College Living Experience

Position at CLE:

Staff Psychologist

Education/ Degree:

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology

Years at CLE:

First

Area of specialty:

Adolescent & Young Adults’ Issues, Evidence Based Treatments, Developmental & Learning Disabilities, Men’s Issues, Administration.

Why did you go into teaching/tutoring?

What first drew me to clinical psychology was my desire to work with young people and to understand more about mental illness. Since then I have come to appreciate the unique gifts and challenges each of us experience, which has deepened my commitment to working toward positive change.

Why did you choose special education?

Many areas of psychology are limited by the motivation of the clients. I feel that working in special education makes me more of a partner with the students in working to meet their goals, rather than an authority figure forcing them to make changes with which they do not agree.

What keeps you motivated?

My motivation comes from seeing positive changes, even small ones, in the students that we work with. When a student realizes that by behaving differently they can improve themselves and those around them it keeps me motivated.

What is your favorite thing about working at CLE?

I believe that CLE helps fill a niche that has been overlooked for too long. I enjoy being able to go to work and know I will help ease steps toward academic and social success that might otherwise be very difficult.