Cohort 4
Taylor Groothuis is a student in the School Psychology Ed.S. program. She is graduating this semester (spring of 2024) from Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Human Behavior and Social Services.
“Through practicing school psychology, my primary goal is to transform the lives of students on an individual and systems-wide level. By helping K-12 learners to navigate their mental health journeys and by supporting their academic aspirations, I hope to contribute to a more empathetic and proactive school environment through increasing collaboration between students, teachers, and parents. As a nationally certified school psychologist, my aims will be to enhance early childhood intervention strategies throughout districts and to reduce school anxiety for children.”
Reece Ohmer is currently pursuing her graduate studies in the
School Psychology Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program. She
holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology, with a minor in
Environment and Health, from Michigan State University, where
she graduated Magna Cum Laude from both the Honors
College and the College of Social Science.
“Upon graduation, I plan to become a Nationally Certified School
Psychologist (NCSP) supporting the academic, behavioral, and
social needs of students in the K-12 system. My goal is to serve in
a pivotal role as a mediator between educators, administrators,
and parents; fostering discussions on how to optimize students’
educational journeys to ensure that no student is left behind.
Additionally, I have a particular interest in leveraging innovative
reading interventions and culturally-responsive methodologies
to aid all students in identifying areas for personal and academic
growth.”
Amanda Walker is a student in the M.A in Special Education program. She is from Walled Lake, MI. She graduated from MSU’s teacher education program in 2022 with a degree in Elementary Education and Child Development with a minor in TESOL. She is a current 3rd grade teacher in Novi, Michigan.
“My goal is to provide all my students with the supports and tools that they need to recognize their unique strengths and abilities. As an educator, I am passionate about early childhood education and the importance of early intervention at home and in school. I hope to use all the content knowledge and experiences in the MA program to feel more empowered as an educator to support all of my students and help them thrive.”
Cohort 3
Jenny Chen is a student in the School Psychology Ed.S. program. Jenny is originally from Maryland and received her bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. Jenny says, “I hope to become a nationally certified school psychologist who supports students’ learning, growth, and development through high-quality school-based services so that they can thrive in all areas of their lives—at school, at home, and throughout life. Specifically, I aim to integrate culturally responsive practices into advocating for the mental health and well-being of diverse students so that all students can feel supported and empowered to reach their fullest potential.”
Grace Eberts is in the Special Education M.A. program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary English education and TESOL from Michigan State University. She currently teaches middle school Language Arts in Plymouth-Canton Community Schools in Plymouth, Michigan where she works with a wide range of diverse needs in her 6th grade ELA classroom. Grace’s current professional goals are to continue to build relationships and foster a successful and positive learning environment for middle school students of all backgrounds and abilities. She hopes that all students leave her classroom feeling like they were successful, like they experienced growth, and that they are prepared and ready for the next step in their educational journey. Throughout the program, Grace is eager to continue learning about how to best meet the needs of students with learning disabilities who spend time in her general education classroom environment each day.
Dana Garcia is a student in the School Psychology Ed.S. program. Dana is originally from Argentina, was raised in Florida, and received her Bachelor of Science in psychology, with honors, from Sewanee: The University of the South. Dana says, “I aim to become a nationally certified school psychologist to promote the equitable education, mental health, and resilience of all students in collaboration with parents, teachers, and communities. As a Latina and immigrant, I am particularly passionate about becoming a certified bilingual school psychologist in high-need, urban schools to help advance culturally responsive practices, promote cultural humility, and support the educational, behavioral, social-emotional, and cultural needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students and families.
Joe Meston is in the M.A. in Special Education program and is originally from Grand Rapids, MI. He received a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and Mathematics from the University of Michigan. He is currently working with students with disabilities as an aide for a Mod/Severe classroom in Costa Mesa, CA. Joe adds, “I hope to use my education to better support all students in building fundamental mathematics skills, especially number literacy and analytical reasoning. I believe there is an intersection between the best practices for literacy and mathematical development. I am excited to learn more about evidence-based literacy developmental techniques and to leverage these practices to better equip young mathematicians. In my free time, I love crocheting, running, making delicious food, bird watching and coaching track and field!”
Cohort 2
Grace Gadwood is a student in the school psychology Ed.S. program. She is originally from Hillsdale, Michigan and holds a B.A. in psychology and sociology from Hope College. Grace says, “I plan to become a School Psychologist to continue adding to the effort of advocating for and with children. I hope to help create a space where they feel seen, heard, and known. Within a K-12 setting, I hope to help families, teachers, and students feel connected and strive for the same goal of helping a child understand their potential.”
Kristina Hedrick is a student in the special education M.A. program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University and currently teaches in Muskegon, Michigan. Kristina says, “My goal is to continue to work with students with Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Cognitive Impairments. I would like to continue to work in a resource room setting or a self-contained classroom for students with special needs. I hope that by obtaining my Master’s in Special Ed degree, I can help more students and help them become their best self.”
Jenna Jodts is a student in the school psychology Ed.S. program. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Kentucky and is originally from Ottawa, Illinois. Jenna says, “After graduating I hope to become a nationally certified school psychologist in order to best support the academic, behavior, and social-emotional needs of K-12 students. I am specifically interested in implementing social-emotional and behavioral interventions to promote positive academic and mental health outcomes in schools.”