Student Spotlight Archive Archives - The �� (��)

MA Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:27:35 +0000

Jay Marshall

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Program: MA

Book I would recommend: Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Favorite Quote: There are too many to choose from, most of which are by Brandon Sanderson.

Fun Fact: I love to play games of all types: video games, sports, board, and card games

Name a cause you are passionate about.

Global warming is something that I am passionate about. Thinking of the adverse effects on the climate, our water, and land causes me significant anxiety and discomfort, which I believe can be a form of passion.

Why did you choose ��?

I chose �� because the community that is fostered here is unlike anything I have ever seen. Additionally, the incorporation of clinical practice and theoretical knowledge is an amazing feature of being a student at this school. Lastly, I believe that being part of the alumni of this school will be an invaluable part of my career and future in psychology.

What do you want to do with your degree?

After obtaining my degree, I plan to work in a therapy setting with couples to work through their problems, no matter what they might be.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

I was first introduced to and became interested in the mental health profession when a professional came to my high school and did a quick summary and Q & A session with students. It was interesting learning about abnormal psychology in that way.

��

Interested in being featured in the Student Spotlight?

The post MA Student Spotlight appeared first on The �� (��).

PsyD Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:26:31 +0000

Alexis Amos

Hometown: Saginaw, MI

Program: PsyD

Book I would recommend: Atomic Habits by James Clear

Favorite Quote: “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” – Maya Angelou

What would people be surprised to know about you?

People are usually surprised to learn that I’m actually pretty emotional. I come off as put-together and very driven, so people assume I’m always steady or unaffected, but I actually feel things deeply. I’m sensitive to other people’s moods, I care a lot, and I can get emotionally invested in the things and people that matter to me. I don’t always show it right away, but once you know me, it’s clear that I lead with my heart more than people expect.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

A cause I’m very passionate about is making sure people receive accurate and comprehensive psychological assessments, especially as diagnoses like autism and ADHD are becoming more common. Increased awareness is important, but so is taking the time to fully understand each individual so that diagnoses are thoughtful, ethical, and truly helpful. I think that getting it right can make a meaningful difference in how someone understands themselves and accesses the right support.

How does a psychology degree fit into your life’s plans?

After graduation, I plan to continue building a career in neuropsychological assessment. I’m particularly interested in conducting comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to better understand how cognitive, emotional, and neurological factors interact and impact functioning. I want to continue to work in a setting where assessment informs meaningful recommendations; whether that’s helping patients navigate medical decisions, supporting diagnostic clarification, or guiding treatment planning. Long-term, I plan to continue developing specialized expertise in assessment while remaining engaged in ongoing learning and professional growth within neuropsychology.

What advice do you have for other students?

My most valuable advice would be to stay curious and give yourself grace. Psychology is both intellectually challenging and emotionally demanding, and it can force you to reflect on yourself in ways you might not expect. You don’t need to know everything right away because learning happens over time. Be open to feedback, ask questions even when you feel unsure, and most importantly, take care of yourself outside of school (especially when things get tough).��

��

Interested in being featured in the Student Spotlight?

The post PsyD Student Spotlight appeared first on The �� (��).

MA Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:56:30 +0000

Ryan Smith

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Program: MA

Book I would recommend:��Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Favorite Quote: “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” -Soren Kierkegaard

Fun Fact: I have a birthmark in the shape of Alaska on my ankle.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I am passionate about protecting the safety of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the youth.

Why did you choose ��?

I chose to attend �� because I believe this school can help me adjust to being in the professional environment I see myself in.

What do you want to do with your degree?

I plan on going into child psychology and eventually having my own practice. In the long run, I want to work with at-risk adolescents in the African American community.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

My mom has a degree in psychology and would tell me facts as a child that interested me.

��

Interested in being featured in the Student Spotlight?

The post MA Student Spotlight appeared first on The �� (��).

PsyD Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:00:35 +0000

Danielle Love

Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI

Program: PsyD

Book I would recommend: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Favorite Quote: “Bloom where you’re planted.”

Fun Fact: Each chapter of my journey has helped shape and develop me, and this one is devoted to pursuing my calling to help others through clinical psychology.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I am deeply committed to advancing mental health support for older adults, with a focus on addressing stigma and reducing disparities in access to care.

Why did you choose ��?

I chose to attend �� because of its strong humanistic approach to psychology and its emphasis on seeing clients as whole people, which aligns with my values, and because earning my MA here provides the foundation I need to grow both personally and professionally as a clinician.

What do you want to do with your degree?

I plan to use my degree to provide individual and group therapy, as well as psychological assessment, for older adults and underserved populations in a clinical practice setting that emphasizes equitable and compassionate care.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

My interest in the mental health profession is rooted in my desire to better understand human behavior and to support people in navigating life’s challenges.

