Child Track Ambassadors
(Matthew) Tsz-Chun Chan
4th Year | PsyD Program | Child Track
Email | chan7530@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | Albion College, Albion, MI
Graduate Institution | Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA
Hometown | Hong Kong
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University due to its comprehensive child concentration and where Pacific is located. I have always known that I wanted to be a child psychologist since going to college. Through researching the different doctorate programs in the nation, I realized that Pacific is one of the few ones that offer a curriculum specifically tailored for folks who want to work with children specifically. On top of that, I really enjoy what the Pacific Northwest has to offer and with Pacific being located near Portland, I get everything that a mid-size city has to offer while enjoying the prettiness of Oregon. With that being said, it was a no-brainer when I was offered to be part of the program.
Favorite Thing About the Program | My favorite thing about the program is definitely the faculty and supervisors. They’ve been amazing mentors, not just in training me, but also in sharing life lessons. I really feel like they care about me as a person and about my growth in this field. What’s even better is how open they are to my opinions. It’s rare to find people with so much experience who still make you feel like your input really matters.”
Favorite PsyD course | Assessment of Children: I feel like I’ve learned the most in this class simply because I had close to no experience administering psychological assessments before coming to Pacific and not only this class provided us with hands-on experience administering assessments specifically designed for children, but learning how to write better reports and become more competent in case conceptualization. I think this class really solidified my interest in doing assessments. Even though this course is only required for child folks, I do recommend that anyone who wants to become more confident in report writing take it.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology| My tip for getting observation hours is to connect with mental health professionals who share your interests and just reach out. One thing I love about our field is how willing people are to help. If you show passion, there’s a good chance they’ll want to support you. Plus, with many non-profits being underfunded, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities out there. So don’t hesitate to reach out to local non-profits—you might be surprised by what you find.
Career Goal | With my international background, my career goal is to eventually own a private or group practice where I can offer neurodevelopmental assessments and anxiety-related mental health interventions. But my ultimate dream is to provide care across different countries, helping to bridge the gap in mental health services globally.
Hobbies | I enjoy being active and I think that is part of the reason why I enjoy working with children. I do CrossFit and play basketball when I am not doing school work. I compete in local CrossFit competitions but enjoy friendly basketball runs with some of my friends. In order to fuel my body and mind for school, I also enjoy exploring different food spots around Portland or whenever I have time to travel to another city. The Pacific Northwest is known for having a ton of pretty hikes so I often try my best to get out whenever the weather allows us.
Parmida Behmardi
3rd Year | PsyD Program | Child Track
Email | behm0213@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | University of California, Irvine, CA
Hometown | Mission Viejo, CA
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University primarily because of its robust focus on child psychology. My career goal is to become a child psychologist specializing in hospital settings, and Pacific University offers an exceptional program that aligns with this aspiration. The university’s commitment to child-focused research and its comprehensive training in pediatric psychology stood out to me as the perfect fit for my career ambitions. Additionally, the faculty at Pacific are renowned for their expertise and dedication, which made me confident that this environment would provide the support and resources I need to excel in my field. The combination of an outstanding curriculum and a nurturing academic community made Pacific University the ideal choice for my professional growth and development.
Favorite thing about the program | What I appreciate most about the program is the hands-on experience it offers. It allows us to apply what we learn in real-world settings, providing invaluable insights. Additionally, the chance to engage with the community and make a direct impact has been incredibly rewarding. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, making the learning experience much more meaningful.
Favorite PsyD course | Child Psychopathology & Interviewing: One of my favorite courses in the PsyD program has been Child Psychopathology & Interviewing. This course has been instrumental in refining my skills in expressing empathy and engaging with clients in a meaningful way. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, I have gained a deeper understanding of various childhood disorders and the nuances of conducting sensitive interviews with both children and their parents. The hands-on experience and insightful feedback from the course have left me feeling exceptionally well-prepared to handle the complexities of working in a Clinic and a hospital setting with young clients. The course has been crucial in building my confidence and competence in this specialized area of psychology.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | When seeking observation hours, it's essential to find a supervisor who is not only knowledgeable but also supportive and willing to mentor you through the process. Look for a setting that aligns with your career interests, so you can gain experience in areas you’re passionate about. Whether it’s a clinic, hospital, or community center, make sure the environment reflects what you envision for your future career, as this will make your observation hours more engaging and productive.
