Why did you choose to pursue your graduate degree at Marist? Why did you choose to pursue this degree program?

I chose to pursue my graduate degree at Marist for several different reasons. Upon researching many graduate programs to apply to, Marist stood out. Between the coursework, the connections made, as well as the dedicated professors, each promise made in the Marist mission statement have all been kept. When applying, I felt that the professors a part of the Marist School Psychology Department were not only extremely knowledgeable about their craft, but also a family, always willing to support their students every step of the way.

Tell us about a project or course that was particularly meaningful to your professional development / academic development.

I particularly enjoyed all three assessment courses: Cognitive, Academic, and Social Emotional and Behavioral. While these are three separate courses, they have all connected to expand our knowledge in this area of the field. Taking the time to learn every in and out of each type of assessment per semester has been critical to my knowledge. Separating the courses this way allowed us to fully practice, and get to know these assessments, which has aided my competence going into my practicum experience this year.

Tell us about a meaningful experience you had at Marist as it pertains to your degree (whether that be with a Professor, Marist service, Scholarship opportunity, etc.).

One of many meaningful experiences I have had at Marist include my several courses taken with Dr. Michael Paff. As an adjunct professor, he has gone above and beyond for myself as well as my entire cohort. Between his real world experiences he brings to each class, as well as the time he spends to make sure we each fully understand the material taught, he has made the biggest impact on me in this program. Both his care for his students and knowledge he shares about this field has not gone unnoticed.

What advice would you give to a student considering pursuing this degree at Marist?

One piece of advice I would give to a student considering pursuing a Master’s Degree in School Psychology at Marist would be to connect and become friends with every single person in your cohort. They are both your colleagues, friends, and family for the entire program, and many years to come. I have learned countless lessons from every single one of them, and the mutual support we give each other is unmatched and continuous.

Please include any additional pertinent information as it pertains to your course of study and/or Marist experience.

One activity in this program I have particularly enjoyed was being involved in the Marist Student Association of School Psychology (MSASP). As an officer, I have enjoyed being a mentor to the first year students and sharing my knowledge, as well as learning from them. I feel that this club has helped expand the connections I have made in this program, and also allowed me to learn about the field from several guest speakers.