School Psychology Graduate Program

1. School Psychology Graduate Program Third Years

2. Third Years

3. Daniel B South Dakota State University Why School Psychology?: I wanted to do something that would help people and provide new challenges daily. Why I chose MSUM: I liked the program when I toured/interviewed, and it was relatively close to home. Research Interests: Still working on this one. Likes: Long walks on the beach, candle lit dinners, and sunsets. Favorite place to study: Coffee shops If you were an animal, what animal would you be?: Flying Squirrel

4. Amanda F  North Dakota State University Why School Psychology?: I chose School Psychology because I have always loved school and the school environment. Research Interests: I have many research interests! Where do I even begin? For starters, I am fascinated by resiliency in children and overcoming negative life factors. Emotional and behavioral disorders, along with anxiety in children's school performance are other topics I am considering for my thesis. Likes: I like spending time with my friends, family and the boyfriend. I love shopping and cleaning (I know, it's a strange hobby), and spending time outside. Mostly, I enjoy watching favorite TV shows, movies and re-runs! Why I chose MSUM: I chose MSUM because I really was interested in their School Psychology program, but I also wanted to stay around the area because all my friends and family are here :) Favorite place to study: My favorite place to study is in my nice, cozy bed! If you were an animal, what animal would you be?: I would be a pot belly pig for no other reason than I have always wanted one!

5. Tara H  Minnesota State University Moorhead Why School Psychology?: I chose school psychology because I wanted to work in the school system and to help children excel academically. Why I chose MSUM: I chose MSUM because I love the small campus, small class sizes and the one on one with the professors. Research Interests: I am thinking about doing my thesis on early literacy. I read an article based on being read to as a small child and its effect on a child's reading skills. I thought this was an interesting topic to research. Likes: Spending time with family and friends, reading, movies, playing pool. Favorite place to study: At home by myself with no distractions. If you were an animal, what animal would you be?: I would be a wolf, because they are loyal and travel in packs (to me this means family oriented)

6. Beth L  University of Minnesota Why School Psychology?: My parents recommended it as a graduate school option, I looked more into it and liked what I saw. Why I chose MSUM: I chose MSUM because it is close to family and my hometown, and the program seemed to be a good fit for me. Research Interests: I am interested in adoption studies. I learned a lot about this research area in undergrad, and also worked with some students in the schools who were adopted from other countries. Likes: Family, my boyfriend, laughing, the arts, and spending time with friends. Favorite place to study: I have never really studied anywhere but at home. If you were an animal, what animal would you be?: Flamingo

7. Margie L  Minnesota State University Mankato Why School Psychology?: The opportunity to combine assessment and working with school aged children with LD needs. I have seen the difference a good clinical and teaching staff coupled with early intervention can make for young learners. Why I chose MSUM: I chose MSUM for the school psychology program. Working in the local schools I became familiar with the quality of the graduates and the reputation of the program. Previous students talk very highly of the dedication of the faculty to the student. Research Interests: I am especially interested in behavioral interventions in the learning environment Likes: Getting horses and kids together. Horses bring out some awesome qualities in children with behavioral and learning challenges. Favorite place to study: It's seasonal - in my backyard overlooking the horses in the pasture. It's a great motivator to keep me working towards my goals. If you were an animal, what animal would you be?: A horse of course!

8. Collin M Minnesota State University Moorhead Why School Psychology?: I have always loved working with children and growing up in a home that provided foster care allowed me to see how much of an impact people who care can make. I want to make that difference. Why I chose MSUM: I liked the small school atmosphere & the way that each class is brought up to be a team. Research Interests: I am particularly interested in bullying & what interventions have been utilized. I also would like to research techniques used with children who have autism. Likes: Sports – playing, watching, & thinking about them. Spending time with friends & my girlfriend. Favorite place to study: My room, but the most productive place is the library. If you were an animal, what animal would you be?: A black panther because they are lethal and sweet!

