Student Perspectives

Curious about what it is like to be a student in the Counseling Area of Study?

Liz Abrams

My name is Liz Abrams and I entered the doctoral program in counseling psychology at UIUC in fall of 2006. I graduated with a masters degree in mental health counseling from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and am a National Certified Counselor. For most of my life I lived in Orlando, Florida and so I am still adjusting to all the temperature changes (especially winter!!) in Illinois. At UIUC, I am specializing in qualitative research methods and am currently working with Dr. Lisa Spanierman on issues around white privilege and white guilt for counselors-in-training. My clinical interests include LGBTQ issues, complex trauma, trauma from oppression, immigrant issues, working with mindfulness meditation, psychological colonization, and collaborating with people across global north - global south lines. My interests in international psychology began when I helped my former advisor to plan an educational trip for graduate counseling students to Thailand. During our trip, we met with people from Burma and Thailand and learned about globalization and how it is impacting people of the global south. We reflected on our own identities as white people from the U.S., and how power was attributed to us simply for having these identities. We participated in cross-cultural experiential activities with groups of Thai graduate students, sex workers, undocumented immigrants, ex-political prisoners, and grassroots organizations from Thailand and Burma. We learned about the issues that people from the global south face when people from the west come over to "help" using only a "western" framework for helping. This trip was a most powerful and intense experience that changed my perspective, my trajectory, and my sense of self in relation to everything around me. I would like to continue working in this area as I pursue my doctoral degree. The foundations that I work from are multicultural feminist theories, liberation and critical race theories, eastern and Buddhist psychology, as well as interpersonal and relational theories.

Jackie Beard

I joined the doctoral program in Counseling Psychology in Fall 2008, after completing my master’s degree in counseling psychology at Indiana University-Bloomington.  I did my undergraduate work here at the University of Illinois, and I am happy to be back.  I’m originally from Springfield, Illinois – only an hour and a half from Urbana-Champaign – so I am able to see my family on a regular basis. 

While I have a range of research interests, the work I do with my advisor, Dr. Lisa Spanierman, revolves around the psychosocial costs of racism for White people.  In my master’s program, my research focused on multicultural assessment, and I am still involved with research in this area.   I am continuously refining my research interests as I delve into the multicultural counseling research, and I look forward to exploring my research interests even more during work on my master’s thesis. 

All of my clinical experience as a master’s student took place in college counseling centers, and I really enjoy working with this population.  I will start my advanced practicum next year, and I look forward to choosing one of the many great sites that the Counseling Psychology program offers to its students.   In the meantime, I am still able to work with college students, but in a different role – as a teaching assistant.  I am a teaching assistant for EPSY 420: Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy and EPSY 202: Exploring Cultural Diversity.  I love my role as a T.A., and it has been very rewarding to facilitate discussion among students on diversity issues. 

In my spare time, I enjoy visiting friends, traveling, watching college basketball, watching movies, trying new food, and spending time with the other graduate students.  I try to make trips to Indiana and Chicago often to catch up with old friends.  My favorite trip so far has been visiting NYC during Christmas time with my best friend – I highly recommend it!  Email: jcbeard@illinois.edu

Michelle Birkett

In the fall of 2004 I entered the Counseling Psychology Program to work with my advisor Dr. Dorothy Espelage.  I had previously attended the University of Illinois and after a brief stint as an Engineering student I received my B.S. in Psychology.  

My research generally deals with how environmental systems affect the well being and mental health of youth, particularly LGBTQ youth.  In my Master’s thesis I used a strength-based approach to examine how school climate and parental relationships moderate mental health in LGBT middle school students.  In the future I would like to expand my work to explore how environments beyond schools affect adolescents as well.

Although I have worked with college-aged students as a clinician at the UIUC Counseling Center and the UIUC Career Center, my clinical interests revolve around adolescents.  Last year I worked at Cunningham Children’s Home working with 9 to 16-year-old boys in a residential setting and in the 2007-2008 year I will perform adolescent outpatient counseling at Carle Clinic Hospital.

