GPS Degree: Master of Arts

Marisa Lagrimas

Master of Arts in Counseling, Career Counseling

Hometown

Benicia, C.A.

My Greatest Supporters

My greatest supporters have been my family and friends, mentors, teachers and managers from jobs I've had along the way. They have all extended so much support to me. I send a special thank you to each of them.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

My favorite Saint Mary's memory was taking the Group Theory and Practice class and presenting on existential theory. I ended up using this experience to publish my master's project a year later. Also, in my opinion, my group and professor were amazing.

My Next Chapter

Professionally, I want to begin my work in the field of career counseling. I'd also like to begin to travel internationally again. The worldwide pandemic has placed many in difficult circumstances. I hope my career would allow me to help in the reconstruction efforts of jobs lost during COVID-19.

Clubs and Activities

Asian and Pacific Islander Cultural Awareness Week and Performance Night- Intercultural Center

Favorite Quote

"I have learned that as long as I hold fast to my beliefs and values, and follow my own moral compass, then the only expectations I need to live up to are my own."

— Michelle Obama

Jewelisa De’Bradie Harrison

Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counselor

Hometown

Modesto, CA

My Greatest Supporters

My greatest supporters have been my family. My mother, Suzette, has been a steadfast person in my life supporting my dreams and cheering me on. My fiancé, Phazon, has also been my rock during this process reminding that I CAN accomplish my goals and loving me every step of the way. The countless prayers and well wishes from all my friends and family have been the foundation for my success.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

My favorite memories at Saint Mary's were the lunches I would have with my friends our first year while we spent our Saturdays in Counseling Skills Class. My colleagues shared snacks, laughs, and love. The deepest secrets and tears we shared inside and outside the classroom have informed the therapist I will be tomorrow.

My Next Chapter

I will be marrying the love of my life in 2022! The next twelve months will be dedicated to planning my wedding, applying to doctorate programs, and moving to Las Vegas, NV! My next steps will include narrowing my focus on social justice and providing equitable mental health services to underserved communities.

Favorite Quote

I want to be remembered as someone who used herself and anything she could touch to work for justice and freedom... I want to be remembered as one who tried.

— Dorothy Height

Shannon Kumar

Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counselor

Hometown

Newark

My Greatest Supporters

My parents and brother for supporting me through the program. Guru ji for always being there for me. My amazing friends and boyfriend for validating me! Thank you to my cohort sisters for every single thing we have been through together on this journey!

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

Too many to choose from! One that sticks out to me is when Dr. Suzy Thomas had us write down our therapeutic response on our first day of Counseling Skills and then handing those papers back on our last day of class. That moment really made me believe I was in the right field.

My Next Chapter

Next, I will be working toward becoming a licensed marriage family therapist :)

Favorite Quote

"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination."

— Carl Rogers

Christopher Ercolano

Master of Arts in Montessori Education

William Thomas Lim Besson

Master of Arts in Counseling, General Counseling

Hometown

Singapore

My Greatest Supporters

My loved ones, including family, friends, CILSA staff, and every SMC faculty member I've ever worked with.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

Too many to pick one, mostly conversations I've had with students, staff, and faculty.

My Next Chapter

Moving my family to Australia in 2023.

Clubs and Activities

Counseling Department Graduate Student Organization
Akoben Research Laboratory

Tyler P. Jakub

Master of Arts in Counseling, General Counseling

Patricia Quierzy-Rossoukh

Master of Arts in Counseling, General Counseling

Maya Diane Washington

Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counselor

Darling Merilin Zamora

Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counselor

Hometown

San Francisco, CA

My Greatest Supporters

I found strength and courage in my family and friends. When the academic journey became difficult I would seek the support of my colleagues. Completing my masters degree is a great achievement of pride for my parents, siblings and children. I am grateful for my family and peers support.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

Building community with my cohort and instructors are some of the fondest memories made at Saint Mary's. The fellowship and the enriching conversation about current events expanded my worldview about cultural humility, social justice and being an ally in my community.

My Next Chapter

I look forward to working as an AMFT in the next months. My long term goal is becoming a licensed therapist and explore other opportunities that lead to private practice.

Clubs and Activities

Grad Students of Color

Favorite Quote

“One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”

— Maya Angelou

Chelsea C. Crowe

Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counselor

Favorite Quote

"Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it and to work for it and to fight for it."

— Barack Obama