Book I would recommend: When To Rob a Bankby Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner
Favorite quote: “The love you take, is equal to the love you make.” John Lennon & Paul McCartney
What would people be surprised to know about you? I was born with one functioning kidney. What is a cause you’re passionate about? I love helping men find the ability to connect to their feelings and break through the societal pressure to ‘be a man.’ Why did you choose to attend MSP? It was a perfect fit for me. I especially liked that I wouldn’t be the only person to come back from the workplace to follow a passion. I was in the business world for some time and decided that I needed to follow a calling. From what I can tell, I will have that in common with a fair amount of students at MSP. What do you want to do with your degree/certificate? I would like to work in a private practice that focuses on men’s issues.
Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?
Mariam Malakha Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Hometown: Warren, MI
Program: MA with ABA
Book I would recommend: The Bible
Favorite quote:“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
What would people be surprised to know about you? I love going to Prince tribute concerts. What is a cause you’re passionate about? I am passionate about advocating therapy and ABA for children with Autism, especially to immigrant families who have no knowledge of the help that is available. Why did you choose to attend MSP? I chose MSP for the class size and the recommendation of colleagues who are MSP Alumni. What do you want to do with your degree/certificate? After graduation I want to go out there and attempt to save the world, one therapy hour at a time. I love people, and I live for the purpose of helping whoever I can help!
Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?
Sharmane BrownImage may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Program: PsyD
Book I would recommend:The Source of Self-Regard by Toni Morrison
Favorite Quote: “Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.” Toni Morrison
What would people be surprised to know about you? I am the youngest of my siblings, the first of my immediate family to attain a Master’s degree and only the second to pursue a doctorate degree, within my extended family.
What is a cause you’re passionate about? I am passionate about all things social justice and humans being free to live intentionally and unapologetically.
Why did you choose to attend MSP? Throughout my time in the MA in Clinical Psychology program, MSP served as a catalyst to my self-growth and the members of the community walked with me, hand in hand, on my journey to and through self-preservation. My experience was not solely educational, but transformative to my being in the world. I choose to attend MSP to pursue my doctorate degree for continued connectedness and support while navigated such a rigorous program.
What do you want to do with your degree/certificate? Once I attain my PsyD, I would like to pursue employment with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, working with and for fellow veterans. Additionally, my partner and I will start a health and wellness center catering to underrepresented populations with unique needs. Ultimately, I want to provide therapy that is freeing, liberating. I want to help people reach liberation from the circumstances, relationships, and systems that weigh them down. I want to help others tell their stories. I want to honor their experiences.
Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?
The Cultural Competency Conference (CCC) is an example of MSP’s commitment to preparing our students to work with the diversity of clients they will meet in clinical practice.
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Topics for last year’s conference – including “Building Competency: Considerations When Working with Arab Americans & Muslim Americans;” “Exploring Cultural Competency with an Invisible Orientation: Asexuality;” “Latina/o/x Psychology, Cultural Resilience, & Working with Latin@s in Therapy;” “Counseling Jewish American in the Age of the Alt-Right;” and “Neurodiversity: From Deficit to Celebrated Difference” – reflect the breadth of cultural possibilities that our students need to prepare for in order to be effective clinicians.
All the clinical skills in the world cannot prepare a new psychologist who is unaware of his cultural blind-spots and biases. In our increasingly diverse world, it is easy to take difference for granted and to forget how much we don’t know. Especially about cultures that seem familiar, but are virtually unknown.
If you are knowledgeable and/or immersed in a cultural community and are interested to gain valuable presentation and public speaking experience, it’s not too late to make a proposal.
When you propose, you will be asked to describe your/your team’s previous relevant experiences, research, and education in relation to your presentation topic. And, your proposal must also identify the APA guidelines from the Multicultural Guidelines: An Ecological Approach to Context, Identity, and Intersectionality(see pp. 4-5) that you (and/or your team) are competent in with regards to the population in which you are presenting on.
The CCC committee will accept proposals to present at this year’s CCC until February 1, 2020. Example proposals and an outlineare provided. Still unsure? Check outthis student experience about presenting last year.
