Dr. Charisse Nixon
Charisse Nixon, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of developmental psychology at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College and is also the Director of Research and Evaluation for The Ophelia Project.

Dr. Nixon uses her research expertise and more than a decade of experience in psychology and teaching to shed light on the developmental repercussions of relational aggression. She has published numerous scholarly articles, and recently released her first book, "Girl Wars: 12 Strategies That Will End Female Bullying."

As a mother of two young girls who remembers what it was like to feel "stuck, silenced, and scared" as a child, Dr. Nixon recognizes the potential positive power of kids who are in the middle of relationally aggressive situations.

She wants kids to know how to stand up to aggressors. She wants children to feel empowered that they can change a social situation from an exclusive, hurtful scene to one that is helpful and caring. She teaches young people that tolerating and/or committing aggressive behaviors is not OK.

Dr. Nixon earned her doctoral degree in Developmental Psychology from West Virginia University. Her current research centers on prevention and intervention efforts in the realm of relational aggression. Focus areas of Dr. Nixon's research include: the role of normative beliefs in relational aggression, the construct of empathy with respect to relational aggression, the exploration of cognitive and emotional correlates as they relate to relational aggression, and examining girls' and boys' cognitive and emotional coping strategies as a result of peer aggression.

Her cutting-edge research and findings provide the bedrock for The Ophelia Project's programming.

Dr. Nixon lives in Erie, Pa. with her husband, Ed, and their two young daughters.

"She did more than just tell about the topic - she gave specific ideas on how to help with relational aggression."

Dr. Michael R. Carpenter

Founder of the Student Assistance Professionals Association

Atlanta, Georgia

"I attended Dr. Charisse Nixon's seminar and would like to thank [The Ophelia Project] for a wonderful day. I was so excited when I left knowing that I have great resources to use in our school next year. I am extremely passionate about reducing bullying in our community. Thanks again for a terrific experience."

Patti Clifford, School Counselor

Pointers Run Elementary School

Clarksville, Maryland

"All in all it was a wonderful presentation. I was excited to hear Dr. Nixon speak, because I have read a lot about The Ophelia Project. I have wanted to bring the training to my school for a long time and am going to commit to doing it next year."

American School Counselor Association Conference

Orlando, Florida

"[The presentation] was a success!  Dr. Nixon was a hit, and was especially good with the high school students, who made up a large part of the audience. Many parents said to me that they wished she had spoken for even longer, which is always a good sign!"

Kathy Connors

Notre Dame Academy

Staten Island, New York

For more information about how to bring Dr. Charisse Nixon to your school or organization, contact Diane Mitra by e-mail at dmitra@opheliaproject.org or call toll-free at

1-888-256-KIDS.

 [ BACK TO TOP ]