��

Interested in being featured in the Student Spotlight?

The post PsyD Student Spotlight appeared first on The �� (��).

MA Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:26:59 +0000

Tony Groulx

Hometown: Bay City, MI

Program: MA

Book I would recommend: Letters to a Young Poet by Rainier Maria Rilke

Favorite Quote: “Le vent se lève!… Il faut tenter de vivre! [The wind is rising!… We must try to live!]” —Paul Valéry, Le Cimetière Marin

Fun Fact: I have a degree in English Creative Writing, and I write poetry and essays.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I’m very passionate about attempting to understand the nature of reality, especially as it pertains to the crossroads of traditional religious structures, psychology, literature, and philosophy.

Why did you choose ��?

I chose to attend �� because of the suggestion of my dear friend, who believed that my capacity to grow and be patient with others would be well-suited to the work therapists undertake on a daily basis.

What do you want to do with your degree?

With my degree, I intend to begin working as a therapist in the state of Michigan. Over time, I would like to begin my own private practice and specialize in working with individuals who suffer from varying degrees of Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

I first became interested in Psychology through the undergraduate Philosophy courses that I took at Saginaw Valley State University. Subsequently, I then worked for a cemetery, as well as for several funeral homes, with individuals in varying degrees of grief and psychological distress. Entering into the mental health profession, through a Master’s program in Psychology, was the natural next step, after that for me.

��

Interested in being featured in the Student Spotlight?

The post MA Student Spotlight appeared first on The �� (��).

PsyD Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:36:24 +0000

Luci Clark

Hometown: Tacoma, WA

Program: PsyD

Book I would recommend: Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown

Favorite Quote: “What we know matters, but who we are matters more.” -Brené Brown

Fun Fact: I have a weird talent for always knowing where north is, even if I’ve never been in that spot before.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I am passionate about creating spaces where people feel free to share cherished pieces of themselves.

Why did you choose ��?

I chose to attend �� not only for another degree and advancements in my career, but to continue learning and surrounding myself with co-learners.

What do you want to do with your degree?

I am holding plans loosely because I would love to be influenced by the people I meet and the journey that takes me where I am going. Though I think I will always love working with young adults who are working through OCD and other anxiety disorders

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

I had to take on a minor in my undergrad program and was persuaded to choose the substance abuse counseling minor. This is where I realized that therapy aligned with many of my passions, values, and hopes for my future.

��

Interested in being featured in the Student Spotlight?

The post PsyD Student Spotlight appeared first on The �� (��).

PsyD Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:32:19 +0000

Shanae Nyanankpe

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Program: PsyD

Book I would recommend: The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

Favorite Quote: “Tyranny requires your fear, your silence, and your compliance. Democracy requires your courage.” -JB Pritzker

Fun Fact: Deep down, I am a poet and I know it.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I am passionate about healthcare reform and ending the school-to-prison pipeline.

Why did you choose ��?

�� is the only school in Michigan with an APA-accredited PsyD program. Its small size fosters a close-knit, professional environment, which I prefer over the aloofness of a large school.

What do you want to do with your degree?

I want to leverage my degree to maintain versatility in the field, but more than that, I would like to teach at a college level and train other professionals in the field. So far, I have my own solo practice that I would like to expand eventually.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

It was a slow, gradual journey. I initially studied ESL at Eastern Michigan University, but when I took courses like Educational Psychology and Psych 101, I realized I was passionate about behavioral science. I then earned a BS in Psychology, but through experience, I quickly understood that my education was far from over, and I was okay with that reality.

��

Even from an early age, people naturally felt comfortable coming to me to vent or seek advice. Looking back, it’s funny how long it took me to realize this was my true calling. Although I no longer give direct advice, I now focus on creating space where people can work through and cope with their “stuff.”

��

Interested in being featured in the Student Spotlight?

The post PsyD Student Spotlight appeared first on The �� (��).

MA Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:30:50 +0000

Bode Corbin��

Hometown: Brooklyn, MI

Program: MA

Book I would recommend:��Disappointing Affirmations by Dave Tarnowski

Favorite Quote: “Failure is feedback.” -Steven Bartlett

Fun Fact: I’m a CrossFit athlete who doesn’t just train for fitness; I use it as a mental reset. CrossFit helped transform my mindset, discipline, and confidence. It has become a core part of my daily routine, fueling my energy to run multiple businesses and take on everything life throws my way.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I’m passionate about supporting the USO (United Service Organizations) because I believe in giving back to the men and women who sacrifice so much for our country. The USO plays a vital role in keeping service members connected to family, home, and country through everything from care packages to emotional support. As someone who values community, service, and resilience, I’m proud to stand behind a cause that uplifts and honors our military heroes.