I’m writing to provide an update on steps we’re taking to further the inclusivity of our campus environment.
In December Vice President Zalapi and I received a proposal from the Executive Board of MSP’s Inclusion Diversity and Equity Alliance (IDEA). The proposal included recommendations for improving policies and practices specifically related to gender identity, including the use of pronouns, restroom use, signage, and data collection. These recommendations were informed by the APA Graduate Student Organization Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, specifically in their Guide for Supporting Trans and Gender Diverse Students (2019).
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IDEA’s proposal included three primary recommendations.
Recommendation #1: Increase discussion and training related to pronoun usage to expand student/staff/faculty understanding of the gender spectrum and reduce unintentionally biased language.
MSP administration, faculty, and staff are committed to ongoing training and dialogue that enhances understanding of gender pronoun usage. You will see that training at work in group meetings, class introductions and other forms of verbal and non-verbal communications. In addition, we are developing a guide that informs invited speakers and guests of our commitment to inclusion, and our expectation that gender diversity will be respected on our campus.
Also, in print at this time is a resource that provides guidance on gender pronouns and variations. This resource is small enough to be carried in a wallet, and we will make it available to the entire MSP community. We thank the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, which created this resource and provided us with permission to adapt it for MSP use.
Recommendation #2: Make gender-inclusive restrooms available.
Although the restrooms in the administrative area have been designated “unisex” and available for student use, we understand that this was not widely communicated. New signs for these two restrooms have been ordered, sans male and female figures and indicating gender inclusivity. Also, both restrooms off the Atrium will soon have signs indicating that gender inclusive restrooms are located in the administrative area. Planning for the new building had already included this consideration, and there will be gender inclusive restrooms on the main floor, in the Clinic and on the second floor.
Recommendation #3: Expand gender categories on materials used to gather demographic data.
Currently, information on gender is collected only for required government reporting. Our process, which follows best practice recommendations from the Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), is to report gender as indicated on the student’s driver’s license. We are aware that driver’s licenses largely reflect sex as assigned at birth, which may not match an individual’s gender identity.
To allow gender variant students the opportunity to express their gender identities, at future orientations we will provide an optional demographic form whereby new students may disclose their gender identity, preferred name, and pronoun preferences, as well as race and ethnicity. In this way we validate gender diversity and allow our enrollment reporting to reflect the diversity of our community. We are committed to providing the option for all students to record gender identity, pronouns, and preferred name on school records.This process will take place over time and we will provide updates as they occur.
Vice President Zalapi and I appreciate this opportunity for open dialogue, collaboration, and leadership, and value IDEA’s commitment to advancing communication around critical issues. Many thanks to IDEA’s Executive Board and Staff/Faculty Advisors, including Angel McKissic, Cassianna McCants, Jared Boot, Logan Chappell, Paul Farley, Andre Johnson, Carrie Pyeatt, Dr. Danielle Balaghi, and Dr. Ann Smith. Their proposal identified an opportunity for improvement, reflected research on best practices, and provided specific recommendations for change.
We look forward to the implementation of these changes as critical to an inclusive academic learning environment.
From students fresh out of undergrad to professionals who are retraining for a new career, the Michigan School of Psychology welcomes students wherever they are in life. “How I Make It Work” highlights the diversity of student experiences as they balance classes, work, and life.
Name: Morgan Van Leer
Program: MA
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Describe the (joys and) challenges in your life that make graduate school difficult to manage.
One of the biggest challenges I am facing is adjusting to a new life. I moved from Missouri to attend this school, knowing absolutely nobody at first.
It has gotten a lot easier, but at first it was difficult moving away from all my family, friends, and of course my dogs. I do get homesick from time to time, but I have many joys that help me when life gets difficult. These include good books, kickboxing, hanging out with the new friends I have made within my cohort, and Facetiming my friends and family back home. I also find joy in the work I do at my practicum. I provide advocacy services and counseling to survivors of sexual assault, and while this can be difficult, it is also very rewarding.
How do you make it work?
