Oanh Kim Tran, PhD Faculty Profile

Oanh Kim Tran, PhD

Professor & School Psychology Program Coordinator

Department of Educational Psychology

E-mail: oanh.tran@csueastbay.edu
Phone: (510) 885-7428
Office: AE 303
Home Page: https://www.csueastbay.edu/school-psychology/
Note: CSUEB does not pre-approve, monitor, or edit personal pages. Faculty members are solely responsible for their content, and are expected to conform to the policy guidelines of CSUEB.

Dr. Oanh Kim Tran is a Professor and Program Coordinator of the School Psychology Program at California State University, East Bay (CSUEB), where she has served for over 18 years. She earned her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Oregon and is also a California-credentialed school psychologist and educational consultant. Dr. Tran's initiatives include leadership development, diversity in graduate education, and wellness promotion in various settings.

Her professional interests include mental health, social-emotional learning (SEL), special education assessment, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), parent engagement, community partnerships, and advancing equity and social justice in school psychology. She has an extensive record of publications and national presentations and is co-author of the Strong Kids and Strong Teens SEL curriculum (Brookes Publishing), widely used to promote student mental health and resilience.

Dr. Tran founded CSUEB’s Rise Up and Speak Up “Lunch and Learn” series, focused on addressing racism, poverty, and violence through the lens of advocacy and social justice in school psychology. She also advises the Social Justice League (SJL) and the School Psychology Association (SPA).

As a Vietnamese American immigrant, scholar, and practitioner, Dr. Tran draws on her lived experiences to champion culturally responsive education, ethical practice, and inclusive school-family-community collaboration. She advocates for historically marginalized communities and supports innovative practices to uplift Asian American students and other underserved groups.

In addition to her work in education, Dr. Tran is expanding her expertise into senior care and aging-related mental health, integrating her background in psychology and wellness to support older adults and their families through compassionate, community-based care.

Dr. Tran currently leads two research projects:

Promoting Social Emotional Learning and Wellness in Schools: This project aims to promote the implementation of SEL curricula in schools to support students’ emotional, mental, social, and academic success.
Social Justice Perceptions and Practices in Training and Schools: This project explores how school psychologists are trained and how they engage in and promote social justice. The project seeks to identify resources and supports to help school psychologists address inequities more effectively.

Professional Focus

-Co-author of Strong Kids and Strong Teens Social and Emotional Learning Curricula to enhance emotional literacy skills and resiliency.

-Promoting social and emotional learning through class-wide and school-wide supports through implementing research-based curricula in a three-tiered model. See Strong Kids website https://strongkidsresources.com.

-Graduate level training in the Department of Educational Psychology, with focus in school psychology.

-School Psychology program coordination, national accreditation (National Association of School Psychologists), and state credentialing (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing).

-Social Justice and equitable practices

-Faculty mentor for the Social Justice League (SJL) and School Psychology Association (SPA).

-Wellness in senior care and aging

Education

Courses

Publications

*=Denotes equal contribution

*Alam, N., Kim, T., Simon, C., Tran, O. K. (2019). Want to be a School Psychologist? A career that helps all kids. In Lettie Ramirez, Ed., You are not alone: Recipes to obtain success for students by students. Valazquez Press.

*Motamedi, M. O, Johnson, E., Rodriquez, A., & Tran, O. K. (2019). How to stay healthy. Your emotional and psychological health. In Lettie Ramirez, Ed., You are not alone: Recipes to obtain success for students by students. Valazquez Press.

*Carrizales, D., Feurborn, L., Gueldner, B., A., & Tran, O. K. (2016). Merrell’s Strong Kids: A social and emotional learning curriculum for students in grades 3-5 (2^ndEd.). Baltimore: Paul H. Brooks Publishing.

*Carrizales, D., Feurborn, L., Gueldner, B., A., & Tran, O. K. (2016). Merrell’s Strong Kids: A social and emotional learning curriculum for students in grades 6-8 (2^ndEd.). Baltimore: Paul H. Brooks Publishing.

*Carrizales, D., Feurborn, L., Gueldner, B., A., & Tran, O. K. (2016). Merrell’s Strong Kids: A social and emotional learning curriculum for students in grades 9-12 (2^ndEd.). Baltimore: Paul H. Brooks Publishing.

Tran, O. K., Gueldner, B. A., & Smith, D. (2014). Building resiliency in schools. In R. Gilman, E. S. Huebner, & M. Furlong, Eds. Handbook on Positive Psychology in Schools. New York: Taylor & Francis.

Castro-Olivo, S., Tran, O. K., Begum, G., Arellano, E., Garcia, N., & Tung, C., (2013). A comprehensive model for promoting resiliency and preventing violence in schools. Contemporary School Psychology, 17(1), 23-34.

