Dr. Long & Associates | Our Team | psychological services

Dr. Lisa Long

Dr. Lisa Long
Dr. Lisa Long, Psy.D., is the Owner and Psychological Director of Dr. Long & Associates, a nationally recognized provider of forensic and clinical psychological evaluations. She serves as a court-appointed expert in family law and federal immigration proceedings and provides expert consultations to attorneys across a range of complex psycho-legal matters.

Before founding her private practice, Dr. Long served as the Lead Forensic Psychologist at a maximum-security forensic psychiatric hospital in Georgia. Internationally, she was appointed as the Head Psychologist for the Troop Medical Clinic in Camp As-Sayliyah, Doha, Qatar, and later as Director of Psychological Services for the 422nd Medical Squadron at RAF Croughton in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Long is actively engaged in advancing the field of forensic psychology. In 2025, she co-presented original research at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Annual Scientific Meeting, examining the influence of demographic factors on intimate partner violence dynamics and proposing enhancements to the traditional Power and Control Wheel framework for use in VAWA and family law evaluations. She has also contributed to academic literature as an associate editor for the Journal of Psychology & Clinical Psychiatry and has published research spanning developmental psychology, social psychology, and cultural and ethnic studies.

Fluent in Spanish and proficient in Arabic and Russian, Dr. Long is uniquely equipped to conduct culturally competent psychological evaluations for a diverse national clientele across immigration, family law, and forensic contexts.

David Luddy

David Luddy serves as Managing Partner of Dr. Long & Associates, where he leads strategic initiatives to expand the firm's national reach across forensic and clinical psychological evaluation services. He is responsible for optimizing operational workflows, integrating advanced technologies, and supporting the development of innovative service models that reflect both clinical excellence and client-centered design.

Before joining Dr. Long & Associates, Mr. Luddy built a distinguished career in the land development sector as an Acquisition and Entitlement Director, where he oversaw large-scale projects spanning over 5,000 residential lots across premier resort communities in North Carolina and Florida. His background managing multidisciplinary teams of engineers, attorneys, and contractors honed his expertise in systems leadership, regulatory navigation, and operational execution.

Mr. Luddy brings a research-informed approach to organizational development, applying behavioral science principles and mindfulness-based strategies to foster high-performing systems and sustainable growth. He holds a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teaching certification from UC San Diego and draws on his training to enhance resilience, clarity, and ethical leadership within the firm. His unique blend of strategic systems thinking, behavioral insight, and technology-driven innovation helps position Dr. Long & Associates at the forefront of comprehensive forensic and clinical evaluation services nationwide.

Marlena M. Ryba, Ph.D

Dr. Marlena M. Ryba, Ph.D., serves as a Senior Forensic Associate at Dr. Long & Associates, specializing in forensic psychological evaluations across immigration, family law, and court-ordered contexts. She brings over a decade of expertise in behavioral interventions, evidence-based practices implementation, and the psychosocial aspects of stress, chronic illness, and psychopathology.

In 2025, Dr. Ryba co-presented original research at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Annual Scientific Meeting, examining the influence of demographic factors on intimate partner violence dynamics and proposing enhancements to the Power and Control Wheel framework for diverse populations in VAWA and family law evaluations. Her scholarly contributions have been pivotal in advancing forensic understanding of abuse dynamics and culturally sensitive evaluation practices.

Prior to joining Dr. Long & Associates, Dr. Ryba served as an Assistant Professor of Psychology, where she led multidisciplinary research teams, secured substantial grant funding, and contributed to over 18 peer-reviewed publications. She has participated in five NIH grant initiatives and presented at more than 30 national conferences. Her academic leadership is matched by a commitment to education and mentorship, having developed and taught advanced workshops on psychological assessment and treatment.

Originally from Poland, Dr. Ryba brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to her forensic work, particularly in immigration evaluations where nuanced cultural interpretation is critical. Her extensive training with forensic populations during her doctoral studies further strengthens her expertise in court-ordered evaluations involving complex psychological and legal intersections. understanding in this area.

Simona Atanasova

Simona Atanasova, MA LPC, is a highly skilled and compassionate licensed professional counselor and Crisis Responder with a strong background in mental health assessments, paralegal and case management, and working with individuals in the Department of Corrections. As a valued team member of Dr. Long & Associates, Simona brings her diverse experience and dedication to providing exceptional psychological support to clients in need.

Simona completed her Master's in Forensic Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a Bachelor's in Psychology from DePaul University. Her education and training have provided her with a deep understanding of psychological principles and practical applications in various settings.

In her previous roles, Simona has gained valuable experience as a Paralegal and Case Manager, working with clients in crisis and providing legal assistance.

Fallon Schoeller

Fallon Schoeller, MS, a valued Psychological Associate at Dr. Long and Associates, brings extensive expertise in child psychology and family dynamics, particularly focusing on the unique needs of preschool children. Her academic foundation is solidified by a Master's degree in Psychology, and her career is marked by a deep commitment to understanding and nurturing early childhood development.

At the heart of Fallon's work is her passion for designing and implementing tailored programs for preschoolers, showcasing her innovative and empathetic approach to addressing the critical developmental stages of young children.

In addition to her work with young children, Fallon has developed a specialized understanding of the impact of divorce on families, particularly on children's emotional well-being. Through her involvement in Divorce Care groups, she has honed her skills in navigating and mitigating the complex emotional challenges that arise during these difficult family transitions. Her empathetic and insightful guidance has been a source of strength and understanding for many families, helping them to navigate the often turbulent waters of divorce with greater resilience and clarity. In her role at Dr. Long and Associates, Fallon Schoeller continues to be a beacon of support and expertise, contributing significantly to the practice's parental capacity evaluations.

April Duritza is currently an intern at Dr. Long & Associates Psychological Services Practice. She is an exemplary figure in the fields of education and psychological services. Her academic journey shows her love for learning, as she is pursuing a Master of Social Work at Aurora University while having outstanding academic achievements from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. April graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Culture and Politics and was a member of the esteemed Phi Beta Kappa society.

April's passion for learning extends to teaching and kindling a thirst for knowledge in various professional settings. Her exceptional ability to engage and educate diverse groups stands out through her experience in public service and educational roles. She developed and implemented numerous educational programs while working at the Cabarrus County Public Library, showcasing her skill in igniting a love of learning in community members of all ages.

April has already made significant contributions as an intern at Dr. Long & Associates. Her ability to conduct thorough research and effectively educate others has proven invaluable to the practice. Her comprehensive policy knowledge and deep understanding of cultural contexts will be particularly pertinent to the practice's work in immigration psychological evaluations.

Overall, April Duritza is a dynamic and invaluable Dr. Long & Associates team member. Her dedication to education, both in personal and professional capacities, and her ability to research and apply the knowledge gained through her MSW greatly enhance the practice's ability to provide comprehensive, empathetic, and informed psychological services.