Sometimes I truly do not know how I am making it work. I, like everyone else, sometimes question if I am cut out for this field, and if I made the right choice. When I think about what has helped me through this process, I think of my support system. Although I live nine hours from my family, they are still my biggest support system and will always be there for me if I need them. I also have the support of friends in my cohort, my professors, the staff at MSP, and my supervisor and staff at my practicum site.
I also use my faith to get through feelings of doubt or overwhelm. My faith helps me remind myself that my passion for helping others has led me here for a reason. The phrase “everything happens for a reason” can sound cliché, but I truly believe in it, and this belief has helped me through difficulties.
What are some tips or secrets you have for staying organized with a busy schedule?
Definitely use a planner, calendar, or whatever works best for you. I realized that if I don’t write things down, I will forget about them, so I use a planner, a physical calendar, and my phone calendar to make sure I remember. I also look ahead at which assignments will take longer for me to complete, and I will start those earlier, so I have enough time to finish them without feeling overwhelmed. This also gives me time to ask questions if I don’t fully understand the assignment.
How do you make time for yourself?
This is something that I have always struggled with, until recently. I used to be someone who always said “yes” to everything, leaving me running from task to task each day without enough time to take care of myself. Since starting the MA program at MSP, I have been taught how important self-care is, especially in this field. Now I make sure that when I agree to something, it is not causing me to spread myself too thin. I also make sure that every day I set aside an hour or two to do something that I enjoy, such as watching The Office on Netflix for the millionth time. I realize now just how important taking care of myself is, because if I am drained and overwhelmed then I will not be there completely during class, or when I am with clients.
How do you avoid feeling overwhelmed?
To avoid feeling overwhelmed I make sure to take self-care measures. I meet with a therapist once a week and attend kickboxing classes 3-4 times a week. I highly recommend having a therapist because it gives you a non-biased, neutral person to talk to about whatever is going on in your life, and it also helps to understand therapy from the client’s side.
What support have you received from MSP?
I have received countless support from MSP. The biggest being professors and staff I have made connections with that I feel I can go to anytime for help. I also feel as though all members of my cohort support each other, because we are all going through a similar, and sometimes challenging, experience.
What advice would you give a prospective student who is worried he or she can’t make grad school work?
My biggest piece of advice would be to remember your ultimate end goal and remember why graduate school is going to help you achieve that goal. Enjoy the journey of attending grad school, but remember why you chose to in the first place. I have found that when I get stressed and want to give up it helps to remember my goals and why I chose this path. I also suggest utilizing resources that MSP offers, and making connections with your cohort members, and the professors and staff.
We are delighted to feature MSP alum Matthew Kadrich, PsyD (’16) in our latest Faculty Spotlight. Dr. Kadrich is an adjunct faculty member teaching Assessement in the MA program.
Where did you grow up?
My parents were in the Air Force, so we moved a lot. Mostly, I split time between South Carolina, where I graduated from high school, and Michigan.
What or who influenced you to study psychology?Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
When people used to ask me this question, my “go-to” response was, “Have you met my family,” but when my family got wind of that, Christmas got weird.
The truth is, I have always been interested in why humans behave in certain ways. While I was at Wayne State working on my undergrad degree, I worked for Caribou Coffee. I had a regular customer who would often come in and talk about philosophy, literature, and psychology. We would get into wonderful conversations about the brain and why people do what they do. In our conversations, he encouraged me to take a class in abnormal psychology. I took that class and became fascinated, which set off the chain of events that lead to this point today.
However, it was through my coursework and experiences at MSP that I became interested in neuropsychology. In connecting behavior with the wiring of the brain, I was inspired to focus my career on understanding the brain more in depth and helping other people understand their brains as well.
What appealed to you most about teaching here at MSP?
I am a graduate of the school and gained the direction of my career from my time here. When I was encouraged to teach by several colleagues, I was excited at the opportunity to help other people find their direction. I was also excited to take what I have learned outside of MSP and share it with students. The other appealing aspect was that, not only are my mentors still working at the school, but some of the brightest and most compassionate of my friends (all of whom I met as a MSP student) also work for the school. To be working collaboratively with each of these individuals and to be able to share this experience with them was a big reason I pursued teaching here.