I have also devoted a large portion of my time in the program to teaching and have also served in various administrative positions as the Coordinator of EPSY 220, the Graduate Assistant to the Training Director of the Counseling Program, and the Educational Psychology Executive Committee Student Representative.

Outside of school, my interests lie in music, art, and science.  A lot of my free time is spent road tripping, being outdoors, going to concerts and making a mess of my kitchen by cooking elaborate recipes.  Email: birkett@uiuc.edu

Milo Dodson

Prior to entering the program during the fall of 2008, I received my B.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame, as well as a minor in Africana Studies. I am originally from Covina, CA (25 miles east of Los Angeles).

For my Senior Honors Thesis at Notre Dame, I examined the relationship between racial identity, self-esteem, and perceptions of the n-word in African-Americans. I hope to continue this area of research under the mentorship of Dr. Helen Neville. During my first year, I hold a Teaching Assistantship for EPSY 202 to encourage cultural diversity and promote social justice.

During my leisure time, I enjoy playing basketball, piano, saxophone, snowboarding, writing poetry, and traveling the world as much as possible. Email: dodson4@illinois.edu

Carol Fonseca

I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas and received my Bachelors of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Texas at El Paso.  As a Latina from a border-town and a first generation college student, the move to graduate school in the Midwest was a huge change that I had to learn how to adapt to.  Luckily, with the support from faculty, peers, my family and friends, I have adjusted fairly well to the hectic life of graduate school.

I am a second year student in the program, and work with Dr. Lydia Buki and Dr. Ramona Oswald (from the Department of Human and Community Development).  My research interests pertain to focusing on underserved populations such as ethnic and sexual minorities, particularly Latinos and the LGBT community.  I would like to examine couples’ issues (i.e., intimate partner violence, sexuality, conflict resolution) and health disparities within those populations.  This fall, I will begin practicum at the university’s counseling center and will begin teaching.  Email: cfonseca@uiuc.edu

Bryana French

I entered the program in the Fall of 2003, originally from Minneapolis, MN, and received my B.A. in Psychology Magna Cum Laude at Hamline University in St. Paul. My research interests focus on sexual coercion among ethnically diverse adolescents, exploring the ways they understand and experience sexual coercion and the psychosocial adjustment to these experiences. I work under the guidance and mentorship of my advisor, Dr. Helen Neville.

My personal and professional interests are centered on social justice and addressing multiple forms of oppression at multiple levels. As a student on the UIUC campus and member of the community, it has been vital for me personally, professionally, and spiritually to actively and collectively work on ways to improve and transform these structures.

To work toward this goal and move closer to a space of respect and value for all persons, I have sought various opportunities throughout my tenure as a graduate student. I am currently the African American Outreach graduate assistant through the Counseling Center and have served as the co-chair of the Graduate and Professional Students of Color. Through teaching, I have taught social justice and diversity in EPSY 202 Exploring Cultural Diversity and co-facilitated the Exploring Sexual Orientation dialogue course EOL 199. In my clinical work, my theoretical approach is grounded in multiculturalism and feminist theory, and I have actively sought a practicum experience at the Champaign County Mental Health Center that focuses on strength based, empowerment approaches to meet the psychosocial needs of Black youth and families. I have also completed practicum positions at UIUC's and ISU's counseling centers. Finally, the most rewarding and energizing experience I participate in is activism and coalition work. I have been active and vocal in numerous campus and community organizing opportunities around issues pertaining to racism, sexism, and homophobia at UIUC and in the broader community, as a means to more directly address issues of institutional oppression.
Email: bryana.french@gmail.com

Nallely Galvan

I started the program in 2004 after completing a Masters Degree in Counseling from Indiana University-Bloomington. I was born and raised in Mexico City and my family currently lives in Washington State.

I enjoy a variety of activities particularly meeting people from different countries, traveling, and doing volunteer work. These activities have influenced my research interests which include multicultural issues in counseling and research, women’s health, violence against women, and health disparities among Latinas/os and other underserved groups.