9. Julie P Minnesota State University Moorhead Why School Psychology?: I love kids and being able to have a variety of them throughout my day is awesome! I also don't believe there are enough School Psychologists out there for schools and I would like to be able to attempt to make a difference in children’s lives. Why I chose MSUM: I like the demographic area and have enjoyed living here the past four years. It's close enough to home so I can visit home or family can come down to visit often! Research Interests: Not sure yet. Likes: Spending time with family, almost any form of pasta. almost :), painting, snowmobiling, mud running, reading non-academically, going to movies, going out with friends, dancing, the sun and beach, trying new things Favorite place to study: The library... it's the quietest, most non-distracting place I can go. If you were an animal, what animal would you be? I have no idea... I don't even know what kind I would want to be exactly either, a smart, adventurous one with on the go motivation and hyperactivity.

10. Jessica R College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University Why School Psychology?: As an undergraduate, I studied both Psychology and Biology. After graduation I was career searching for a field that incorporated both areas with an emphasis on the behavioral application. I found that School Psychology was an area of study which utilizes a complete amalgamation of educational aspects that are of interest to me. Why I chose MSUM: The MSUM program was my top choice because the local area provides many opportunities for practicum experiences, the professors are very hands on and always available for guidance and direction, and because of the strong graduate student rapport. Research Interests: Biological psychology, autism, race and acculturation Likes: I enjoy traveling, dancing, Minneapolis, spending time with friends, reading Philosophically oriented books, and having good discussions over coffee. Favorite place to study: The library and local coffee shops If you were an animal, what animal would you be?: Ostrich

11. Karla S Minnesota State University Moorhead Why School Psychology?: Working with children has helped me to realize that I want to help them succeed in a school setting. Why I chose MSUM: I wanted to stay close to my family and had heard many great things about the School Psychology program. Research Interests: Not sure yet. Likes: Being with family and friends, playing basketball and volleyball, kayaking, snowmobiling and reading Favorite place to study: My apartment If you were an animal, what animal would you be?: Giraffe

12. Andrea S California Lutheran University Why School Psychology?: I really like working with children in a school setting, but specifically, I chose School Psychology because I like the problem solving aspect of it and that we make a significant difference in the lives of children. Why I chose MSUM: I heard a lot of good things about the school psychology program at MSUM from people in both Thief River Falls, where I'm from, and from other teachers around the area. I thought the practicum experience that MSUM provides would be beneficial, and I wanted to be closer to my family Research Interests: I am interested in researching crisis and intervention techniques with high risk children. Likes: Hanging out with my family, the lake, traveling, trail running, visiting friends, live music, and camping. Favorite place to study: Atomic Coffee and my dining room table. If you were an animal, what animal would you be?: A dolphin or a pterodactyl.

13. Evan T North Dakota State University Why School Psychology?: I started undergrad, thinking I was going to be a teacher. Then I thought counseling was a better fit, then I started working with students with developmental disabilities, and then I stumbled on school psych and it seemed like the best fit for me. So it was a long process, but I’m very excited now that I know what I want to do. Why I chose MSUM: It seemed like a great school, it is smaller than U of M and it was highly recommended by people I knew in the field. Research Interests: I don’t have any set ideas yet, but I’ll narrow it down as the year goes on Likes: Baseball, Golf, watching movies, spending time with friends and much muchmore Favorite place to study: I’ve found that on my couch in front of the TV isn’t very efficient, so I’ve moved on to the School library If you were an animal, what animal would you be?: Well I was a Bison, but I suppose I better say Dragon.

14. Raina W Minnesota State University Moorhead Why School Psychology?: Supporting a student's potential in academics, as well as other arenas, is important to me. Why I chose MSUM: NASP accredited program, good faculty, close to home,and affordable. Research Interests: Environmental influences on individual's behavior (I know, that's a pretty vague and broad answer) Likes: Milk, the sun, "Deep Thoughts" by Jack Handey, prehistory, warm weather, laughing Favorite place to study: School Psych Library is fun...except I don't really get any studying done there If you were an animal, what animal would you be?: I really wouldn't want to be an animal. At all.