Please share a moment when you felt proud to be a teacher.
My proudest moment does not come from the classroom, but from training and teaching practicum students at my practice. I am not even sure I have one proudest moment, as I find myself proud of and inspired by students regularly. Sure, when I get a report from a student that is excellent I am proud, but when I hear through the grapevine that a patient feels very connected to the student or when someone tells me that the student made them feel comfortable and supported, I am proud to be their teacher and to know them.
What are your research and/or clinical interests?
My clinical life is consumed by neuropsychology, which is exactly what I wanted. Clinically, I am focused on neuropsychological evaluations and trying to help people understand why they are experiencing certain things. In the past, my research has been very focused on aspects of social psychology (possible selves and social interaction), but lately my journal searches have been focused on exploring the ways in which common medical conditions (i.e., asthma) can impact the brain and whether or not we can explain some of the things our patients are experiencing as a result of these common conditions. It has been something I have noticed in practice lately, and I am hoping to complete research to explore it further.
What is your favorite non-academic book and why?
I have a few. I have always loved The Outsiders. I am not sure why it has remained a favorite, but something about the idea of your family being the one you make and the people who stay with you in the most difficult times is comforting. Recently, Where’d You Go Bernadette has been a favorite, largely because the character development is so vivid. I have also been telling everyone who will listen to read Life Will Be the Death of Me by Chelsea Handler. While her books are normally not very serious, she spends a significant amount of time in this book not only exploring her own loss and trauma, but also her therapeutic process with her therapist (who happens to be Dan Siegel, which is a plus). I feel, when we can, we should lift up those individuals who have the ear of a large group of people when they are sharing the benefit of self-care and therapy, especially when they are doing so in such a vulnerable way.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am Iron Man…no wait…that’s not it. I am not a surprising person, quite frankly. I am fairly open about my life and like to share my experiences with people. I think the most surprising thing to people is that I lived in four different places before I was five, or that I grew up in the south, as I have no discernable accent unless I am speaking to a lovely older person who reminds me of a grandparent. Then the ma’ams have a certain twang.
What advice would you like to share with incoming or current students?
Graduate school is not easy for anyone, no matter how unbothered or rested people look. If they look rested, it is likely that their main food group is coffee. You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed or nervous, and if you can reach out to your circle, the people going through it with you, it is easier. Take time to explore your interests, as big or small as they may be. You may find yourself invested or interested in something that inspires, humbles, and excites you.
Book I would recommend:The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Favorite Quote: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Lao Tzu
What would people be surprised to know about you? I think people would be surprised that I am a cat mom! I adopted my cat, Kirby, three years ago from a rescue shelter.
What is a cause you’re passionate about? I am very passionate about giving to those in need. I am a member of a non-profit organization called All In. We are relatively new, however, we aim to help low-income families.
Why did you choose to attend MSP? MSP’s values align closely with my values. It was important to find a school that follows the humanistic perspective. Ultimately, I chose MSP because of the strong sense of community at this school. Faculty members seem to create a warm, welcoming environment and really care about the success of their students.
What do you want to do with your degree/certificate?
After I graduate from the MA program, I want to start working at a private practice primarily with children that are struggling emotionally.
Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?
Allison KidstonImage may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Hometown: South Lyon, MI
Program: MA with ABA
Book I would recommend: Nudge by Cass Sunstein and Richard Thaler
Favorite Quote: “Someone’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality.” Les Brown
What would people be surprised to know about you? People would be surprised that I have webbed toes.
What is a cause you’re passionate about? I am passionate about human trafficking and spreading awareness about the issue.
Why did you choose to attend MSP? The smaller size of the school is something that makes the environment more inviting to be a part of while growing and learning.
What do you want to do with your degree/certificate?
I’m hoping to use my degree towards becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?
Book I would recommend:The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy
Favorite Quote: “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become” Carl Jung
What would people be surprised to know about you? Although it may not be the most surprising fact about me, I enjoy playing guitar and the keyboard.