Tran, O. K., Pham, A., & Davis, J. (2013). Suicide. In J. Sandoval (Ed.), Handbook of Crisis Counseling, Intervention, and Prevention in Schools (3^rd Ed.), Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

Tran, O. K., & Merrell, K. W (2010). Promoting student resilience: Social and emotional learning as a universal prevention approach. In B. J. Doll (Ed.), Handbook of Youth Prevention Science. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

Merrell, K. W., Juskelis, M. P., Tran, O. K., & Buchanan, R. (2008). Social and emotional learning in the classroom: Impact of Strong Kids and Strong Teens on students' social-emotional knowledge and symptoms. Journal of Applied School Psychology, 24,. (209-224).

Buchanan, R., Gueldner, B. A., Tran, O. K., & Merrell, K. W. (2008). Teachers' perceptions of social and emotional learning in the classrooms. Journal of Applied School Psychology.

Tran, O. K. (2008). The Strong Kids Curricula for building social and emotional resiliency in children and adolescents. Prevention in Counseling Psychology, 2, (7-10).

Merrell, K. M., Gueldner, B. A., & Tran, O. K. (2008). Social and emotional learning: A school-wide approach to intervention for socialization, friendship problems, and more. In B. J. Doll & J. A. Cummings (Eds.), Population-based Services of School Psychologists. (pp. 165-185). Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

Merrell, K. M., Carrizales, D., Feurborn, L., Gueldner, B., A., & Tran, O. K. (2007). Strong Kids:. A social and emotional learning curriculum for students in grades 3-5. Baltimore: Paul H. Brooks Publishing.

Merrell, K. M., Carrizales, D., Feurborn, L., Gueldner, B., A., & Tran, O. K. (2007). Strong Kids: A social and emotional learning curriculum for students in grades 6-8. Baltimore: Paul H. Brooks Publishing.

Merrell, K. M., Carrizales, D., Feurborn, L., Gueldner, B., A., & Tran, O. K. (2007). Strong Teens:. A social and emotional learning curriculum for students in grades 9-12. Baltimore: Paul H. Brooks Publishing.

Merrell, K. M., Buchanan, R., & Tran, O. K. (2006). Relational aggression in children and adolescents: A review with implications for school settings. Psychology in the Schools. (43, 345ï¿½360).

Carrizales, D., & Tran, O. K (2004). Promoting emotional resilience in schools: The Strong Kids and Strong Teens curricula. Oregon School Psychologist Association Bulletin.

Tran, O. K., & Furlong, M. J. (2004). Personal strengths and assets among adolescents: A comparison of smokers and non-smokers. The California School Psychologist. (61ï¿½75).

Furlong, M. J., Tran, O. K., & Soliz, A. (2004). School violence prevention. In T. S. Watson & C. H. Skinner (Eds.), Comprehensive Encyclopedia of School Psychology. (pp. 278ï¿½ï¿½281).

Tran, O. K. (2002). Personal strengths and assets of adolescent smokers and non- smokers. Proceedings of the Summer 2002 Academic Research Consortium (ARC). University of California, Santa Barbara.

Presentations

*Tran, O. K., Noriega, L., Watson, E., Cole, K., McNamara, K. (February, 2025). Social Justice in Action: Perceptions and Practice in Program Training and Schools. Poster presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists Conference, Seattle, WA.

*Tran, O. K., Chamberlin, L., Do, S., Rodriguez, A., & Wu, K., (February, 2025). Promoting Mental and Emotional Well-being through Social and Emotional Learning. Poster presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists Conference, Seattle, WA.

Tran, O. K. (2024, September). A Career in School Psychology: Pathways, Challenges, and Rewards. Invited Presentation for CSU, East Bay Psychology Department. Hayward, CA.

Tran, O. K. (2024, August). Wellness Promotion through Merrell’s Strong Kids Program: Overview & Implementation. Invited School-wide Training for Ceres Unified School District, Stanislaus County, CA.

*Tran, O. K., Calewarts, A., Obrero, A., Bangera, N., Okita, L., et al. (February, 2023). Wellness Promotion through Mindfulness Practices and Social and Emotional Learning. Poster presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists Conference, Denver, CO.

*Tran, O.K., Alam, N., Avalos, B., Cazares, F., Kim, T. et al. (February, 2020). Improving Outcomes through Social and Emotional Learning. Poster presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists Conference, Baltimore, MD.

Tran, O. K. (2019, November). What speech and language pathologists can do to support student mental health. Invited presentation by Speech and Language Department Chair, Hayward, CA.

*Tran, O.K., Alam, N., Cazares, F., Johnson, E., Kim, T., et al. (February, 2019). Transforming education experience through social and emotional learning. Poster presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists Conference, Atlanta, GA.

Tran, O. K. (February, 2018). Transforming education through Social and Emotional Learning. Poster to be presented at the National Association of School Psychologists, Chicago, IL.

*Tran, O. K., dela Cruz, M., Lin, Y., Minahean, J., Onuma, M., et al. (February, 2017).Transforming Education: Strong Kids Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum, 2^ndEd.Poster presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists, San Antonio, TX.

*Carrizales, D., Feurborn, L., Gueldner, B., A., & Tran, O. K. (February, 2016). Launching a Stronger SEL Program: Strong Kids and Strong Teens Revised.Mini-skills presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists, New Orleans, LA.

