In this special edition of The HDFS Careers Podcast, I interviewed Dr. Maureen Blankemeyer and Dr. Kathleen Walker who are both faculty at Kent State University and who are both well-known researchers in the area of family sciences careers. Dr. Blankemeyer earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in family relations and child development and Ph.D. in human environmental sciences–both from Oklahoma State University. She is currently an associate professor at Kent State University. Dr. Walker earned Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Pre-Art Therapy from Kansas State University, A Master’s of Science in Art Therapy from Emporia State University, and a Ph.D. in Family Life Education and Consultation from Kansas State University. She is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences at Kent State University. During this interview, they discuss their own professional journeys and their experiences as first-generation college students. They also provide advice for students gleaned from working with many students over the course of their careers.

In this episode, I share my interview with Jasmine Johnson. Jasmine earned a bachelor’s degree Human Development and Family Science from Kent State University and a master’s degree in Instructional Design from Western Governors University. She is currently working as a Grant Director for Upward Bound at Miami Dade College Homestead. In this episode, she discusses finding HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Jasmine’s views are her own as private citizens and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers.

This episode features Anacleta C. Schmidt (also known as Annie). Annie earned a bachelor's degree in Child Development from San Diego State University. She also earned a master's degree in Early Childhood Mental Health and a Graduate Certificate as an Early Childhood Socio-Emotional Behavior Regulation Intervention Specialist (EC-SEBRIS) from San Diego State University. During this interview, she discusses her work as a Mental Health Program Specialist for Head Start with a nonprofit organization in San Diego, California and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Annie's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers.

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This episode features Jessica Morgan who works as the Chief Program Officer for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Jessica earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Kent State University. During this interview, she discusses her experience working as the Chief Program Officer for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and her professional experiences that led her to that position. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Jessica's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers.

Support the Greater Cleveland Food Bank by volunteering or making a donation.

Mentioned on this episode: Feeding America - https://www.feedingamerica.org/

For more episodes and inspiration, visit www.HDFSCareers.com.

You can subscribe and listen at...

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/emk-PJFu

Amazon Music: https://lnkd.in/er38eGPi

Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/ez8dHat

Google Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/e_mtYuZN

This episode features Heather Cruz-Holley who works as a case manager for Cleveland Angels. Heather earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Child and Youth Development from Kent State University. During this interview, she discusses her experience working as a case manager for a family care nonprofit organization and her professional experiences that led her to that position. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Heather's views are her own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers.

Support Cleveland Angels by following them on social media or making a donation.

For more episodes, exploration inspiration, or to make a suggestion for the podcast, visit www.HDFSCareers.com.

Bradley earned a master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Youth Development from Kent State University. He is currently the Senior Director of J Kids and Special Projects at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore. In this episode, he discusses how he found the field of HDFS and his professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Bradley’s views are his own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of his current, former, or future employers.

Mary earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Family Life Education from Kent State University. She is currently the Public Relations Director for Plains Local School in Ohio. She is also the founder and president of the Josette Beddell Memorial Foundation. In this episode, she discusses how she found the field of HDFS and her professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Mary’s views are his own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of her current, former, or future employers. Without further ado, here is her interview.

Rashawn earned a master’s degree in Education in School Counseling from Malone University. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Youth Development from Kent State University. He is currently a Professional School Counselor for a public school in Ohio. In this episode, he discusses how he found the field of HDFS and his professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Rashawn’s views are his own as a private citizen and do not reflect the views of his current, former, or future employers.

Links to additional information:

Video about working as a school counselor: https://youtu.be/U1rrTmpD728

Video about elementary and middle school counselors: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmVWg2oiNxJyZiewS7DPGbW3QWxZBBvFo

Rashawn discussing helping students during the pandemic: https://www.ideastream.org/news/kids-returning-to-school-after-isolation-with-mental-health-concerns

If you have recommendations for HDFS or other family science alumni to interview, please reach out to me at HDFSCareers.com. Don’t worry if they are not working in a job that would normally be considered “in the field.” I am interested in hearing a variety of stories--especially if they are working outside of academia.

It's our first double-interview episode on the podcast! Alex is currently an Academic Advisor for the College of Communication and Information at Kent State University. She earned a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs, a Certificate in International Education, and a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Family Life Education from Kent State University. Ted is currently a Senior Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Analyst. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Child and Youth Development from Kent State University. Alex and Ted met at Kent State while attending HDFS classes for their major and serving as Resident Advisors in the campus residence halls. In this episode, they share how they found the field of HDFS and their professional experiences to date. As is true for all interviewees on this podcast, Alex and Ted’s views are their own as private citizens and do not reflect the views of their current, former, or future employers.