What is a cause you’re passionate about? I’m passionate about the impact on mental health of immigrants who have moved to Western countries and the challenges of acculturation.
Why did you choose to attend MSP? I completed the Master of Arts program and am choosing to continue my doctoral education at MSP because I’ve found that it provides a rich education in conjunction with a warm sense of community and belongingness.
What do you want to do with your degree/certificate? I am interested in a range of avenues concerning this profession. I would like to provide individual and group psychotherapy to members of traditionally underserved populations experiencing addiction, mood, anxiety and thought disorders. I would also like to be a part of research; specifically that which examines immigration and the mental health implications involved with acculturation. Finally, I have a budding interest in health psychology and am interested in pursuing this field, specifically with providing psychological consultation and services to individuals who will be undergoing major surgeries.
Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?
The President’s Perspective is a blog series from MSP President Fran Brown that explores the field of humanistic psychology and share insights into her experience as President.
An essential part of my service to MSP students is to monitor changes occurring at State and Federal levels that impact students and alumni and their ability to be licensed in the State of Michigan. Being appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Board of Psychology has provided me a valuable path to do that.
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By serving on the licensing board I will offer a practical perspective on how administrative decisions affect not only psychologists in practice, but also those who are preparing for a career in psychology. It also gives me an opportunity to help ensure the integrity of our field, both for the public and for practitioners.
Because who else are policy, laws, and statutes there to protect and defend? As a member of the Board of Psychology I recognize that protecting the public is our number one priority. But equally important is ensuring an effective administrative structure for current and future mental health care practitioners who are on the front lines each and every day.
Over the past several years, past president Dr. Blau and I have strived to create a constructive working relationship with the Board of Psychology. Now, as a member, I’m excited to get to work and help create meaningful policies to promote our field and its practitioners.
I’m very grateful to Governor Whitmer for giving me this opportunity to serve over the next 3 years, and look forward to sharing my experience with you.
MSP’s campus expansion continues with several exciting updates to share.
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Photos above feature progress on MSP’s campus expansion and Dr. Jim Maher, Clinic Director, at the newly opened Michigan School Psychological Clinic.
Construction Update
The new building, including our psychological clinic and community event space, is taking shape! Exterior work, including windows, doors and roof installation is well underway in preparation for interior plumbing and electrical, planning for HVAC, technology, and interior finishes and furniture.
The one-way drive and overflow parking areas are in daily use by MSP students, faculty, and staff. We are seeing great progress on a daily basis – and we are on track for opening this fall!
The Michigan School Psychological Clinic is open!
The Michigan School Psychological Clinic, currently located at the Woodlands Office Center (as pictured above) until the new building is complete, began accepting clients in February 2020.
The Clinic offers affordable mental health and behavioral care for individuals, couples, and families who are uninsured, or who face unaffordable insurance deductibles and co-pays. The Clinic also offers psychological assessment.
Direct services are provided by MSP master’s and doctoral level student trainees as part of their clinical training requirements under the supervision of Jim Maher, PhD, Clinic Director (pictured above).
The clinic at Woodlands is located at 26105 Orchard Lake Road, Ste. 213, less than a mile away from MSP at the corner of Orchard Lake and Eleven Mile Road. In September 2020 the Clinic will move to its permanent home in our new building on campus; Applied Behavior Analysis services will begin to be offered at that time.
Now Hiring: ABA Clinical Supervisor
MSP is hiring a full-time ABA Clinical Supervisor who will be responsible for supervising practicum students who will provide ABA services in the Michigan School Psychological Clinic. Applicants must be Board Certified Behavior Analysts, with advanced experience in ABA treatment and in supervising graduate students in training.
MSP is delighted to welcome alum Angela Celeste May, PhD to speak with our students on building clinical skills in working with African American clients in honor of Black History Month. Dr. May will be on campus this Friday, February 28 – find full event details here. Learn more about Dr. May below.
