Clinical-Community alumni reflect on the ways in which their values and perspectives were affected by their graduate experience at BGSU:

“This ability to ‘think outside the box’ is a valuable skill that I still use in all aspects of my clinical and research endeavors…I learned that you can literally create something that does not currently exist. In other words, I learned never to settle for what is available if it does not fit your values/needs or those of your population of interest.” 

“[My] experiences broadened my thinking about psychology and my role as a psychologist.  More specifically, I learned about alternative models of helping others and alternative ways to conceptualize clinical concerns… [how] to think about an individual's difficulties/problems within the context of a strengths perspective, and within the context of a larger community.”

Dr. Lisa Lewandowski, Senior Research Associate at University of Michigan School of Social Work Research Center/Therapist

“I’ve actually had numerous clients and family members comment on the respect with which I treat older adults that is apparently in contrast to other health professionals.  I believe this is strongly related to my learning experiences in Community Psychology at BG. ”      

Dr. Erin Emery, Staff Psychologist, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, NY

“Some lessons I learned were:  How to conceptualize using multiple levels of analysis and multiple perspectives; how to approach my work from a strengths-based perspective; the importance of collaborating with people and communities that we’re trying to learn about and serve;  the importance of being very mindful of the written word--subtleties in tone and word selection have a huge impact on how the message is received.”                       

Dr. Andrew Freeberg, Director of Education and Youth Services at Goodwill / Easter Seals Minnesota 

“[I learned] how helpful it can be to get to know people in their own setting/environment... and to be sure to take the time to listen to their stories.”

Dr. Thomas Jewell, Director – Family Institute for Education, Practice, and Research / Co-director of Residency Program – U. of Rochester Medical Center 

“I learned the importance of….advocating for and giving voice to those who need it.  [Research] gives participants a valued role, can help them learn about themselves, and can help in terms of policy and action research.”

Dr. Russ Phillips, Assistant Professor, Psychology Department at Missouri Western State University

“I think one of my most important memories of the clinical/community program…is the idea that people do not just consist of ‘pathology.’  I also feel the idea of ‘empowerment’ has stayed in the forefront of my clinical practice and supervision.  I am also frequently reminded that the community possesses vast resources that can aid clients if we take the time to get to know our community.”

Dr. Scott Craft , Clinical Psychologist, Mid-Ohio Psychological Services, Lancaster, Ohio

“[There are several] aspects of these activities that have been useful in my work, [such as using] team work and problem solving when those carefully-laid plans run into a system-related wall. Also, realizing that we all “bring something to the table,” [including] our biases, styles of thought, approach to an issue."

Dr. Marcia Hunt, Local Recovery Coordinator / Clinical Psychologist, Veterans Administration, Connecticut

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