In addition to research, I also enjoy teaching and clinical work. At this point, most of my clinical work is done in Spanish and I work primarily with adult Latinas/os through the local mental health center.  Email: ngalvan2@uiuc.edu

Allison Grupski

I graduated from Ohio State in 2002 and made the move to Champaign to start the counseling psychology program in the fall of 2003.  I was raised in New York and Maryland and had little concept that the Midwest even existed prior to starting this educational tour.   However, I figure if I continue on the current path, I’ll eventually hit another ocean.

My major research and clinical work has focused on factors related to eating disorders and over-exercise issues in college women.  I’ve enjoyed a tremendous amount of training and consultation experience working as a graduate assistant for the Eating Disorders and Disturbances Treatment team at the university’s counseling center where I have worked closely with counselors, physicians, nutritionists, fitness educators, and psychiatrists on a variety of clinical issues.  I’ve also had the chance to teach, supervise, and really get to know over 30 undergraduate students through this position, who I think are the best of the best.  My dissertation topic centers on how motivation for exercise and type of exercise might contribute to disordered eating and body image concerns. 

I’ve truly enjoyed my practicum experiences and have found my supervisors to be very invested in my training.  My practicum sites have all served the college population, but have been diverse in their approaches and services offered.  I feel well prepared (and excited!) to begin the process of applying for internship this fall.  In my free time, I love playing softball with my adopted law school league and travel as much as I can.  Email: agrupski@gmail.com

Saroj Hardit

I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama and received my Bachelors of Science degree in psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  I entered the program in the fall of 2006 and have been welcomed with many opportunities to learn and grow.

My advisor is Dr. Jim Hannum and I am interested in cultural and racial differences in the manifestation of different types of eating disorders.  I will have my first practicum experience at McKinley Health Center, Mental Health Unit.  I have also worked as a teaching assistant for various courses and as a graduate assistant at McKinley Health Center.

Relocating to the Midwest was challenging at first, but the people in this program (especially my cohort) have been extremely helpful in finding a balance between academic life and personal life.  email: shardit2@uiuc.edu

Jeremy Henn

I started in the counseling psychology program in fall 2002. Prior to grad school, I worked as a mechanical engineer for five years in Columbus, Ohio (using my BSME degree from Ohio State) and as a teacher/tutor in Austin, Texas for two years.

At the University of Illinois, I have enjoyed the many opportunities for training and mentorship in research, clinical practice, and teaching. My research areas seem to group into three broad themes: interest, achievement motivation and academic engagement, and experiences of racism. My clinical experiences have been at the mental health unit of the university medical center, a VA hospital, and the university disability resources and educational services center. I have also taught a variety of courses within the department of educational psychology.

When I am not in ‘school-mode,’ I enjoy spending time with my family and being involved in the community. Email: jhenn@uiuc.edu

Jorja Jamison 

Raised on the North Carolina coast, I earned a B.A. in Latin Language and Literature from the University of North Carolina in 1995. After teaching high school in NC and working for several corporations in Chicago, I decided that a career as a psychologist was a better fit and entered the Counseling Psychology doctoral program in 2001.

My research interests include examining how gay men and women "come out" to health care providers, and what factors impact a positive or negative disclosure interaction. I am also very active in the LGBT community here, and have led a group for gay graduate students and the local public health district's group for LGBT youth.

Other professional activities include teaching two courses, Career Exploration and Adolescent Development, for which I was recognized with the College of Education's Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award for Teaching Assistants. My practicum experiences have been at university counseling centers, and I have also worked for several years at the Alcohol and Other Drug Office on campus conducting AOD assessments and individual therapy.  Email: jamisonj@uiuc.edu

John K Knorek

I entered the counseling program in 2006, coming here from undergraduate work at the University of Oregon (Psychology and Anthropology).  My home town is Kailua, Hawaii.

