). The significance of local context in needle exchange sites. Differences in socio-demographic information and HIV risk patterns. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association, Atlanta, GA.

Regional/State Peer-Reviewed Presentations

Birckbichler, L., Lopp, G., Mahan, W., Varjas, K., Dew, B., & Meyers, J. (2006, February). Examining the psychosocial concerns of gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth in schools. Poster presented at the 2nd Annual Chi Sigma Iota Chi Epsilon Chapter Day of Learning, Atlanta, GA.

Varjas, K., Meyers, J., Henrich, C. C., Graybill, E. C., Dew, B. J., Marshall, M. L., Williamson, Z., Skoczylas, R. B., & Avant, M. (2005, October). Developing a culture-specific bullying intervention project. Poster presented at the annual conference of Georgia Association of School Psychologists. Savannah, GA.

Varjas, K., Siegel, C., Lopp, K., Dutton Tillery, A., & Harper, E. (2005, October). Georgia school psychologists' perspectives on culturally appropriate assessment. Poster presented at the annual conference of Georgia Association of School Psychologists. Savannah, GA.

Siegel, C., Varjas, K., Lopp, K., Harper, E., & Dutton Tillery, A. (2005, October). How do Georgia school psychologists distinguish between english language learning problems and learning disabilities? Poster presented at the annual conference of Georgia Association of School Psychologists.  Savannah, GA.

Carpenter, J., Lopp, G., Lee, S., & Varjas, K. (2005, February). Perceptions of young men in India regarding male to male sex and male to enuch sex. Paper presented at the Chi Sigma Iota Chi Epsilon Chapter Day of Learning, Atlanta, GA.

Graybill, E., Marshall, M., Singh, A., Mahan, W., Harrison, P., Larson, K., Varjas, K., Dew, B., & Meyers, J. (2005, February). School and community services providers’ perspectives on bullying towards GLBTQI youth. Paper presented at the Chi Sigma Iota Chi Epsilon Chapter Day of Learning, Atlanta, GA.

Varjas, K., Siegel, C. & Lopp, K. (2003, October). Georgia school psychologists addressing issues of diversity in practice: Results of a GASP-funded research project. Paper presented at the Georgia Association of School Psychologists’ Fall 2002 Conference, Pine Mountain, GA.

Varjas, K., Lopp, K., & Henderson, J. (2003, April). Focusing on culturally appropriate assessment of adaptive behavior and social/emotional/behavioral issues. Paper presented at the Southeast Regional Resource Center Disproportionality Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Varjas, K., Lopp, K, Perez, L, & Henderson, J. (2003, March). Checklists and beyond: Culturally appropriate social, emotional, and behavioral assessment. Paper presented at the California Association of School Psychologists, Los Angeles, CA.

Varjas, K., Siegel, C., Perez, L., Lopp, K., Henderson, J, Le Beau, B., & Harper, E. (2002, October). Culturally appropriate assessment considering the domains of intelligence, achievement and phonological processing. Paper presented at the Georgia Association of School Psychologists’ Fall 2002 Conference, Pine Mountain, GA.

Varjas, K., Lopp, K., Henderson, J. & Perez, L. (2002, October). Culturally appropriate assessment: Adaptive behavior and social/emotional and behavioral concerns. Paper presented at the Georgia Association of School Psychologists’ Fall 2002 Conference, Pine Mountain, GA. 

Varjas, K., Perez, L., Lopp, K., & Mashburn, C. (2001, October). Addressing issues of culture and diversity in assessment practices. Paper presented at the Georgia Association of School Psychologists’ Fall 2001 Conference, Pine Mountain, GA.

Varjas, K., Perez, L., & Sewell-Nelson, J. (2001, May). Diversity in School Psychology:
What are we doing in practice? Paper presented at the Georgia Association of School Psychologists’ Spring 2001 Conference, St. Simons Island, GA.

Varjas, K. (1997, April-May). Action research and sexual risk prevention among young adults in Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the New England Educational Research Organization, Portsmouth, NH.

Varjas, K. & Singer, M. (1994, April). The sociodemographic and risk characteristics of needle exchange program users. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Northeastern Anthropological Association, Geneseo, NY.

Invited Presentations and Workshops

Nastasi, B. K., Hatzichristou, C., & Varjas, K. (2007, July). International initiative: Promoting psychological well-being globally. Workshop conducted at the International School Psychology Association Colloquium, Tampere, Finland.
 
