Allegra (Saco) Opiela

Biography

Allegra is currently a doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology PhD program at the University of Rhode Island. Her clinical interests are rooted in improving the quality of life of older adults through interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based psychotherapy and quality neuropsychological assessment practices.

Primary Responsibilities:

  1. Research, recommend, and implement best practices in supporting faculty who teach online and/or blended formats including establishing relationships with support services across campus;
  2. Maintain Online Education and Instructional Design webpages;
  3. Provide Brightspace and Panopto support for URI faculty;
  4. Assist in facilitating and managing the completion of ATL’s Basic Brightspace and Online Pedagogy courses.

Research

Allegra’s research interests are centered in health behavior change and chronic disease management in adult populations.

Education

  • M.A., Psychology, University of Rhode Island 2022
  • B.A., Psychology, Bates College 2018

Selected Publications

  1. Sacco, A., Robbins, M. L., Paiva, A. L., Monahan, K., Lindsey, H., Reyes, C., & Rusnock, A.(2023). Measuring motivation for COVID-19 vaccination: An application of the transtheoretical model. American Journal of Health Promotion. https://doi.org/10.1177/08901171231197899
  2. Monahan, K., Paiva, A., Blissmer, B, Sacco, A., Robbins, M. (2023). Transtheoretical model for exercise: Measure redevelopment and assessing the role of barriers in a diverse
    population. American Journal of Health Promotion. https://doi.org/10.1177/08901171231213692
  3. Murray, A., Monahan, K., Sacco, A., Paiva, A., Redding, C., & Robbins, M. (2023).
    Development and validation of a measure of self-efficacy for advance care planning. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1177/104990912312105