I am an APAGS affiliate of APA Division 17: Counseling psychology, Psi Chi Honors society and Phi Beta Kappa Honors society member.  Emersion into this doctorate program has encouraged my active participation in these professional groups.

My research addresses the continuity and change in vocational interest throughout the life span, its associations with the Big Five dimensions of personality, how the two constructs relate across the life span, and how those relations influence a person’s development and path through life.

Teaching is my ‘funding of choice’.  This program allows me to take advantage of and develop my passion for counseling psychology through teaching.  My first practicum experience will be at McKinley Health Center, Mental Health Unit. 
I really enjoy the outdoors, staying active and leading a healthy lifestyle.  I like passion, curiosity, and intensity.  The folk in this program are social, helpful, and enjoyable, they have reminded me to keep a perspective and sense of humor as I entered this new stage and commitment in life.  Email: jknorek2@uiuc.edu

Eun Sul Lee 

I entered the counseling psychology program in 2006. I was born and grew up in South Korea, and received my Bachelors of Arts degree from the Sogang University at Seoul, Korea and my Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Ewha Womans University at Seoul, Korea. The move to Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA, was a whole new world and big change from South Korea. It required a huge cultural adaptation from my part, but I have been able to adapt here very successfully thanks to faculty and my lovely cohort.

I am working with Dr. James Rounds. My research interest is in vocational interest, occupational classification, and career decision making process. Currently, I am working on a project about occupational classification based on Holland’s theory in order to figure out the occupational classification that helps people find the most relevant vocational fit to their basic interest.  Email: elee66@uiuc.edu

Jioni Lewis

I embarked on my journey in the counseling psychology program in fall of 2006 after obtaining my Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of California, Davis and my Master of Arts degree in psychology from California State University, Sacramento. I was born and raised in San Jose, CA so my transition to the Midwest has been filled lots of surprises and learning opportunities (especially in terms of the weather).

I have been working with my advisor, Dr. Helen Neville, on research which examines the association between color-blind racial ideology and social justice attitudes as well as factors that influence the development of a critical awareness of racism among diverse college students. My research interests also include: examining the psychological effects of racism for people of color, racial identity development, and exploring identity development among women of color.  

In my spare time (which is very limited), I enjoy stress-reducing activities such as running, kick-boxing, and socializing with friends.  Email: jalewis4@uiuc.edu

Vetisha McClair

I entered the Counseling Psychology program in the Fall of 2004.   I came directly from undergrad at Howard University, where I graduated with summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in May, 2004.  I am originally from Chicago, IL and have one older brother and one younger sister.  In my spare time (what little of it I have) I enjoy listening to music, dancing, exercising and having new adventures.  

My scholarly interests are varied, they include multicultural interaction, multicultural issues in education, costs of racism and career development.  Besides research I am also interested in counseling, especially vocational and rehabilitation counseling.   Over my time at the university I have had a number of different funding sources, including research assistantships, teaching assistantships and a graduate assistantship in student services.   Each have had their own nuances but have also been rewarding in different ways.  Email: mcclair@uiuc.edu

Melanie Marklein

I entered the program in 2005 (although it feels like yesterday!). I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Although I technically grew up in a small town nearby, I was born in Madison, WI and spent a great deal of time there so I refer to it as my hometown. My scholarly interests are in the consequences of sexual objectification and gender oppression for women, particularly eating disorders and sexual violence. I am interested in the social construction of masculinity and femininity and how it contributes to rape culture and eating disorders. My goal is to combine my Counseling Psychology degree with a graduate minor in Gender and Women’s Studies so that I can develop a strong foundation in feminist therapy. Consistent with my interests, my professional activities include membership in Division 35 (Society for the Psychology of Women) of the American Psychological Association, being the Eating Disorders Graduate Assistant at the UIUC Counseling Center, and volunteering as a crisis counselor and medical advocate for Rape Crisis Services. In my “free” time I enjoy wining and dining with my partner, watching movies, practicing yoga, and playing with my cat, Homer, and dog, Maya.   Email: mmarkle2@uiuc.edu

Jennifer Mayfield

I completed my undergraduate studies at Xavier University of Louisiana in the vibrant city of New Orleans, LA.  However, New Orleans is a long distance away from my hometown in Chicago, IL, so I was pleased to have the opportunity to pursue a graduate degree closer to my family and childhood friends. 