Career goal | My ultimate goal is to work in a medical or hospital setting, where I can specialize in providing care and support to children and their families. I am passionate about creating a positive impact in their lives, helping them navigate health challenges with compassion and expertise. I envision working in a multidisciplinary team that focuses on holistic care, ensuring that both the physical and emotional needs of children are addressed.
Hobbies | In my leisure time, I find great pleasure in a variety of activities. Watching my favorite television shows while working on challenging puzzles is a beloved way to unwind and stimulate my mind. Exploring the natural beauty of Oregon with friends is another cherished activity, as it offers a wonderful escape and an opportunity to appreciate the state's diverse landscapes. Additionally, I indulge in reading, which allows me to delve into different worlds and ideas, while art and music provide a creative outlet for self-expression and relaxation. These hobbies not only enrich my life but also offer a balanced way to recharge and stay inspired.
Shannon Cunningham
4th Year | PsyD Program | Child Track
Email | cunn7185@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | University of North Carolina Wilmington
Hometown | Cary, NC
Why I Chose Pacific | I chose Pacific because of its training model as well as its fit with both my clinical and research interests. I came into this program having a sense of what I wanted to do clinically; however, I appreciated the opportunity to explore other interest areas existed. I was worried that with other programs it felt like I needed to pick something and stick to it for the rest of my life but Pacific was going to provide opportunities to explore different interest areas and grow in a number of ways. Additionally, I strongly felt like the faculty, coursework, and training opportunities were going to support me in becoming a strong candidate and future psychologist. Lastly, I was excited by the opportunities that Portland and the Pacific Northwest, in general had. Being from the east coast I’d heard so much about the PNW and was really excited to have the chance to explore a new area and meet new people. With all that, Pacific has not only lived up to, but exceeded, my expectations and I feel like I’ve grown so much both personally and professionally throughout my time here.
Favorite PsyD Course | Psych Assessment and Management of Chronic Pain. This is a really difficult question for me to answer because I’ve really enjoyed so many of my classes. Psych Assessment and Management of Chronic Pain was such an important class for me because it helped solidify my interest in pediatric psychology. It was also an opportunity for me to engage with other emphases and professors and to hear different perspectives and experiences. It was also a class where we were able to learn and practice specific clinical skills. For me, it felt like a class that really integrated assessment, intervention, and theory. I’ve really enjoyed all of my classes so far and this course specifically has impacted everything that has come after it.
Hobbies | I really enjoy exploring the area, traveling, and seeing my family as often as I can. I work part time at doggie day camp which I love. I love animals and getting to meet so many new people so this has been an amazing opportunity for me to do both things. I’m really hoping to be able to take some day trips and explore the PNW over the next year. I also enjoy reading and getting outside as much as possible, especially when the sun is out. I don’t have any pets of my own so I love getting to spend time with my friends’ pets, dog sitting, and going on walks with them. My friends and I love to do game nights and movie nights as often as we can!
Autumn Hernandez
4th Year | PsyD Program | Child Track
Email | hern7081@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | San Francisco State University
Hometown | San Diego, CA
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University for its Child Emphasis program because it offers specialized training in child development, psychopathology, and interventions. The unique focus on children, combined with opportunities for supervised clinical training and research, made Pacific an ideal place to build a strong foundation for a successful career in child and adolescent mental health.
Favorite PsyD course | Child Psychotherapy/Interviewing: I really enjoyed this course because it was an opportunity to learn from a previous Pacific PsyD graduate. We learned about the major theories and current research related to the development of psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence. We learned and applied basic interviewing skills to help the diagnostic process with children and adolescents. In the class, students played an active role in discussions and was not solely lecturing. My favorite part was being able to do fish bowls and watching my amazing teacher show us her clinical skills.
