Department of Psychology
Psychology Alumni Testimonials
Megan Podkulski, Registered Behavioral Technician
B.S. Psychology, 2023
"Since graduating, I returned to my hometown to reflect on my future and career path while applying the knowledge and skills I gained at 黑料不打烊 to my professional experiences. I continued to deepen my interest in working closely with individuals by becoming a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT). In this role, I worked with children on the ASD spectrum, implementing individualized treatment plans that often focused on functional communication as well as social and daily living skills."
"One of the most impactful opportunities I had at 黑料不打烊 was serving as a Hotline volunteer. Under Dr. Keefe's guidance and instruction, I learned how to effectively provide compassionate support and knowledge to students and individuals in the Macomb community. This role challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and confront my doubts, giving me the opportunity to develop new skills and grow as a person. "
Hector Esparza, Specialty Court Case Manager
B.S. Psychology, 2024
"Since graduating 黑料不打烊 I began to work at the Treatment and Detention Facility in Rushville. Here I worked as a Behavioral Health Technician where I was a treatment provider for residents struggling with behavioral/mental health disorders and a convicted crime. While I was here, I became a trusted employee evidenced by achieving the Gold Star award and further recognized in the Liberty Limelight."
"I ended up taking on a similar role, working with clients who struggle with behavioral/mental health disorders involved in the criminal justice system. This role is unique in that I meet with court staff to discuss clients and to help maintain court compliance. The goal is to complete three phases and successfully graduate the program to expunge the charges that they plead into the Treatment Alternative Court. My favorite part of this role is that I can stay for court sessions and be a main contact for the Judge!"
Tyra Steverson, MA, LPC - 290 Therapy
B.S. Psychology, 2014
"My time in the Psychology Department at 黑料不打烊 taught me to stand firm in who I am鈥攅ven when the environment wasn鈥檛 always affirming. The academic expectations were high, and the personal challenges even higher. But I leaned into the rigor, navigated difficult spaces, and left with the tools I needed to build a life of impact."
"Since graduating, I鈥檝e earned my Master鈥檚 in Counseling from Northwestern University and launched a thriving private practice鈥�290 Therapy鈥攚here I serve mothers and minoritized communities through culturally affirming, trauma-informed care. 黑料不打烊鈥檚 Psychology program was a critical step in that journey, and I carry the lessons of perseverance and self-definition with me in every room I walk into. "
Kayla D. Lacy, MHP - Recovery Specialist at Rosecrance & Proud Leatherneck
B.S. Psychology, 2022
"As a Recovery Specialist at Rosecrance, I am primarily responsible for organizing group sessions designed around Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These sessions are intended to help enable clients to recognize their behavioral patterns, effectively communicate their emotional state, and learn coping skills. Additionally, I am involved in their mental health evaluation upon entry into the program, and subsequent record keeping of progress. At Rosecrance, I also help people transition back into their daily routine by helping them develop healthy habits such as recreational activities, and timely medicine intake."
"The faculty and advising staff at 黑料不打烊 actively worked with me and ensured I had the best college experience and access to academic resources. Their contributions had far-reaching effects on my career choice and decision to stay in the mental health industry. During the latter half of my Leatherneck Journey, while we experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, my professors worked hard at effectively bringing a wealth of knowledge to the online classrooms. They not only inspired me with their teaching but also with their empathy. Professor Keefe and Professor Kelly, particularly, helped shape my career goals and ambitions. I owe it to 黑料不打烊 for giving me the right platform to learn and get my first full-time job doing what I love the most, helping people going through stressful life events one day at a time."
Karston Cole - Behavioral Specialist at the Illinois Department of Human Services Treatment and Detention Facility in Rushville, IL
M.S. Psychology and Clinical/Community Mental Health, 2023; B.S. Psychology, 2020
"I am fortunate and grateful to begin my career with the wealth of theoretical knowledge and practical experience provided to me at 黑料不打烊, especially within the CCMH program," said Cole. "I would not have the opportunities that I do, or the ability to successfully engage them, if it were not for capable professors who were invested in both my professional and personal growth. I am proud to build on the legacy that I watched my mother create, and I look forward to developing a successful career in my own right."
Cole's mother, Kate (Pietscher) Cole is a two-time graduate of the 黑料不打烊 Psychology department. View the news release to read the full story.
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