Varjas, K. (2007, July). Qualitative research methods. Paper presented in workshop “Research Methods Training” conducted at the International School Psychology Association Colloquium, Tampere, Finland.

Varjas, K. (2007, April). Lessons learned from conducting international research in India and Sri Lanka. Invited presentation at the Sojourners Day of Learning, Atlanta, GA.

Bryant, A. C., Varjas, K., Meyers, J., Birckbichler, L., Mahan, W., & Lopp, G. (2007, February). LGBTQIQ youth perspectives on school experiences. Invited presentation at the 3rd Annual Chi Sigma Iota Chi Epsilon Chapter Day of Learning, Atlanta, GA

Meyers, J., Varjas, K., Henrich, C., Graybill, E., Marshall, M., Williamson, Z., Skoczylas, R., & Mahan, W. (2006, September). Culture specific approaches to development of interventions to prevent school-based bullying and its negative effects. Invited presentation at the Morehouse School of Medicine Violence Prevention: Promoting Healthy Communities Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Birckbichler, L., Lopp, G., Mahan, W., Varjas, K., Dew, B., & Meyers, J. (2006, March). Examining the psychosocial concerns of gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth in schools. Invited poster presented at the 2nd Annual Cultural Competency Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Nastasi, B. K., Jayasena, A., & Varjas, K. (2005, May). Sri Lanka Mental Health Promotion Project. Presentation to educators and educational administrators of the Central Province of Sri Lanka. St. John’s Getambe School, Kandy.

Dew, B., & Varjas, K. (2005, February). Counseling with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered clients: A two-day learning institute. American Counseling Association European Branch, Speyer, Germany.

Varjas, K. & Dew, B. (2004, December). Bullying and the sexual minority student: An examination of legal and ethical concerns for school psychologists. Invited workshop presented to the school psychology staff and invited guests at Cobb County Schools, Smyrna, GA.

Henderson, J. & Varjas, K. (2004, October). Addressing the challenges of assessing adaptive behavior with culturally diverse populations. Invited workshop provided to practicing school psychologists at the Coweta County Psychological Services, Newnan, GA.

Meyers, J., Varjas, K., Graybill, E., & Marshall, M. (2004, October). Does zero tolerance provide a realistic approach to prevent bullying in schools? Implications for school district policies and Georgia’s law. Invited presentation delivered to school personnel at Decatur City Schools, Smyrna, GA.

Varjas, K. & Siegel, C. (2004, May). Conducting and funding school-based research. Invited workshop provided to practicing school psychologists at the Georgia Association of School Psychologists, Jekyll Island, GA.

Varjas, K., Carpenter, J., Lopp, G. & Lee, S. (2004, February). Addressing masculinity as a strategy to reduce HIV/AIDS related risky sexual behavior among young men in India: Formative research findings leading to the development of intervention. Invited presentation provided to researchers, academics, community members and invited guests at the International Institute for Population Studies, Mumbai, India.

Nastasi, B. K. & Varjas, K. (2003, August). Developing comprehensive and culturally specific school-based mental health services. Invited presentation provided to researchers, academics and invited guests at Somaiya College, Mumbai, India.

Varjas, K., Siegel, C., Lopp, K. & Perez, L. (2003, February). Culturally appropriate assessment considering the domains of intelligence, achievement and phonological processing. Invited workshop presented to the school psychology staff and invited guests at Clayton County Schools, Jonesboro, GA.

Varjas, K., Lopp, K., Henderson, J. L. & Perez, L. (2003, February). Culturally appropriate assessment: Adaptive behavior and social/emotional and behavioral concerns. Invited workshop presented to the school psychology staff and invited guests at Clayton County Schools, Jonesboro, GA.

Varjas, K., Perez, L. & Lopp, K. (2002, February). Adaptive Behavior, Social, Emotional and
Behavioral Assessment and Cultural Diversity. Invited presentation provided to the school psychology staff, Cobb County School District, Marietta, GA.

Varjas, K., Perez, L., Lopp, K. & Mashburn, C. (2001, October).  Addressing Issues of Culture and
  Diversity in Assessment Practices. Invited presentation provided to the Fall Conference of the Georgia Association of School Psychologists, Pine Mountain, GA. 