Native Detroiter Dr. Angela Celeste May double-majored in psychology and voice performance as an undergraduate student at Marygrove College, earned her Master of Arts degree in clinical and humanistic psychology from Center for Humanistic Studies (now the Michigan School for Psychology), and was among the youngest graduates of the Union Institute when she earned her PhD in clinical and organizational psychology with subspecialties in forensic and neuropsychology at age 30.
While still a doctorate student she co-founded the counseling and consulting company A.M. May & Associates, Inc. with her sister Michelle, and co-founded the Metro-Detroit chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists, later becoming the organization’s third President.
Two years after receiving her doctorate degree and while still running her company she became a forensic examiner at the Third Circuit Court. She was one of the original 13 psychologists of color chosen from across the country to serve as a National Diversity Delegate, then returned again to Washington DC the following year to be a Delegate a second time, and she served as the Diversity Chair for the Michigan Psychological Association.
Author of the book, “Freedom: What is the Experience of Living Without Negative, Self-Imposed Limitations?” (which had been her Master’s thesis) the former University of Phoenix Dissertation Chair is currently a psychology professor at Wayne County Community College District, public speaker, consultant, President of A.M. May, and a Michigan Psychological Association Foundation Board member.
The Clinton White House, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Circuit Court Judges, National Organizations, Business Leaders, Clinicians, Educators, and others have sought out Dr. May for her brilliant writing, expertise, and unique ability to understand behavior.
In addition to psychology she is also an accomplished professional musician and music educator, recording artist, writer, music and music video producer/director, and band leader who has traveled the world. She has appeared frequently in print, television, and radio, made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2017, and was recently invited by various producers and directors to appear in movies (Trista, Solomon, Youth Against Violence) as herself, either as a psychologist or vocalist. A former longtime board member and vocal coach for the Detroit Youth Choir, she received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Marygrove and was recently chosen as a 2020 Who’s Who in Black Detroit, ninth edition.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.Angela Celeste May, PhD
From students fresh out of undergrad to professionals who are retraining for a new career, the Michigan School of Psychology welcomes students wherever they are in life. “How I Make It Work” highlights the diversity of student experiences as they balance classes, work, and life.
Name: Vinnie Mangiapane
Program: Part-time MA
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Describe the (joys and) challenges in your life that make graduate school difficult to manage.
I thoroughly enjoy learning and being immersed into the material. Being around my professors and cohort provides me the courage I need through the program. I love the relationships within the school and I strongly believe they have helped me succeed at MSP.
Working part-time has been the biggest challenge thus far. Working has, at times, distracted me from the program, creating a difficulty to remain an appropriate work to school balance.
How do you make it work?
I make “it” work by having to follow a strict schedule that allows me to meet all of my needs, I structure homework time, reading time, and I also have to schedule time for some self-care.
What are some tips or secrets you have for staying organized with a busy schedule?
I am a planner! Organization is what has helped me most through my educational journey. I always make “to-do” lists! Making sure I set goals to accomplish each day.
How do you make time for yourself?
I make sure that I allow time for myself to ensure that I am taken care of both physically, and mentally. I make sure I have off days of days that I can connect with friends and or family. It is imperative to schedule self-care.
How do you avoid feeling overwhelmed?
I believe that being overwhelmed is what gets people through graduate school. If grad school was not “overwhelming” I would imagine we would live in a society where everyone has a graduate degree.
However, I definitely am a worrier. I often get overwhelmed with readings, and papers but I have learned to trust the process and accept that I will finish what I need to do. Taking school day by day allows for smaller increments to be accomplished easing anxious thoughts.
What support have you received from MSP?
The staff at MSP are masters at offering support, selflessly! The school offers a TON of resources whether it is academic, financial, personal, or professional. I have heavily benefited from the networking I have made through my professors.
What advice would you give a prospective student who is worried about making grad school work?
Take a deep breath and trust the process. MSP is designed to meet the needs of every student. I would talk to admissions, or a current student to help ease the anxious thoughts.
Book I would recommend:The Gift of Therapy by Irvin Yalom
Favorite Quote: “You can only lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink.” My second favorite is “When you hear hoof beats think of horses not zebra.” Both unknown.
