Parmida Behmardi
4th Year | PsyD Program | Child Emphasis
Email | behm0213@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | University of California, Irvine, CA
Hometown | Mission Viejo, CA
Why I chose Pacific | I chose 51³Ō¹Ļ primarily because of its robust focus on child psychology. My career goal is to become a child psychologist specializing in hospital settings, and 51³Ō¹Ļ offers an exceptional program that aligns with this aspiration. The universityās commitment to child-focused research and its comprehensive training in pediatric psychology stood out to me as the perfect fit for my career ambitions. Additionally, the faculty at Pacific are renowned for their expertise and dedication, which made me confident that this environment would provide the support and resources I need to excel in my field. The combination of an outstanding curriculum and a nurturing academic community made 51³Ō¹Ļ the ideal choice for my professional growth and development.
Favorite thing about the program | What I appreciate most about the program is the hands-on experience it offers. It allows us to apply what we learn in real-world settings, providing invaluable insights. Additionally, the chance to engage with the community and make a direct impact has been incredibly rewarding. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, making the learning experience much more meaningful.
Favorite PsyD course | Child Psychopathology & Interviewing: One of my favorite courses in the PsyD program has been Child Psychopathology & Interviewing. This course has been instrumental in refining my skills in expressing empathy and engaging with clients in a meaningful way. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, I have gained a deeper understanding of various childhood disorders and the nuances of conducting sensitive interviews with both children and their parents. The hands-on experience and insightful feedback from the course have left me feeling exceptionally well-prepared to handle the complexities of working in a Clinic and a hospital setting with young clients. The course has been crucial in building my confidence and competence in this specialized area of psychology.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | When seeking observation hours, it's essential to find a supervisor who is not only knowledgeable but also supportive and willing to mentor you through the process. Look for a setting that aligns with your career interests, so you can gain experience in areas youāre passionate about. Whether itās a clinic, hospital, or community center, make sure the environment reflects what you envision for your future career, as this will make your observation hours more engaging and productive.
Career goal | My ultimate goal is to work in a medical or hospital setting, where I can specialize in providing care and support to children and their families. I am passionate about creating a positive impact in their lives, helping them navigate health challenges with compassion and expertise. I envision working in a multidisciplinary team that focuses on holistic care, ensuring that both the physical and emotional needs of children are addressed.
Hobbies | In my leisure time, I find great pleasure in a variety of activities. Watching my favorite television shows while working on challenging puzzles is a beloved way to unwind and stimulate my mind. Exploring the natural beauty of Oregon with friends is another cherished activity, as it offers a wonderful escape and an opportunity to appreciate the state's diverse landscapes. Additionally, I indulge in reading, which allows me to delve into different worlds and ideas, while art and music provide a creative outlet for self-expression and relaxation. These hobbies not only enrich my life but also offer a balanced way to recharge and stay inspired.
Kat Lewis
4th Year | PsyD Program | Child Emphasis
Email | Lewi0239@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | University of Arizona
Hometown | Orange County, CA
Why I chose Pacific | I chose 51³Ō¹Ļ mainly because of the Child Emphasis and the opportunities it would provide. When researching doctoral programs, I knew I wanted one where I would be able to specialize in working with children and families but still get the generalist foundation needed to be a well-rounded clinician in the future. After my interview with Dr. Miller I really felt like Pacific was the best match based on my clinical and research interests, as well as the practicum opportunities the program has available.
Favorite PsyD course | Child Psychopathology and Interviewing. This was the very first child and adolescent focused course we were able to take and it was a really great introduction to graduate coursework and how much it can differ from undergraduate courses. I took child psychopathology at the same time I was taking our basic clinical foundations class which was very nice to be able to learn certain concepts in that class and then immediately be able to apply them in terms of how they may relate to working with children and adolescents.
Hobbies | Like most people that move to the PNW I love hiking and getting out in nature whenever I can. I love to go adventuring and find new trails and sights to see. My friends and I have also been on the hunt to find the best ice cream in the area so let me know where we should try next! Thereās so much that Oregon has to offer and Iām hoping to discover as much as I can throughout my time here. Besides hiking I love watching movies, reading, and playing board games. The rainy days make for perfect movie watching weather for sure and I love getting together with my friends for a movie and board game/puzzle night! I also really enjoy listening to music, making playlists, and finding new bands to listen to (Iām always looking for recommendations)!
Zoe āZeeā Nace
2nd Year | PsyD Program | Child Emphasis
Email | zen@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | Linfield University
Hometown | Fairbanks, AK
Why I chose Pacific | Not only did Pacific offer unique specialization opportunities via emphases and a comprehensive curriculum, but it was clear that they valued students as people. Throughout the interview process and the staff & faculty interactions I had, I felt they saw me as an individual worthy of knowing, regardless of whether or not I would be offered admittance. The collaborative spirit Pacific encourages has since made me even more grateful I'm able to attend.
Favorite thing about the program | Class field trips during breaks to loot candy from the SGP office. If the basket is empty, there are lollipops downstairs.