Why did you choose ��?

I chose the �� program because it’s local, accessible, and offers exactly what I was looking for in terms of hands-on training and career readiness. I appreciate that it allows me to stay close to home while still gaining the skills and opportunities I need to grow professionally. The program felt like the right fit, practical, well-structured, and aligned with my goals.

What do you want to do with your degree?

With my degree, I plan to work with the developmental disabilities (DD) population, particularly children, because I’m passionate about helping them build meaningful connections and reach their full potential. I hope to continue growing with Psych Resolutions [private practice], where I’ve seen firsthand the impact we can make in schools and the community through dedicated, compassionate mental health support.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

I first became interested in the mental health profession by watching my mom run her own practice, seeing her be a strong, compassionate, boss woman who built a business dedicated to helping others, inspired me to follow in her footsteps and make a difference in people’s lives.

��

Interested in being featured in the Student Spotlight?

The post MA Student Spotlight appeared first on The �� (��).

PsyD Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:12:49 +0000

Matt Greiner

Hometown: Redford, MI

Program: PsyD

Book I would recommend: Why We Lie: The Evolutionary Roots of Deception and the Unconscious Mind��by David Livingstone Smith

Favorite Quote: “One problem at a time Sarge, one problem at a time.” This is the response given by Frank MacAlyster, a Delta Force operator present during Operation Eagle Claw, when asked why he jumped out of his C-130 aircraft without a parachute, despite believing it was airborne at the time. There’s a lot more to the story, and it’s definitely worth reading about.

Fun Fact: I’ve built three electric guitars and am currently building a fourth.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

A cause I’m passionate about is mental healthcare for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

Why did you choose ��?

I chose to attend �� because of its PsyD program and its close proximity to my home and practice.

What do you want to do with your degree?

After completing this program, I plan to continue working in my private practice and look for ways to expand my involvement with veterans, service members, and their families.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

I had an interest in psychology in high school, which was later strengthened by my experiences both in the military and transitioning off of active duty.

��

Interested in being featured in the Student Spotlight?

The post PsyD Student Spotlight appeared first on The �� (��).

MA Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:15:45 +0000

Beatrice Di Cintio

Hometown: Chieti, Italy

Program: MA

Book I would recommend:��Good Material��by Dolly Alderton

Favorite Quote: “To be happy one must eliminate two things: the fear of a bad future and the memory of a bad past.” -Seneca

Fun Fact: I am a big scuba diver. One of my dreams is to one day own a diving center on some remote island.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I am deeply passionate about expanding the outreach of mental health programs and actively working to combat the stigma that so often surrounds mental illness. I believe that increasing awareness, education, and accessibility to mental health resources is essential for creating a more compassionate and informed society. By fostering open conversations and challenging misconceptions, we can help individuals feel less isolated, encourage them to seek support, and promote a culture where mental health is treated with the same importance and dignity as physical health.

Why did you choose ��?

I have been actively searching for a school that prioritizes hands-on, practical training within a more intimate and personalized learning environment. I believe that smaller class sizes and a tailored approach to education provide the opportunity for deeper engagement, more direct mentorship, and the ability to develop real-world skills that are immediately applicable in my chosen field

What do you want to do with your degree?

I would like to work with the incarcerated population; oftentimes, trauma stems from previous unspoken ones. Helping those who couldn’t help themselves to find the tools to lead a healthier, happier life would be a great reward.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

My interest in the mental health field was first sparked during an introductory psychology course in my undergraduate studies. At the time, I was on a pre-med track, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. Mental health had never been at the forefront of my academic focus, but once I was exposed to it, everything seemed to fall into place, as if all my experiences had been quietly guiding me toward this path. The love and respect I’ve developed for this discipline is profound. I speak about it with genuine passion, and it fuels a deep curiosity that drives me to meet every challenge with purpose and determination.

��

Interested in being featured in the Student Spotlight?

The post MA Student Spotlight appeared first on The �� (��).

Student Spotlight Archive Archives - The �������� (��������)

MA Student Spotlight

Jay Marshall

PsyD Student Spotlight

Alexis Amos

MA Student Spotlight

Ryan Smith

PsyD Student Spotlight

Danielle Love

MA Student Spotlight

Tony Groulx

PsyD Student Spotlight

Luci Clark

PsyD Student Spotlight

Shanae Nyanankpe

MA Student Spotlight

Bode Corbin��

PsyD Student Spotlight

Matt Greiner

MA Student Spotlight

Beatrice Di Cintio

Student Spotlight Archive Archives - The �� (��)