What is a cause you’re passionate about?
I am incredibly passionate about a plethora of issues; especially, social issues. However, both professionally and academically, I am most interested about grief and loss. I am mostly interested in the loss of a child and the parent’s response to the loss.
What makes MSP special?
The genuine care, guidance, and respect from the staff. The educators and staff of MSP make MSP what it is. The connections made are life changing and provide the comfort that you will need while in the program.
What is your plan for after graduation?
After graduation I plan on getting straight into the PsyD program. With my degrees, I plan on being primarily an outpatient therapist, part time faculty at local collages and universities, and assessment work on the side. I love the versatility within the field and look forward to the life MSP is helping me create!
Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?
Majd AbufarhaImage may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Hometown: Swartz Creek, MI
Program: MA with ABA
Book I would recommend: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Favorite Quote: “Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” Dalai Lama
What would people be surprised to know about you? Something that would surprise people is that I was born in Bethlehem, Jerusalem. At a very young age we were taught Arabic, English and French.
What is a cause you’re passionate about? A cause I’m absolutely passionate about is helping children with special needs. I believe it’s our duty to help children thrive and empower the most vulnerable so they can live life to its full potential.
Why did you choose to attend MSP? I choose to attend MSP because the MA with ABA concentration fits with my career goals. MSP is also a drive away from family; staying within driving distance is important to me.
What do you want to do with your degree/certificate?
After graduation I would like to work with autistic children. Improving their everyday life, helping them unlock their potential.
Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?
Sierra GillisImage may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Hometown: Dearborn, MI
Program: PsyD
Book I would recommend: You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
Favorite Quote: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world” Mahatma Ghandi
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I think people may be surprised to know that I am completely deaf in my right ear and have a little sister who is deaf as well! We were both born with the disabilities, but as a future clinical psychologist and a current RN, we were taught to never let our disabilities stop us.
What have you learned from other students?
I am fortunate to have learned just as much from other students than I have from my professors at MSP! One of my most memorable lessons learned was that I cannot do this (aka my schooling) alone. Forming friendships, study groups, and having open communication with my cohort members are one of the many columns that have and continue to support me throughout my experience here. I am super lucky and appreciative of my cohort members!
What makes MSP special?
MSP has such a special place in my heart. From attending the full time MA program to my current journey through the PsyD program, I am so grateful I found this school! The intimacy, small classes, but most importantly, the amazing and genuine staff and faculty that work here is what makes MSP so special. Every professor I have met thus far has been more than willing to offer me something so priceless: their time.
What is your plan for after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to teach at the graduate level, consult with public school systems, and own a private practice where psychological assessments for school aged children are conducted.
Interested in being featured in the next Student Spotlight?
MSP reaches out periodically to alumni to discover more about the work that fulfills their passion for clinical psychology. Life After MSP is our feature column that highlights the career journey of our grads.
Name: Scott MacInnis, MA (’18), TLLPImage may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
As a Crisis Clinician at Common Ground, I perform level of care and emergency assessments for individuals in local emergency rooms or brought into the crisis center. I am also a clinician on Oakland County Crisis Intervention and Recovery Team (OCIRT). We assist clients with providing support and navigating the community mental health (CMH) system with the goal of continuing therapeutic services through a local provider.
A few nights a week I am a contract psychotherapist with Wisemind, PLLC. This is a small (but growing) practice owned and directed by another MSP alumn, Dr. Toni Crocilla. Recently, Wisemind switched its core focus to the treatment of justice-involved individuals. My caseload consists of juveniles, adults, and couples suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD, adjustment disorder, relationship issues, SUD, and those re-integrating into the community from periods of incarceration.
My work with Harold J. Love and Associates involves pre-employment and fitness for duty assessments for first responders. As if this is not enough work, I also volunteer as the Crisis Intervention Manager for The Father’s Rights Movement (TFRM). I manage a team of crisis interventionists that engage with fathers (and sometimes mothers) in crisis who are separated or alienated from their children due to custody disputes and divorce.
What do you like about your work?