Favorite PsyD course | Dr. Michael made Research Design thoroughly enjoyable, even for those intimidated by the relevant statistics (me). If you get the opportunity to take Child Psychopathy and Interviewing with adjunct professor Dr. Joel Lampert, do it.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | If you're struggling to find psychology research or employment options, I'd recommend looking into volunteer roles available near you. There are often positions open for a variety of education levels at nonprofits, crisis lines, community mental health centers, etc. If all else fails and you have the resources available, you may also be able to participate in relevant training or lectures.
What are some tips when applying and/or deciding where to apply? In the stress of seeking grad school acceptance, it's natural to try to adapt yourself into the ideal candidate for any school you apply to. In my experience, it's essential to find a school willing to adapt to you, too. If you're the only one working to make an academic relationship successful, you'll burn out twice as fast.
What are tips or advice for how to handle graduate school? Time management, self-care, and other routine advice points are incredibly important. However, for me, making time to enjoy time with my cohort and community has been the most essential practice. When you genuinely adore the people you see every day, class can feel less like an obligation and more like an opportunity. So, this is an excuse to procrastinate a little bit and hang out with a group instead.
Career goal | Generally, I'm aiming to work in clinics with children and adolescents. I'm still exploring the specifics of what my career future might look like (a very okay thing to do, even in a doctorate program. I might even recommend it).
Ilisa Norman
3rd Year | PsyD Program | Child Emphasis
Email | inorman@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | The University of Texas at Austin
Hometown | Dallas, TX
Why I chose Pacific | My career aspirations lined up perfectly with the training Pacific offers. I am studying to work with children in middle childhood with externalizing disorders like Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. Additionally, I aim to perform forensic assessments, and Pacific has several forensic practicum placement opportunities. Dr. Catherine Miller's insight, experience, and research drew me to this program and ultimately persuaded me to accept my offer. Dr. Miller is incredibly well-spoken and well-written in areas I want to gain expertise in. I am thrilled to learn from her and other knowledgeable faculty at Pacific.
Favorite Thing About the Program | The people! I have found so many wonderful people I love and trust, both in my peers and professors.
Favorite PsyD course | Child Psychopathology & Interviewing: I loved jumping right into learning how to work with children clinically. Dr. Alyshia MacNab did an excellent job pushing us to ask questions to fuel our learning and deep understanding of the topics by struggling to find the answer. Her explanations of psychopathology and interviewing strategies gave me a solid foundation in my clinical and diagnostic skills.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | As anxiety-inducing as cold calls/emails are, reaching out to psychologists in your area is a great way to get more exposure to psychology. Many professionals are happy to let you shadow them and share their knowledge. Additionally, many employment opportunities related to psychology often give you more tangible knowledge you can't get in the classroom. Look into residential and inpatient treatment centers for more field exposure without a degree.
Career Goal | I plan to do therapy and intervention with middle schoolers with externalizing disorders and provide child custody evaluations for the court.
Hobbies | I enjoy trivia, reading, hiking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest with my friends in my free time! My classmates and I go to trivia together and try new coffee shops every week. Portland is also a fantastic food city, which is excellent for people who like trying various cuisines. Portland is a great spot for people like me who enjoy the outdoors. On nice weekends, I take advantage of how close the coast and mountains are, often traveling an hour or two away from Portland to explore the gorgeous nature of the Pacific Northwest. There are also plenty of excellent hiking spots around Portland, especially along the Columbia River Gorge (with tons of waterfalls). I like to wind down at night with various literary fiction books and am constantly seeking new recommendations!
Sydney Wasserman
2nd Year | PsyD Program | Child Emphasis
Email | mollymouchawar@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | Washington University in St. Louis
Hometown | Washington, DC
Why I chose Pacific | I've always known that I wanted to work with teens and younger children and Pacific was one of the only schools that offered a child-focused course of study and also allowed students to work with child clients by the second year of the program.
Favorite thing about the program | My cohort has easily been my favorite part about the program so far. Even though we are at very different stages in our lives, we have gotten really close as a class which makes class time and collaboration very enjoyable!
Favorite PsyD course | Child Psychopathology!
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | I worked as a behavioral technician at an ABA clinic prior to applying to Pacific and would recommend it to anyone looking to gain more clinical experience and exposure to working with families from diverse populations without needing a graduate degree. The job was so rewarding and I felt like it prepared me for my practicum!
What are some tips when applying and/or deciding where to apply? Take the time to review the research and clinical interests of the faculty members at each program to ensure that they align with your own. Also look at the cities where the programs are located to make sure you will enjoy living there for the next four years!
What are tips or advice for how to handle graduate school? Work-life balance is key! While textbooks and exams are very important, make sure that you are balancing your study time with time spent socializing and engaging in hobbies that bring you joy.
Career goal | I want to assess young children for learning and neurodevelopmental disorders to help them access the services and accommodations they need to thrive in school and in life :)