Highlighting School Psychology students for NSPW
Graduate students offer insight into their experiences, including the doctoral practicum.
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National School Psychology Week is November 6-10 this year, and to recognize the theme of "Let's Grow Together," we are highlighting the experiences of several students in our School Psychology program, starting with a first year PhD student and ending with a 5th year PhD candidate.
Why did you choose School Psychology at UMass Amherst?
Katie Roslonek, a first-year doctoral student, says that the interdisciplinary aspect of School Psychology was a deciding factor in her career path.
"After considering many different paths within the field of psychology, I felt confident that school psychology was where I belonged," she says. "Since applying to the UMass School Psychology program and starting my first semester, this belief has only become stronger. The field combines so many important sectors - education, psychology, social justice and public health. It is now more important than ever to support children, families, teachers, and communities and I feel so inspired to continue learning how to do that."
"I chose school psychology because it is the discipline that is able to combine research and practice for the benefit of children, teachers, and families," says Weihong Yuan, a second year doctoral student.
"Schools are the best places to support positive behaviors and prevent early challenges for all students, no matter where they come from."
What are you looking forward to on your School Psychology EdS internship?
In addition to our PhD program in School Psychology, we also offer an MEd/EdS pathway. Ariana Saporito is a second year Education Specialist (EdS) student.
"I am excited to apply my knowledge from our coursework into practice," says Saporito. "Our program provides opportunities to embark on internships in different states, so I am excited to expand my understanding of school psychology in different contexts."
How is your practicum experience going?
School Psychology students gain a wealth of experience through their practicum experience. Kristiana Parrillo, a third year PhD student, offers some insight into what this process is like:
"I chose to pursue school psychology because I wanted to make a positive difference for students' social, emotional, and academic well-being," she says. "My practicum placement at a local elementary school has given me the opportunity to start seeing that goal become a reality."
Parrillo appreciates how, under the mentorship of her practicum supervisor, she has gained experience in:
- psychodiagnostic assessment
- academic intervention implementation
- mental health counseling
- and more!
"My practicum days are my favorite days of the week because I get to apply all the knowledge I've gained in the past two years of courses and research to real-world work with students," she said.
What is it like being in your fourth year of the PhD program?
"There's so much room to find yourself within school psychology," says Kelley Murphy, a fourth year doctoral candidate. "I'm so grateful to the faculty and supervisors I've learned from throughout the program who have helped shape my growth."
Murphy says that School Psychology students are able to simultaneously pursue their career goals at UMass while also exploring new opportunities. Areas of specialty run the gamut, including:
- Working directly with students and families in schools
- Serving clients in private practice
- Consulting within the larger systems affecting the lives of youth
What has your experience been in your doctoral internship?
Kaylee Defelice, a 5th year doctoral candidate, is completing her internship at a 7th-8th grade middle school in Colorado.
"Each day is different and fast paced, but I have been doing counseling with students, evaluations for eligibility determinations for special education, and consulting with teachers," she says.
Defelice also notes that Colorado has thorough crisis response procedures, which she has been involved with. She also works with an autism specialist once per week, offering support to students with autism and their teachers across the school district.
"It has been a whirlwind so far!" she said.
Learn more about the School Psychology program.