With all of my different roles, I feel very privileged to be involved in others’ lives in such pivotal moments. Working with Common Ground and TFRM provides the challenge of de-escalating those in crisis and providing hope to the most vulnerable populations. As a therapist with Wisemind, I enjoy the therapeutic relationship that is built with my clients and watching them progress towards their treatment goals.
In performing the pre-employment psychological assessments for first responders, I am allowed the opportunity to engage with individuals at the beginning of their careers. The psychological exam is usually the last step in a long hiring process. I enjoy being able to bestow to the soon to be police officers, corrections officers, dispatchers, and firefighters the importance of maintaining their mental health as a crucial part of a successful career as a first responder.
How did MSP prepare you for success?
I truly believe in the humanistic approach. Working in crisis, I have to quickly establish trust so that clients feel comfortable to share their stories with me. MSP instilled in me the non-judgmental, empathetic approach that is crucial in allowing others to open up.
So much of my classes and training are relevant to my professional roles. I am thankful for Dr. Blackstock’s addiction course as so many of my clients have co-occurring disorders. I can spot existential themes in my clients presenting problems thanks to Dr. Bach’s existential psychology course.
My practicum experience has allowed me a foundation for the clinical skills necessary to treat my therapy clients. The testing courses have prepared me for my role as a psychometrician. My cohort allowed me to gain perspective from other’s experiences.
My experience at MSP has given me a solid foundation for continued professional success.
The Sixth Annual Mental Health Research Symposium hosted by Psi Chi will be held on Friday, April 17 at MSP. This year, we are delighted to welcome Olivenne Skinner, PhD, who will deliver the Symposium keynote address. It’s not too late to submit your proposal!
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Calling all students!
The Mental Health Research Symposium was created by Psi Chi to showcase student research and to create a conference experience right on campus.
Nadeen Majeed (PsyD 1), Symposium Chair for Psi Chi, got involved in planning this year’s Symposium after presenting a poster last year during the MA program. “I had my first experience of presenting a poster at the research symposium last year and I wanted to help others get involved this year. The research symposium highlights the variety of work and interests of members of the MSP community. It’s exciting to learn more about topics that the presenters are passionate about and have research help influence our clinical practice.”
The goal each year is to include as many students as possible, so community support is gathering to try and encourage everyone to get involved.
First, the Symposium committee extended the submission deadline to Friday, March 13, to give you a little extra time to prepare. The Symposium is an ideal environment to present a poster for the first time; students are invited to create a poster from original research, a literature review, or a piece of conceptual work.
And, in case you need some direction or more hands-on help, Core Faculty member Dustin Shepler, PhD, will present an encore “Proposal to Poster” Workshop on March 11. “We want as many students as possible to present at the Symposium,” said Dr. Shepler. “I’m running the workshop again on a different day in the hopes we can catch more students who want to make a poster.”
Presenting at the Symposium has other benefits too – you can alert the community about your research interests. “I am excited about the upcoming Psi Chi Research Symposium! It is an excellent opportunity for me to learn about our students’ interests and passions, and for them to share the important contributions they are making to the field through their scholarship and research,” said Psi Chi Faculty Advisor and Core Faculty member Johanna Buzolits, PhD.
We recognize that presenting research is a new experience for some of our students. Whether you are new to the field of psychology, or returning after a break, the Symposium is an accessible, student-friendly place to start.
As a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 virus, MSP is transitioning all operations and class instruction to remote delivery beginning Monday, March 16. Our physical campus will be closed through April 10, which is the end of MSP’s Spring break.
We will continue to closely monitor this situation, adjust our schedule as appropriate, and quickly communicate any changes to the MSP community via email, text, and social media.
During this time, students and applicants will have access to administration, student services, academic advisors, course faculty and faculty supervisors via phone and/or virtual appointments. We are doing our best to maintain full services in alternative formats, and appreciate the patience of our stakeholders at this unprecedented time.
Now is the time to rely on our training and expertise. Let’s remember to breathe deeply, practice good self-care, and access reliable sources for updates. I’m including a link to the American Psychological Association website, which provides trustworthy links and solid information about what we’re facing.
