Dear School Psych Sistah

Kierra is joined in this episode by Dr. Desiree Vega to discuss best practices in the assessment of English Language Learners (ELL). The women discuss the importance of the pre-referral process, the legal ramifications of different eligibility models, dynamic assessment, and consultation approaches. 

Dr. Desiree Vega is currently a faculty member in the School Psychology program at the University of Arizona. She holds a masters and doctorate in School Psychology from The Ohio State University. Her predoctoral internship was completed through the Nebraska Internship Consortium with Omaha Public Schools. Dr. Vega worked as a bilingual school psychologist with Omaha Public Schools for three years before she began her academic career. She was a faculty member at Texas State University prior to joining the University of Arizona.

Dr. Vega’s research focuses on three primary areas: 1) The assessment of culturally and linguistically diverse students, 2) Identification of factors that contribute to the academic success of African American and Latino youth and 3) the role of School Psychologists in the access to higher education among urban youth.

Jerica Knox, doctoral student, and VP of School Psych Sistahs, Inc. facilitates a conversation with other women in graduate school. The women discuss their experiences and how they've navigated the infamous imposter syndrome.

Check out a clip of the upcoming episode. 

This episode focuses on different career trajectories within the field of School Psychology. Kierra is joined by six women all with unique experiences and journeys to their current positions. This episode features the perspective of an early career professional (Shayna), seasoned practitioner (Dannette), Director of Psychological Services (Izzy), specialist-level clinician (Valerie), entrepreneur (Dr. Grishby), and professor (Dr. Aston). Listen in to find out how they got where they are, their responsibilities, and general advice they would give. 

Shayna Jones, Ed.S. is an early career professional in Washington state who supports a developmental preschool program. She attended graduate school at the University of Washington. 

Dannette Sanders, Ed.S. is a seasoned practitioner working in the High Desert and Inland Empire of Southern California. Dannette has both a Master's in School Counseling and a Specialist degree in School Psychology. Her combined career experience has spanned pre-K through 12th grade. 

Valarie Reese, Ed.S., LPES, NCSP is a practitioner and clinician who serves youth in South Carolina. Valarie is the owner of Better Days Counseling Services, a private mental health practice that specializes in providing behavioral and mental health therapy for children and adolescents. 

Dr. Kirnel Grishby, Ph.D. is a native West Indian who immigrated to the United States with her family. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology from Georgia State University. She has since begun a career serving families with children with disabilities, both in the public school system and in the private practice sector. As the President and CEO of REACH A.K.G. Education Consultants LLC, Kirnel continues to merge her passion for psychology and education, providing families with individualized, evidence-based, and therapeutic strategies to acquire knowledge for generational growth, development, and advancement.

Izzy Alvarado, Ed.S. serves as the District Coordinator of a School Psychology Department in Illinois. She also serves on the Governing Board of the Illinois School Psychology Association as the Region 7 Director. She is planning to finish her Doctorate degree in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership with a concentration in Diversity and Equity from the University of Illinois in 2022. 

Dr. Candice Aston, Ph.D. has years of experience working with urban populations in school and clinical settings. She currently serves as an assistant professor in School Psychology at Townson University. She completed her doctoral internship at Sarah Reed Children’s Center, which provides intensive psychiatric services for children with significant trauma and mental health concerns. The focal point of her research has centered on culturally relevant social-emotional interventions for racially diverse populations. Dr. Aston is interested in Black female identity development and disproportionality. She has extensive intervention experience and has published several journal articles on school-based interventions. In addition, she has presented at several national conferences and is currently a member of NASP and APA.

Kierra is joined on this episode by her mentors, Dr. Corliss Thompson-Drew ("Dr. T.D.) and Dr. Janise Parker. The women discuss the importance of mentorship in the field and beyond. 

Dr. Corliss Thompson-Drew is the Director of Psychological Services for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. She holds a Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical School Psychology. In her almost 40 years in the field, Dr. Thompson-Drew has worked in a variety of settings including schools, community mental health centers, a university counseling center, and a college professor. 

Janise Parker is an Assistant Professor of School Psychology at the College of William & Mary, a licensed Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Dr. Parker is a proud Floridian who obtained her undergraduate degree from Florida State and a doctoral degree from the University of Florida. She completed a two-year postdoctoral appointment at the University of South Florida, doing both research and teaching, prior to her appointment at William & Mary. *Dr. Parker's maiden name is Coleman. 

Welcome to Dear School Psych Sistah, the podcast. 

Kierra Fulmore, a School Psychologist and founder of School Psych Sistahs, briefly explores why the online community and podcast exists.