Currently, my primary research interests focus upon the mental health needs of Latina breast cancer survivors in the United States.  My interest in women’s health issues developed after working closely with a women’s health community organization in Oaxaca, Mexico during the summer after my junior year in undergrad.  

Within the counseling program, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to be the primary instructor of an undergraduate course, Career Theory and Practice, in order to develop my skills as an educator.  I have also greatly enjoyed the applied clinical training I have received in the program at the following locations: UIUC Counseling Center, Danville Veterans Administration Hospital in Danville, IL, and the UIUC Career Center.  Email: jmayfie2@uiuc.edu

Jeri Newlin

I entered the counseling psychology program in August 2005, after getting my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology here at UIUC.  I have lived in central Illinois since 1994 and decided to go back to school and complete my undergraduate degree after 20 years out of college. 

I am a single mother to a 17 year old son named Dakota and a 10 year old Maltese named Teddy.  I am a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where I worked as a Radar Repair tech.  I enjoy reading, anything near the water, movies, and all kinds of music.

In my graduate career thus far, I have taught at least one class for 5 semesters but am changing direction and will be working as the Therapeutic Services Assistant at the Counseling Center for my continuing funding.  I love teaching, but it is time for a change of pace!  My beginning practicum was at the Mental Health Unit at McKinley Health Center and I am looking forward to my upcoming practicum at the VA Hospital in Danville!  I’m sure I will have quite the variety of clinical experiences at that location. 

My research interests center around bullying, aggression and I will soon be moving into the area of masculinity, men’s emotional issues due to restricted emotionality and gender roles.  Email: jnewlin@uiuc.edu

Mrinalini Rao

I entered the counseling psychology program in the fall of 2006, with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Pune, India. I am broadly interested in issues of human development and multicultural counseling in the context of large-scale cultural changes such as globalization and immigration. Within this framework I am interested in identity development and the management of multiple identities, gender and gender-roles, family socialization and interactions, among other things.

I grew up in Pune, India where I lived and studied until I came to the United States to join this program. Almost all of my clinical experience and community work has been in India where I worked primarily with under-privileged children and women. I begin my first practicum in this country and program at the Counseling Center at the University of Illinois in the 2007 academic year.

I am the recipient of the Illinois Distinguished Fellowship from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am also an APAGS affiliate of the American Psychological Association.  Email: marao2@uiuc.edu

Tamilia Reed

I joined the Counseling Psychology program at UIUC in Fall 2007. Prior to beginning graduate school, I worked for three years in student affairs. After graduating from The University of Chicago in 2004 with degrees in Psychology and Human Development, I wanted very much to give back to the students at my institution and getting a job in student affairs seemed like a quality way to accomplish that goal. In addition to creating a great informal counseling opportunity for me, it gave me more time to explore graduate school options and encourage others to do the same.

During my college years and my time in the work world, I developed a deep interest in psychological well-being, specifically its formation and maintenance. My graduate research focuses on how racial identity, gender identity, and spirituality impact psychological well-being. I am working with Dr. Helen Neville to explore this broad topic further and outline the details of my research agenda. Email: tdreed2@uiuc.edu.

Jeanette Reinhardt 

I entered the Counseling Psychology Program in Fall 2002. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Psychology in Frankfurt/Main Germany. My Master’s Thesis was on implicit/explicit memory and reenactment effects in human performances. Between earning my master’s degree and beginning at UIUC, I worked for psychologists and psychiatrists in the field of Forensic Psychology. We did evaluation on child custody cases (neglect and molestation cases) and evaluations on individuals who were incarcerated. During my work, I have learned a lot about human motifs that was not taught at the University. I also worked for the 5th largest executive firm worldwide where I did executive search for companies such as ABB and Siemens. My study and my work have encouraged me to pursue psychology further and to enroll in the doctoral program.

