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Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology (CCSP)
Student Perspectives
Sunny Crandell
M.A., School Psychology M.Ed. student, 1st year
“A perspective that I share with Gerty Cori, is the idea that ‘Intellectual integrity, courage, and kindness are still the virtues I admire most.’ It has been inspiring for me, during my first year in the Counseling, Clinical, School Psychology Program, to recognize these virtues among my fellow students and faculty alike.” (note: Gerty Cori was the first American woman to receive a Nobel Prize in science).
What is my background?
I received B.A.s in Developmental Psychology & Early Childhood Education in 1976 at California State University, Chico, and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from UCSB, in 1986. More recently, I have worked as an independent educational consultant, focusing on program implementation and evaluation, in the public school sector. Parent education has been a focus of mine for the last twenty years, as well as school governance. This is my fifth year as a school board member for a local elementary school. I am happily married and have four children -- one married, two in college and my youngest just starting high school.
Why did I choose UCSB?
The CCSP Program wasn’t an option when I last attended UCSB as a graduate student. Now, twenty years later, I feel very fortunate that one of the finest School Psychology Programs in the nation is in my own backyard. I value the shared mission to address issues of diversity. I value the kindness and competency of the faculty and administration. Also, we are very fortunate to have Dr. Jane Conoley at the helm. These are exciting and generative times for both our program and the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education.
What are my research projects like/what is a typical day like?
I work with Dr. Michael Furlong at the Center for School Based Youth Development (CSBYD), and I am particularly interested in early intervention programs for at-risk populations of students as well as school-based mental health programs. During my first quarter, I worked with Dr. Erika Felix on an Anti-Tobacco Initiative Project (a CSBYD project). In the winter quarter, Dr. Furlong and I had an opportunity to work with Storyteller Children’s Center. Storyteller’s mission is to improve the lives of families with toddlers and preschoolers, who are homeless and at-risk, through quality early childhood education and comprehensive support services. We work towards the goal of helping Storyteller develop a Logic Model to better enhance their future planning and fund-raising efforts.
The first half of this year, my field placement was at Adams Elementary School; currently I am placed at Cleveland Elementary School. Both elementary schools are within the Santa Barbara School district, and predominantly serve children who are English Language Learners.
What advice do I have for incoming students School Psychology?
Take advantage of the diverse and bright graduate students that you will meet across all three programs; the depth and breadth of their life experiences and perspectives will enrich your own. I also recommend that you actively seek out collaborative opportunities, as well as learn to feel comfortable asking for support and guidance when you need it. I believe that familiarity with both will serve us well as we transition into the eventual role of scientist-practitioners.
Drew WaltherM.A., Counseling Ph.D. student, 3rd year
“CCSP has given me a variety of opportunities to develop professionally and personally, working in a range settings with diverse clients, students, faculty and professionals. A little passion and a lot of hard work can get you far in this program.”
Undergraduate Major: B.A., Psychology, minor in LGBT Studies, University of Maryland, College Park
Hometown: Williamsburg Virginia
What is my background?
I attended the University of Maryland, College Park, majoring in Psychology and minoring in LGBT Studies. I worked closely on several research projects with a faculty member in the University Counseling Center who encouraged me to apply to graduate programs in Counseling Psychology. Watching my surrogate-advisor perform a number of roles as teacher, researcher, service-provider, and active community member showed me the range of possibilities graduate studies could provide.
Why did I choose UCSB?
I selected UCSB for a number of reasons: primarily I selected the program to work with Dr. Tania Israel. During my undergraduate studies I was given the advice that finding an advisor you would want to spend the next 5-6 years working closely with would really improve your life as a graduate student. I also liked the idea of a combined program, which provides a range of professional mentors and peers, and a unique degree. With fewer than 10 APA accredited programs in the US and only two that combined Counseling, Clinical and School Psychology UCSB was an easy choice. Also, you can’t ask for a nicer location.
What are my research projects like/what is a typical day like?
In an average week I spend 10 hours working at the UCSB Counseling Services doing individual therapy, running support groups, attending seminars, and being supervised. I also have long-term clients at the CCSP-run Hosford Clinic. I take a range of classes at any given time and have been lucky enough to have teaching opportunities each quarter for the last year and a half. Additionally, I work with my advisor closely on research projects that meet weekly. Finally, I work on my own projects, prepare for comprehensive exams, etc.
What advice do I have for incoming students in Counseling?
Be driven, work hard, reward yourself frequently, and ask for help whenever you need it.
Jenss ChangClinical Psychology, Ph.D. student, 2nd year
What is my background?
I attended the University of California, San Diego for my undergraduate education and majored in General Psychology. Upon graduation in 2004, I worked as a full-time research assistant at the Veterans’ Medical and Research Foundation at UCSD. This helped me clarify my research interest in ethnic minority mental health issues and made me decide to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.
Why did I choose UCSB?
I was interested in working with my current advisor Dr. Steve Smith, who has done research on the topics of assessment and psychotherapy process and outcome. His work on assessment, paired with my interests in ethnic minority issues, was a perfect match. Additionally, he was also the perfect person to work with because he is a caring and helpful mentor and a brilliant academician/researcher.
What are my research projects like/what is a typical day like?
I am currently working on a multiple projects involving Asian American college students and a variety of assessment instruments. One project, in specific, is aimed at examining whether one’s level of acculturation affects ones performance on Western-derived neuropsychological measures. Ideally, I would also like to broaden this project to include self-report and performance-based personality instruments as well.
What advice do I have for incoming students?
Although I’m still learning this lesson, it’s always important to remember that your mental health is key! Be willing to say “no” at times and to acknowledge and embrace your personal limitations – your brain will thank you for this.
