The Department of Psychology and the School of Behavioral Health are excited to welcome Dr. Michelle McDonnell as a member of our clinical faculty. Dr. McDonnell completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Loma Linda University (LLU) in 2018, with specialized training in clinical neuropsychology. Throughout her graduate education, she demonstrated a strong record of academic achievement alongside a deep commitment to clinical practice and research.
Her clinical training spans a range of respected medical and academic settings, including LLU, Casa Colina Hospital & Centers for Healthcare, UCLA Semel Institute, and the VA Long Beach Healthcare System. Dr. McDonnell completed her predoctoral clinical internship at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, followed by a two-year postdoctoral advanced clinical fellowship in neuropsychology at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System.
Following her fellowship, Dr. McDonnell worked as a clinical and research neuropsychologist with the University of California, Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND). Her professional experience also includes clinical roles with the California Department of State Hospitals and Hoag Hospital/OC neuroPSYCH. She specializes in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for adult and older adult populations, with clinical interests that include neurodegenerative conditions, vascular disease and stroke, traumatic brain injury, movement disorders, and the interplay between cognitive and psychological symptoms.
In her new role at LLU, Dr. McDonnell will contribute significantly to the training of Psychology students through her work at the SBH Resiliency Clinic, where she will support neuropsychological assessment education and supervision. In addition, she will dedicate one day per week to providing neuropsychological services within the Department of Neurosurgery, collaborating in the care of patients with complex neurological and medical needs.
Dr. McDonnell returns to LLU with a strong dedication to patient-centered care, education, and the University's mission. Her appointment strengthens our clinical training programs, expands interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhances the learning opportunities available to our students. We are delighted to welcome her back to the community where her professional foundation was formed and look forward to the impact she will continue to make.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Michelle McDonnell to the Department of Psychology and the School of Behavioral Health. We are grateful to have her as part of our team and look ahead with enthusiasm to her contributions in the years to come.