Hobbies | I enjoy reading, crocheting, cooking, baking, and watching movies. I like to host game or movie nights with friends where we can all get together to do something fun to balance out the demands of grad school. I love going to concerts and saw Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Olivia Rodrigo, and Hozier during my time in Oregon. During the weekend you can find me hanging out with my mini goldendoodle!
Kat Lewis
3rd Year | PsyD Program | Child Track
Email | Lewi0239@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | University of Arizona
Hometown | Orange County, CA
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific University mainly because of the Child Track and the opportunities it would provide. When researching doctoral programs, I knew I wanted one where I would be able to specialize in working with children and families but still get the generalist foundation needed to be a well-rounded clinician in the future. After my interview with Dr. Miller I really felt like Pacific was the best match based on my clinical and research interests, as well as the practicum opportunities the program has available.
Favorite PsyD course | Child Psychopathology and Interviewing. This was the very first child and adolescent focused course we were able to take and it was a really great introduction to graduate coursework and how much it can differ from undergraduate courses. I took child psychopathology at the same time I was taking our basic clinical foundations class which was very nice to be able to learn certain concepts in that class and then immediately be able to apply them in terms of how they may relate to working with children and adolescents.
Hobbies | Like most people that move to the PNW I love hiking and getting out in nature whenever I can. I love to go adventuring and find new trails and sights to see. My friends and I have also been on the hunt to find the best ice cream in the area so let me know where we should try next! There’s so much that Oregon has to offer and I’m hoping to discover as much as I can throughout my time here. Besides hiking I love watching movies, reading, and playing board games. The rainy days make for perfect movie watching weather for sure and I love getting together with my friends for a movie and board game/puzzle night! I also really enjoy listening to music, making playlists, and finding new bands to listen to (I’m always looking for recommendations)!
Ilisa Norman
2nd Year | PsyD Program | Child Track
Email | inorman@pacificu.edu
Undergraduate Institution | The University of Texas at Austin
Hometown | Dallas, TX
Why I chose Pacific | My career aspirations lined up perfectly with the training Pacific offers. I am studying to work with children in middle childhood with externalizing disorders like Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. Additionally, I aim to perform forensic assessments, and Pacific has several forensic practicum placement opportunities. Dr. Catherine Miller's insight, experience, and research drew me to this program and ultimately persuaded me to accept my offer. Dr. Miller is incredibly well-spoken and well-written in areas I want to gain expertise in. I am thrilled to learn from her and other knowledgeable faculty at Pacific.
Favorite Thing About the Program | The people! I have found so many wonderful people I love and trust, both in my peers and professors.
Favorite PsyD course | Child Psychopathology & Interviewing: I loved jumping right into learning how to work with children clinically. Dr. Alyshia MacNab did an excellent job pushing us to ask questions to fuel our learning and deep understanding of the topics by struggling to find the answer. Her explanations of psychopathology and interviewing strategies gave me a solid foundation in my clinical and diagnostic skills.
Tips for getting observation hours/exposure to psychology | As anxiety-inducing as cold calls/emails are, reaching out to psychologists in your area is a great way to get more exposure to psychology. Many professionals are happy to let you shadow them and share their knowledge. Additionally, many employment opportunities related to psychology often give you more tangible knowledge you can't get in the classroom. Look into residential and inpatient treatment centers for more field exposure without a degree.
Career Goal | I plan to do therapy and intervention with middle schoolers with externalizing disorders and provide child custody evaluations for the court.
Hobbies | I enjoy trivia, reading, hiking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest with my friends in my free time! My classmates and I go to trivia together and try new coffee shops every week. Portland is also a fantastic food city, which is excellent for people who like trying various cuisines. Portland is a great spot for people like me who enjoy the outdoors. On nice weekends, I take advantage of how close the coast and mountains are, often traveling an hour or two away from Portland to explore the gorgeous nature of the Pacific Northwest. There are also plenty of excellent hiking spots around Portland, especially along the Columbia River Gorge (with tons of waterfalls). I like to wind down at night with various literary fiction books and am constantly seeking new recommendations!