Meet the Class of 2011
The 1st year school psychology students are excited to begin their graduate education at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Introductions are below, as well as reflections from the student's experiences at their first practicum sites.
Angela Bermudez:
I am a recent graduate of SUNY Brockport with a B.S. in psychology. I am currently placed in the Oakfield-Alabama School District which includes students in Pre-K through 12th grade. My supervisor has presented me with educational experiences which have proven to provide a great introduction to the field of school psychology. I was drawn to the RIT program based on its outstanding reputation.
Erin Bezek:
I am a recent graduate from the University of Rochester with a B.A. in psychology, and a minor in Brain and Cognitive Sciences. I am currently placed in Gananda at the Richard Mann Elementary School, a school with children in grades K-5. My supervisor has strengthened my desire to become a school psychologist by giving me the opportunity to experience the field and learn new skills. I chose RIT for graduate school because of the school's program that ensured practicum exposure from the very beginning.
Rachael George:
I graduated from the University of Rochester in 2008 with a B.A. in Psychology. When I came for my interview at RIT I knew it was the place for me. The school is so well respected and really backs up that reputation with a great program. I loved that I would have the opportunity to be placed in a practicum site and learn from professionals in the field the whole time I’m here. I am currently placed at Marcus Whitman Middle School and High School. I’m learning so much and having a great time doing it!
Jennifer Katz:
I graduated from Nazareth College with a B.A. is psychology. I am currently placed at Holley Elementary School for my practicum and I am really enjoying it so far! I chose to come to RIT because I heard great things about it and I felt very comfortable when I came for the interview and orientation.
Claire Littlefield:
I attended SUNY Geneseo for undergrad where I majored in Psychology and minored in Human Development. I am currently at Nathaniel Rochester Community School #3 for my practicum site, working with kids K-9. Having practicum as a first year student is one of the main reasons I chose RIT. I wanted to be immersed in the field right away and RIT allows this real world experience.
Cassandra McCumber:
I am a recent graduate of Syracuse University. I have a B.A. in psychology with a minor in education. My current placement is in the rural district of Marion with grades 7-12. I chose to attend RIT because of school's reputation and practicum experience.
Kimberly Nosek:
I am a recent graduate from SUNY at Buffalo with a B.S. in psychology. I am currently placed at Brockport's Hill Elementary School, which contains children in grades 4 and 5. My supervisor has been wonderful about helping me gain as many valuable experiences as possible. I have already seen many aspects of a school psychologist's job first hand. I chose to attend RIT because of their practicum requirements and the fact that you are placed in a school setting right away and throughout the program.
Jennifer Smith:
I graduated from Binghamton University in May 2008 with a B.A. in psychology with a concentration in human development. I am currently working as a practicum student at the Happiness House in Geneva. This is a preschool which has many services for children with disabilities as well as typical children. My supervisor is also a recent graduate from RIT and she has been really helpful with my classes and introducing me to the field of school psychology. I chose RIT for graduate study because of their great reputation, diverse practicum experience, and extensive curriculum.
Sarah Thompson:
I graduated in 2007 from RIT with a B.S. in Psychology and concentrations in Communications and Information Technology. For my practicum, I am currently placed at Dudley Elementary, a K-2 school in Fairport, NY. I chose to attend RIT for my masters degree because of my exceptional undergrad experience, and also because I enjoyed the format of the program. I look forward to putting to use all of the skills that I am learning each day.
