GPS Degree: School Psychology
Karime Blanco
Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential
Hometown
Berkeley, CA.My Greatest Supporters
My community of friends and family have shown me love, grace, celebrated my small wins, and held me accountable every step of the way.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
My favorite SMC memory is simply spending time with the strong friendships I cultivated in my cohort. I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such strong, capable and conscientious individuals.
My Next Chapter
For the 2021-2022 scholastic year, I'll be working with the Berkeley Unified School District and continuing to develop my practice as a School Psychologist. I'm looking forward to incorporating social justice, trust, support and healing at the crux of my work.
Favorite Quote
"The classroom, with all its limitations, remains a location of possibility. In that field of possibility we have the opportunity to labor for freedom, to demand of ourselves and our comrades, an openness of mind and heart that allows us to face reality even as we collectively imagine ways to move beyond boundaries, to transgress. This is education as the practice of freedom."
Ericka Meisenheimer
Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential
Hometown
San Mateo, CaliforniaMy Greatest Supporters
I am beyond thankful for the amazing support, patience, love, and encouragement my family has provided for me on this journey. I could not have done this without you.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
Walking around campus in between breaks with some of the most amazing people I have met.
My Next Chapter
School Psychologist at Kennedy Middle School
Favorite Quote
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. "
Prisma Singh Walia
Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential
Hometown
Newark, CAMy Greatest Supporters
My greatest supporters have been God, my Parents, my Husband, and my puppy! Thank you Momma and Daddy ji for all your sacrifices and pushing me for higher education. My patient loving Husband of mine, thank you for being my cheerleader & for not letting me give up during these past 3 years. Thank you Lord for giving me the strength and endurance.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
The fondest memories at SMC was when Dr. Anguiano & Dr. Martinez interviewed me. To see empowered LatinX woman in position was encouraging, being a person of color myself. Dr. Anguiano has always been in my corner and helped me in the most challenging times. Lastly, I will cherish the bonds I created with my peers, often sharing Hot Cheetos & walking each other to our cars at night to avoid deers!
My Next Chapter
I will be a School Psychologist serving the beautiful community of High schoolers in Oakland, Ca!
Favorite Quote
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." -Maya Angelou
And then I realized that to be more alive I had to be less afraid so I did it… I lost my fear and gained my whole life.
Phoebe Elizabeth Stevens
Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential
Rachel J. Kuiper
Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential
Hometown
Walnut Creek, CAMy Greatest Supporters
My husband, Cole, for encouraging me to explore a new career after entering my 30's. My sister for mentoring me about the path I chose. My parents and brother, for listening to countless stories about school around the firepit. My father-in-law, for making the decision to return to school a no-brainer. My FRIENDS for being simply amazing!
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
My greatest SMC memories are the moments making small connections and lifelong friends with others in the Counseling department and School Psych cohort. My first assessment class with Jodi Couick also holds a special place in my heart. And I'll never forget bringing my pup Sullivan along for a class demonstration about animal therapy!
My Next Chapter
I look forward to working as a school psychologist serving high school students with diverse academic and mental health needs. My days will be filled with assessment, counseling, and consulting with educators and families. I can't wait to have an impact on the communities in which I was raised and support teenagers as they navigate high school and prepare for their adult futures!
Favorite Quote
"Jim Abbott"
Amanda Suarez
Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential
Valeria Analyssa Gonzalez
Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential
Hometown
Clayton, CAMy Greatest Supporters
I would like to thank my parents for supporting me in all of my decisions, my brother for listening to me when I needed to vent, and mis abuelitos for always encouraging me to follow my dreams. I couldn’t have done it without you, I love you all.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
I will forever cherish all of the friendships I have made throughout my journey.
My Next Chapter
I am excited to begin my career as a school psychologist.
Favorite Quote
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Maria Camacho
Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential
Hometown
Antioch, CaliforniaMy Greatest Supporters
My greatest supporters have been my family members. My mother and father encouraged me to pursue my master’s degree. Elizabeth my eldest sister has always been a role model and mentor to me and my brothers. My brothers have always believed in me and encouraged me to do my best. Finally, my husband has always rooted for me every step of the way. Proud to be a first-generation college graduate!
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
My favorite Saint Mary's memory would have to be coming to orientation and meeting the counseling department faculty. I was so excited to begin my journey and everyone was so welcoming. I particularly remember my first course with Dr. Colette, she set the tone for the rest of my career at Saint Mary's. Overall, Saint Mary's had been a wonderful place for my growth.
My Next Chapter
I will be working as a full-time school psychologist at a bay area school. I will continue to work towards empowering historically marginalized youth.
Favorite Quote
“You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.” —George Lorimer
Lisa C. Rankin
Master of Arts in Counseling, School Psychology With a School Psychology Credential
Hometown
Walnut Creek, CAMy Greatest Supporters
My awesome husband, Ryan.
My fabulous support system of friends.
My wonderful immediate family and extended family.
My amazing classmates in this program, my supervisors and SMC instructors.
My fabulous support system of friends.
My wonderful immediate family and extended family.
My amazing classmates in this program, my supervisors and SMC instructors.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
Getting to know my classmates and the SMC faculty!
My Next Chapter
I will be starting my career as a school psychologist in Oakland Unified School District next school year!
Favorite Quote
"There needs to be a lot more emphasis on what a child can do instead of what they cannot do."