Tran, O. K., Jimenez, V., Diaz, R., Faulkner, J., Burger, N., & Ponte, N. (February, 2015). Promoting social and emotional learning in a three-tiered model. Poster presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists Conference, Orlando, FL.

Feurborn, L., Gueldner, B., & Tran, O. K. (February, 2015). Intergrating mindfulness based practices into social and emotional framework. Paper presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists Conference, Orland, FL.

Tran, O. K., Bitter, K., Miller, C., Shaw, N., & Synder, G. (February, 2014). School psychologists as leaders in the SEL movement. Paper presentation at the National Association of School Psyhchologist Conference, Washington, DC.

Tran, O. K. (February, 2013). Promoting social and emotional learning in special day classrooms. Poster presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists Conference, Seattle, WA.

Tran, O. K., & Malliarys, N. (May, 2012). Knowledge of RTI in schools: Implications for training education professionals. Poster presentation at the CSUEB Research, Scholarship, & Creative Activity Exhibit, Hayward, CA.

Tran, O. K., Kim, R., & Kim, B. (2012, May). Social Justice League empowers positive change and social awareness. Poster Presentation at CSUEB Diversity Day. California State University, East Bay, Hayward, CA.

Tran, O. K. (April, 2012). Promoting Civility and Resiliency through Social-Emotional Learning- Strong Kids Curricula. Symposium presentation at the Western Psychological Association, San Francisco, CA.

Gueldner, B. A,. & Tran, O. K. (February, 2012). From Theory and Research to Practice: SEL in Action. Mini-skills presented at the National Association of School Psychologists, Philadelphia, PA.

Tran, O. K., & Mallaryis, N. (February, 2012). Knowledge of RTI in Schools: Implications for Training Education Professionals. Poster presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists, Philadelphia, PA.

Smith, D., Tran, O. K., Chang, V., & Vogel, M. (October, 2011). Fostering Civility in Youth. Invited Symposium at Southern Oregon University. Ashland, Oregon.

Tran, O. K., Ablang, C., Pham, M., & Medcalf, E. (February, 2011). Increasing Resiliency and School Success Strong Kids Learning Curriculum. Poster presentation at the National Association of School Psychologists Conference, San Francisco, CA.

Albeg, L., Castro-Olivo, S., Appelbaum, A., Tran, O., & Santiago, E. (February, 2011).

Assessing Acculturative Stress: Development and Structure of the CASAS Scale. Poster presesentation at the National Association of School Psychologist Conference.

Poster Presentation: Using Strong Kids Curriculum to Promote Social and Emotional Resiliency., March 25, 2010, Chicago, Illinois, National Association of School Psychologists

Poster Presentation: Promoting Competence and Opportunities for Ethnic Minorities through External Assets., March 25, 2010, Chicago, Illinois, National Association of School Psychologists

Using evidence-based strategies to promote social and emotional learning., February 28, 2009, Boston, MA, National Association of School Psychologists

The impact of asset gaps: Implications for service and training., February 26, 2009, Boston, MA, National Association of School Psychologists Conference.

Implementation of Strong Kids Learning Curriculum with At-Risk Middle School Boys, March 14, 2008, Burlingame, CA, California Association of School Psychologists

Promoting social and emotional learning in schools: An investigation of massed versus distributed trials and social validity of the strong kids curriculum in late elementary-aged students., March 15, 2007, New York., National Association of School Psychologists Conference.

Grants and Awards

2017-2018: Promoting Social Justice and Social Emotional Wellness in K-12 Schools
2016-2017:Promoting K-12 Learning Outcomes using Strength-Based and Prevention Models
2015-2016: Enhancing Student Outcomes through Social and Emotional Learning and Strength-based Assessments
2014-2015: Social and Emotional Learning and Strength-based Mental Health Supports to Enhance Student Outcomes
2013-2014- Mental health needs in schools and intervention practices: Social and emotional learning-Prevention for ALL.
2012-2013- Promoting student pesilience: Social and emotional learning in special education classrooms. Received ORSP mini-grant.
2008-2009- Promoting Student Resilience: The Effects of Social and Emotional Learning in Schools. Received ORSP mini-grant at CSUEB.

Service

Academic Senate

Original Member of Retention, Tenure, and Promotion Policy and Procedures Committee: Development of Standards and Requirements for College of Education and Allied Studies (CEAS)

Student Service Office to Succeed (SSOS) for Asian American Pacific Islander

Co-director of the Community Counseling Clinic (CCC)

California State University, East Bay, Basic Skills Requirements Appeals Committee

California State University, East Bay General Education Writing Skills

National Accreditation (NASP) and State Credentialing (CCTC)

Rention, Promotion, Tenure (RTP) Committee, Chair and Member (Educational Psychology and CEAS)

Oanh Kim Tran, PhD Faculty Profile

Oanh Kim Tran, PhD

Professor & School Psychology Program Coordinator

Department of Educational Psychology

Professional Focus

Education

Courses

Publications

Presentations

Grants and Awards

Service

Other Accomplishments

Additional Resources

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