Class of 2010 Updates
The 2nd year school psychology students are finishing placements at their second practicum sites, where they continue to receive direct supervision in the field. Below are reflections on their experiences, as well as a brief introduction to their thesis topics.
Nicole Arnold:
My practicum placement is at Iroquois Middle School in the West Irondequoit School District. My supervisor just obtained her Neuropsychology certification, so I am learning a lot from her in that area. We have been working together to learn the ins-and-outs of AIMSweb, curriculum-based measurements, and Response To Intervention. I am also co-leading counseling sessions with the School Counselor based on a changing families curriculum. I have been able to participate in many activities such as consultations with teachers, participation in staff meetings, collecting data to be used in specific interventions, alternative assessment, and cognitive and achievement testing. I am working with Dr. Lukomski for my thesis, and it is on vocational choice of the emerging adult with a Cochlear Implant.
Erin Brown:
I am currently placed in the S.T.A.R.T. program through Monroe #1 B.O.C.E.S. This is an alternative special education setting designed to facilitate learning for students in 9th – 12th grade. Academic and social–emotional needs are met through individual and/or group instruction. I’ve been able to administer cognitive assessments, achievement tests, and curriculum based measurements. Furthermore, I continue to co–facilitate group counseling sessions and record behavioral data through classroom observations. My thesis topic is looking at work values and comparing the differences between students in the special education system to students in the general education system concerning these values.
Alyssa Castronova:
My practicum placement is in the Rochester City School District at School of the Arts (SOTA). SOTA houses students in grades 7-12. It is a unique placement in that the students declare majors, such as voice or creative writing, and their curriculum includes classes specialized for their major. I've had the opportunity to administer cognitive and achievement tests as well as curriculum-based measurements, co-facilitate a lunch bunch group, and also take on an individual counseling case. My thesis topic is going to look at the involvement of school psychologists in the transition process that moves students from school to work or secondary education. I am going to look at the actual amount of school psychologist participation in this process as well as the barriers they feel they face that may prevent their participation.
Christina Carducci:
My practicum placement is at the Canandaigua Elementary School in Canandaigua. Canandaigua Elementary is a 2nd to 5th grade placement. I have been working on evaluations and have had many opportunities to work with children while administering cognitive and achievement tests. My thesis focuses on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and gender differences.
Kristin Dehmler:
Currently, I am placed at Brooks Hill Elementary School in Fairport. I have had the opportunity to perform cognitive and achievement assessments, curriculum based assessments, and observations. I have led individual and group counseling sessions. I have also participated in a number of meetings with school staff and parents. I have learned so much from my field placement! I am currently working on my thesis which is investigating a correlation between adolescent technology use, sleep quality, and academic achievement. I am interested to analyze the nature of the relationships I may notice.
Kelly Eastman:
My current practicum placement is at Palmyra-Macedon High School, which is a traditional 9th through 12th grade placement. I have truly enjoyed my experience here thus far as I have gained many valuable experiences in several areas. Group and individual counseling, cognitive and achievement testing, alternative assessment, and intervention planning are just a few of many opportunities I have had while at the PalMac High School. In addition to practicum, I'm currently working on my thesis with Dr. Merydith. I am examining and exploring how well college students with disabilities transition from high school to college, where they are receiving fewer accommodations and possibly less support.
Melissa Eggert:
My practicum placement is at Midlakes Intermediate School in Clifton Springs. Midlakes Intermediate is a 3rd – 5th grade school. I have gained a lot of independence in working at this placement. I have been given my own office to work and see children in and am able to schedule my day as I see fit. I have carried a 4-5 student caseload for counseling and am gaining experience in a wide variety of testing, classroom observations, and interactions. My thesis is geared toward school psychologist’s perceptions on training and preparedness in working with social communication issues in students with autism. That is to say, whether or not they feel their programs adequately explained and prepared them to know how to best handle this population surrounding issues of social communication.
Meghan Frazee:
Last Spring and this Fall, my practicum placement has been at the Geneseo Central School District, in rural Geneseo NY. Geneseo is a K-12 placement, so I am able to work with all different age groups! At Geneseo, I have done cognitive, achievement, and social-emotional testing, helped take behavioral data for teachers, and facilitated individual counseling. This placement has been a great opportunity to become independent and competent in my skills. For my thesis, I am researching how people with high or low levels of narcissism differ on whether they spread defensive or non-defensive rumors.
Nicole Gilmour:
My practicum placement is at Willink Middle School in Webster. I have had a ton of opportunities to conduct re-evaluations, co-facilitate counseling groups, observe classrooms, and work with teachers and staff to plan interventions for children. My supervisor is a great role model and works with me while teaching me about how Willink functions within the school district. My thesis will be an investigation of school psychologist’s perceptions of their ability to implement/teach others to implement behavioral interventions for children with autism and co-morbid mental health conditions. I'll be giving out a survey that I developed in conjunction with a fellow classmate and my thesis advisor.
Sarah Hinman:
I am currently placed at Macedon Elementary for my practicum experience. Macedon Elementary is a Kindergarten to 5th grade placement. At my placement, I receive hands on experience with counseling, assessments, and intervention planning. Overall, I am getting a comprehensive view of how my school runs. My thesis topic relates to teacher's perceptions of Curriculum-Based Measurements (CBM). Since CBM is highly involved in the Response to Intervention (RTI) process, it is important to evaluate how teachers perceive it.
Emily Watts:
My practicum placement is in the Sweet Home School District at Sweet Home Middle School. Located in Amherst, NY, Sweet Home Middle school is a 6th to 8th grade placement. Some of the experiences I have had include administering cognitive and achievement testing, developing academic and behavioral interventions, and consulting with teachers on Tier 1 and 2 interventions. I have really enjoyed my placement and know that I have learned a great deal from my supervisor. For my thesis I am doing a confirmatory factor analysis on the ABAS-II, teacher form.
