I am currently working as a graduate assistant with the Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute. This institute is dedicated to preparing and retaining exceptional student education teachers and related professional educators who serve children and adults with special needs.
At the University of Florida, I was able to present at the Florida Counseling Association covering the topic of, "Group Therapy for Parents and Guardians of Children Diagnosed with Cancer." Additionally, I was the recipient of CSI & CACREP's Leadership Essay Contest for Entry Level Students with a piece entitled, "Roots of Wellness." Finally, I earned the Presidential Service award, which recognizes both undergraduate and graduate students who dedicate themselves to promoting social justice, community awareness, and civic engagement on campus and in the community.
At Teachers College, Columbia University, I honed my research skills by working in Dr. George A. Bonanno's lab. Additionally, I was a course assistant for Development & Psychopathology: Atypical Contexts and Populations, which provided master and doctoral students a contemporary research basis on the interface of classical developmental psychology theories and patterns of development.
At Florida State University, I developed a love for psychology and human relationships from macro and micro-level perspectives. I also started conducting research in the lab of Dr. Thomas Joiner. Finally, I volunteered directly with the University Counseling Center promoting emotional wellness for the student body.