Varjas, K., Perez, L. & Sewell Nelson, J. (2000, August). Multiculturalism in School Psychology.  Invited presentation provided to the school psychology staff, Cobb County School District, Marietta, GA.

Nastasi, B. K. & Varjas, K. (1999, July) . Pilot Project for Development of Instruments for Behavioural Surveillance of HIV/AIDS in Sri Lanka. Workshop conducted in conjunction with the University of Peradeniya, University of Colombo, and the Centre of Intersectoral Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

SERVICE

National Professional Service

Co-coordinator, The Joint International School Psychology Association – Society for the Study of  School Psychology (ISPA-SSSP) Committee on International Research Initiatives, 2007-present. Member, Professional Development and Practices (PD&P) Committee, International School Psychology Association, 2007.
Convention Paper Reviewer, National Association of School Psychologists, 2007.
Chairperson, Division 16 American Psychological Association Conversation Series, 2003-2006.
Convention Paper Reviewer, National Association of School Psychologists, 2005.
Task Force Member, Qualitative Research, Division 16 American Psychological Association, 2000-2004.

State/Regional Professional Service

Advisory Board Member, Project Solve Advisory Board, YouthPride, Inc., 2007.
Co-Sponsor Georgia Association of School Psychologists (GASP) Response to Intervention Distance Learning Workshop, Georgia Association of School Psychologists, 2005.
Chairperson GASP Fall Conference Poster Session, Georgia Association of School Psychologists, 2005.
Chairperson Conference Proposals Review Committee, Georgia Association of School Psychologists, 2003, 2004, & 2005.
Chairperson Grant Proposal Review Committee, Georgia Association of School Psychologists, 2003, 2004, & 2005.
Research Committee Chairperson, Georgia Association of School Psychologists, 2003-present.
Multicultural Committee Member, Georgia Association of School Psychologists, 2003-present.
University Trainer Representative, Metro Atlanta Psychological Services Coordinators, 2001- present.

University Professional Service

Curriculum Committee (Professional Education Faculty), Georgia State University, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2007-2008.

College Of Education Professional Service

Dean’s Advisory Committee, CPS Representative, College of Education, Georgia State University, 2006-2007, 2007-2008.
Appeal Panel Member, College of Education, Georgia State University, Summer 2007.
Ad Hoc Committee on International Programs (ACIP), 2004-present.
Chairperson, Bullying Research Interest Group (RIG), College of Education, Georgia State University, 2004-present.
Research Faculty, Center for Research on School Safety, School Climate and Classroom Management, Georgia State University, 2003-present.
Underrepresented Faculty, Georgia State University, 2003-2004.

Department Professional Service

Retention Committee Chairperson, Counseling & Psychological Services, Georgia State University, 2007.
Counseling & Psychological Services Department Chair’s Advisory Committee, Pre-tenure representative, 2006-2007.
Co-coordinator, Student Association of School Psychologists for the American Psychological Association, Georgia State University Chapter, 2002-2003, 2003-  2004, 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2006-2007.
Technology Committee Member, Counseling & Psychological Services, Georgia State University, 2004-present.
Test Library Coordinator, School Psychology Program, Georgia State University, 2002-2006.
Internship Coordinator, School Psychology Program, Georgia State University, 2002-present.
Dissertation Award Committee Member, Counseling & Psychological Services, Georgia State University, 2002-present.
Doctoral Comprehensive Committee Co-Chair, School Psychology Program, 2004, 2006.
School Psychology Search Committee Member (4 committees), Georgia State University, 2001-2002, 2002-2003.
Doctoral Admissions Committee Co-chair, School Psychology Program, Georgia State University, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007.
M.Ed./Ed.S. Admissions Committee Co-chair, School Psychology Program, Georgia State University, 2001, 2002, 2003.
Retention Committee Member, Counseling & Psychological Services, Georgia State University, 2001-2002.

EDITORIAL BOARDS

Reviewer, School Psychology Review, 2007
Ad Hoc Reviewer, Journal of Educational Psychological Consultation, 2006
Ad Hoc Reviewer, School Psychology Review, 2003, 2004, 2005
Ad Hoc Reviewer, Psychology in Schools, 2005

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
 
American Psychological Association
Division 16 of American Psychological Association (School Psychology)
National Association of School Psychologists
International School Psychologists Association
Georgia Association of School Psychologists