My research addresses attitudes, beliefs, and behavior that lead to risk-taking behavior among firefighters. I work as a volunteer Emergency Service Support Officer for the Champaign Fire Department and I assist people in the community who have lost their homes through fires or who have lost family members due to accidents, homicides, or suicides. With my work, I hope to model for other students how a working alliance between the community (Fire Department) and the Counseling Program can be developed. Further, I am a debriefing counselor for the Critical Incident Stress Management Team and we provide service for firefighters in Central Illinois.

For the past three years, I have been working as a Graduate Assistant for the Faculty/Staff Assistance program at the University. I provide counseling for employees for emotional, personal, substance abuse, and financial concerns.

I am an APAGS affiliate of the APA Division 17. My practicum experiences were at McKinley Health Center, Mental Health Center of Champaign, and Disability Services at the University. The program has helped me to hone my interests in research and counseling and my work for the fire department has sparked my interests for trauma research and trauma counseling.

I enjoy music and dance Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata. I am passionate about life and my work and I hope to inspire others students as I was inspired by my role models.  Email: rnhrdtkl@uiuc.edu

Zully A. Rivera-Ramos

I entered the Counseling Psychology Program in Fall 2005 after obtaining my Bachelor degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras.  I am originally from Aguada, a small town in the West coast of Puerto Rico where I grew up with my parents and a younger brother.  I also have a little sister who was my practice now that I am a proud mother of a beautiful daughter.  My husband and I enjoy spending time with our daughter, who keeps us “down to earth” from the academic demands.

Given my Latino background I feel strongly committed with contributing to this community and other underrepresented groups.  My major research interests include sexual minority (e.g., gay men) and gender (e.g., masculinity) issues among Latinos.  I am also interested in health-related concerns with Latinos in the U.S. and have participated in several outreach activities to promote their health.  Moreover, I will be providing therapy to Spanish speaking clients at Frances Nelson Health Center (a community agency serving low income people) in 2007.  Email: riverara@uiuc.edu

Jason R. Soble 

I entered the Counseling Psychology program in Fall 2006, right after obtaining my Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  I am originally from Chicago.

My present research interests cover a wide and diverse range of topics.  I am currently working with my advisor, Dr. Lisa Spanierman, and have just completed my master’s thesis examining the psychosocial costs of racism for Whites.  I also have participated in past research examining adolescent aggression and bullying, juvenile delinquency, and personality disorders.  I still retain a great deal of interest in these past areas of research and constantly look for ways to infuse them into my current research.

Much of my passion in this program lies in my clinical work.  I am currently employed as a graduate assistant at the Alcohol and Other Drug Office on campus where I conduct substance abuse assessments and evaluations, as well as facilitate an alcohol and drug self-assessment group for students. In terms of practicum, I completed my beginning practicum experience in the Mental Health Unit of McKinley Health Center, and I am currently engaged in my advanced practicum placement in the Neuropsychology Assessment Division at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs-VA Illiana Healthcare System in Danville.  I have also been involved in administering forensic evaluations. Generally speaking, I usually enjoy working with individuals experiencing more severe and persistent psychopathology, especially substance abuse and personality disorders.

In my free time, I enjoy running, reading, traveling, watching movies, and finding new ways to have fun and enjoy life in graduate school.  The people in this program are truly amazing people that constantly encourage me to do my best, but at the same time to relax and to enjoy life.  Email: soble@uiuc.edu

Rong Su

I joined the Counseling Psychology program in Fall 2007, right after obtaining my Bachelor of Laws and a Dual Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Beijing University, China. Thanks to all the nice people in our program, I have been really enjoying my life and study here.

My research interests center on vocational psychology and career development over the life span. For my current research project, I am working closely with my advisor Dr. James Rounds on investigating gender differences in vocational interests and its implications for counseling as well as for the psychological science. As for professional development, I am a student member of the APA, the APS, the AERA, and the Society of Vocational Psychology and have been actively participating in professional conventions and activities.

