Meet the Research Team

We are a passionate group of scientists, clinicians, and advocates based at the UNC School of Medicine, partnered with the National Institute of Mental Health. Our team is united by a shared commitment to understanding the genetic causes of postpartum depression, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure. Beyond our research, we deeply care about the well-being of mothers and families and hope to bring healing to those affected by postpartum depression.

Jerry Guintivano, PhD, Principal Investigator at MomGenes, UNC School of Medicine Psychiatry, leading research on postpartum depression and mental health.

Jerry Guintivano, PhD

Principal Investigator

Samantha Meltzer‑Brody, MD, MPH and a Co-Investigator at MomGenes, UNC School of Medicine Psychiatry, leading research on postpartum depression and mental health.

Samantha Meltzer‑Brody, MD, MPH

Co-Investigator

Karen Sheffield‑Abdullah, PhD, RN, CNM and a Co-Investigator at MomGenes, UNC School of Medicine Psychiatry, leading research on postpartum depression and mental health.

Karen Sheffield‑Abdullah, PhD, RN, CNM

Co-Investigator

Mae Lynn Reyes‑Rodriguez, PhD and a Co-Investigator at MomGenes, UNC School of Medicine Psychiatry, leading research on postpartum depression and mental health.

Mae Lynn Reyes‑Rodriguez, PhD

Co-Investigator

Holly Krohn, MPH, Research Coordinator at MomGenes, working on postpartum depression research at UNC School of Medicine.

Holly Krohn, MPH

Research Coordinator

Kaya Hamilton, Research Coordinator at MomGenes, contributing to maternal mental health studies at UNC School of Medicine.

Kaya Hamilton

Research Coordinator

Erika Campos, Research Coordinator at MomGenes, dedicated to postpartum depression research and maternal health at UNC

Erika Campos

Research Coordinator

Rachel Quinn

Student Superstar

Sabrina Chan

Student Superstar

Jessica Johnson, MPH, Research Specialist at MomGenes, focusing on maternal mental health research at UNC School of Medicine.

Jessica Johnson, MPH

Research Specialist

Ciara McOmber, Lab Staff at MomGenes, involved in scientific research for postpartum depression at UNC School of Medicine.

Ciara McOmber

Lab Staff

NaEshia Ancalade, Pharm D, Lab Staff at MomGenes, conducting research on postpartum depression and mental health at UNC.

NaEshia Ancalade, Pharm D

Lab Staff