Outside school, I enjoy outdoors, traveling, and photographing. In addition, I have never failed to have fun and gain inspiration simply from talking with other students in the program, my mentor, and my advisor. Email: rongsu2@uiuc.edu

Jo-Tzu Sun 

I entered the Counseling Psychology Program in Fall 2005, right after obtaining my master’s degree from Columbia University.  I am originally from Taiwan and have received a B.A. in social work before coming to the States.  My research investigates the relationship among Holland’s categories of vocational interests, Big Five dimensions of personality, and major life goals.  Practice-wise, most of my clinical experiences concern with providing psychotherapy to patients with DSM IV diagnoses in psychiatric wards, including my full-time job and/or practicum experiences in Mount Sinai Hospital (NYC), Taipei Municipal Hoping Hospital (Taiwan), and National Taiwan University Hospital. My community counseling experiences include services in the Educational and Psychological Service in the City of New York, and the Youth Counseling Organization in Taipei, Taiwan.  After entering this program at U of I, I have also expanded my services to the counseling and rehabilitation centers in the university setting. 

I have been teaching as an instructor in the University for more than one year and have obtained my Graduate Teaching Certificate.  Teaching is a challenging yet rewarding experience, and I develop my interest in teaching while I am doing it. 

In my leisure time, I enjoy traveling around the world, culinary art, and mingling with animals.  Currently I have a foster license of animals in the state of Illinois, and sometimes help to walk dogs in shelters.  Email: jsun4@uiuc.edu

Aaron Weiner

I entered the Counseling Psychology Program at UIUC in the Fall of 2007, with a bachelors degree in Psychology from Iowa State Univeristy.  My undgergraduate research focused on cognitive psychology, in partciular, researching whether I could replicate the visual attentional blink phenomenon in an aural modality (I couldn't).  After arriving at Illinois, I've moved my research in a different direction: the psychological dynamics of long-distance friendship.  My current projects include whether individuals receive the same amount of social support from their long-distance friends as they do from their geographically close ones, and what are the best predictors of friendship deterioration over distance and time.

Clinically, I spent last year working with the Alcohol and Other Drug Office conducting alcohol assessements and teaching alcohol education classes.  I will start my beginning practicum at the University Counseling Center this Fall.

In my free time, I like to lift weights, compose/record/sing music, read books, and watch SportsCenter.  Ultimate Frisbee is my sport of choice, and badminton is a good time too, although I haven't managed to play lately.  I'm also an avid Cubs fan (this is the year!), so make sure not to run into me if you are partial to the Cardinals (boo!). Email: weiner3@illinois.edu

Valene A. Whittaker

Prior to entering the counseling psychology program in the fall of 2005, I obtained a Bachelors degree in Psychology (along with a minor in Sociology) in 2002, and a Masters degree in Psychological Services in 2003 from the University of Pennsylvania.  I am originally from Baltimore, Maryland (“The Greatest City in America!”), and after living as a student in Philadelphia for five years I returned to my hometown, where I worked as a research assistant and clinician at the University of Maryland and the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

As a graduate student, clinician, and teaching assistant for EPSY 202 and EPSY 430, my work relates to the exploration of and appreciation for cultural diversity as well as the promotion of social justice.  My primary research interests focus on the relation between racial identity attitudes and psychological health in young adults of African descent.  I am also involved in research related to multicultural counseling competency, race, and racism. 

My clinical interests center on the provision of therapeutic and outreach services to adolescents and young adults from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.  I have completed advanced practicum placements in the Intensive Outreach Services Program at the Mental Health Center of Champaign and in the Mental Health Unit at the McKinley Health Center.

When I can get away, I love taking any opportunity I can to travel.  I also enjoy watching movies, shopping (on my limited grad student budget!), and attending local performing arts events.  More recently, I have found a way to combine my love of food and being social by hosting potluck gatherings at my home.  Email: vwhitta2@uiuc.edu