Student Spotlight Archive Archives - The ��ɫ��Ƶ (MSP)

MA Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:09:33 +0000

Muzammil Khan

Hometown: Farmington Hills, MI

Program: MA

Book I would recommend: The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Green

Favorite Quote: “He who angers you, is your master.” -Unknown

Fun Fact: I was born overseas!

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I’m very passionate about the mental health of teens and adolescents struggling to find their identity and place in society or their communities as they battle the expectations of everyone around them.

Why did you choose MSP?

��ɫ��Ƶ is a place close to home and holds core values that I hold valuable myself, which makes it the perfect combo.

What do you want to do with your degree?

I really want to work with the 16-24 age range as they navigate through their mind to find a place for themselves. This is oftentimes an even greater battle for kids of minority or immigrant backgrounds.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

I started with personal experiences and struggles during my high school and early college years. Learning I wasn’t alone and escaping that sense of helplessness pushed me to study the field further and work to help those around me.

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PsyD Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:25:17 +0000

Sampada Fotedar

Hometown: Jammu and Kashmir, India

Program: PsyD

Book(s) I would recommend: Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski,��A Thousand Splendid Suns��by Khaled Hosseini, and��Maybe You Should Talk to Someone��by Lori Gottlieb

Favorite Quote: “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” – BR Ambedkar

Fun Fact: I can sing. I trained in Western Vocals until Grade 3. I also play the guitar and ukulele!

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I am passionate about sexual health. I feel that, along with mental health, awareness of sexual health is equally important. Mental and sexual health go hand-in-hand.

Why did you choose MSP?

I decided to pursue PsyD at the ��ɫ��Ƶ because of its diverse and inclusive environment.

What do you want to do with your degree?

My goal is to open a clinical sex therapy practice in the long run, particularly for individuals between the ages of 18-60 years.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

I got interested in mental health when I was studying in school, specifically when I chose psychology as a subject in Grade 11. I found it very intriguing and decided to pursue it as my career.

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MA Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:52:40 +0000

Tracy Olah

Hometown: Livonia, MI

Program: MA

Book I would recommend: The Martian by Andy Weir

Favorite Quote: “Do or do not, there is no try.” -Yoda

Fun Fact: My favorite dog breed is the Yorkshire Terrier, aka the Yorkie!

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I’m passionate about helping people who struggle with addiction and alcoholism by offering support, compassion, and hope for recovery.

Why did you choose MSP?

I chose to attend MSP because its humanistic approach to psychology aligns with my own values. I also appreciate the school’s strong commitment to equality and non-discrimination. Additionally, I’ve been inspired by mentors I deeply respect who are alumni of MSP.

What do you want to do with your degree?

With my degree, I hope to work in a private practice, providing one-on-one support and therapy to those in need. While I would be grateful to work with anyone, I’m especially passionate about supporting young women who struggle with mental health challenges brought on by societal pressures and the impact of social media.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

My interest in the mental health profession stems from personal experience and a deep desire to give back the support and care that once helped me.

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PsyD Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:42:25 +0000

Tessa Passarelli

Hometown: Southfield, MI

Program: PsyD

Book I would recommend: Scattered Minds by Gabor Mate

Favorite Quote: “Empathy is a choice. And it’s a vulnerable choice.” -Brene Brown

Fun Fact: I’ve danced ballet since I was two.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I’m passionate about free access to healthcare and mental health treatments for all.��

Why did you choose MSP?

I chose to attend MSP because of the chance to work with its faculty and the proximity to my family.

What do you want to do with your degree?

I would like to work in private practice with adults with neurodevelopmental disorders.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

I first got interested in the mental health profession when I volunteered at a suicide hotline during my undergraduate program.��

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MA Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:27:35 +0000

Jay Marshall

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Program: MA

Book I would recommend: Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Favorite Quote: There are too many to choose from, most of which are by Brandon Sanderson.

Fun Fact: I love to play games of all types: video games, sports, board, and card games

Name a cause you are passionate about.

Global warming is something that I am passionate about. Thinking of the adverse effects on the climate, our water, and land causes me significant anxiety and discomfort, which I believe can be a form of passion.

Why did you choose MSP?

I chose MSP because the community that is fostered here is unlike anything I have ever seen. Additionally, the incorporation of clinical practice and theoretical knowledge is an amazing feature of being a student at this school. Lastly, I believe that being part of the alumni of this school will be an invaluable part of my career and future in psychology.

What do you want to do with your degree?

After obtaining my degree, I plan to work in a therapy setting with couples to work through their problems, no matter what they might be.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

I was first introduced to and became interested in the mental health profession when a professional came to my high school and did a quick summary and Q & A session with students. It was interesting learning about abnormal psychology in that way.

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PsyD Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:26:31 +0000

Alexis Amos

Hometown: Saginaw, MI

Program: PsyD

Book I would recommend: Atomic Habits by James Clear

Favorite Quote: “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” – Maya Angelou

What would people be surprised to know about you?

People are usually surprised to learn that I’m actually pretty emotional. I come off as put-together and very driven, so people assume I’m always steady or unaffected, but I actually feel things deeply. I’m sensitive to other people’s moods, I care a lot, and I can get emotionally invested in the things and people that matter to me. I don’t always show it right away, but once you know me, it’s clear that I lead with my heart more than people expect.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

A cause I’m very passionate about is making sure people receive accurate and comprehensive psychological assessments, especially as diagnoses like autism and ADHD are becoming more common. Increased awareness is important, but so is taking the time to fully understand each individual so that diagnoses are thoughtful, ethical, and truly helpful. I think that getting it right can make a meaningful difference in how someone understands themselves and accesses the right support.

How does a psychology degree fit into your life’s plans?

After graduation, I plan to continue building a career in neuropsychological assessment. I’m particularly interested in conducting comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to better understand how cognitive, emotional, and neurological factors interact and impact functioning. I want to continue to work in a setting where assessment informs meaningful recommendations; whether that’s helping patients navigate medical decisions, supporting diagnostic clarification, or guiding treatment planning. Long-term, I plan to continue developing specialized expertise in assessment while remaining engaged in ongoing learning and professional growth within neuropsychology.

What advice do you have for other students?

My most valuable advice would be to stay curious and give yourself grace. Psychology is both intellectually challenging and emotionally demanding, and it can force you to reflect on yourself in ways you might not expect. You don’t need to know everything right away because learning happens over time. Be open to feedback, ask questions even when you feel unsure, and most importantly, take care of yourself outside of school (especially when things get tough).��

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MA Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:56:30 +0000

Ryan Smith

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Program: MA

Book I would recommend:��Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Favorite Quote: “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” -Soren Kierkegaard

Fun Fact: I have a birthmark in the shape of Alaska on my ankle.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I am passionate about protecting the safety of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the youth.

Why did you choose MSP?

I chose to attend MSP because I believe this school can help me adjust to being in the professional environment I see myself in.

What do you want to do with your degree?

I plan on going into child psychology and eventually having my own practice. In the long run, I want to work with at-risk adolescents in the African American community.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

My mom has a degree in psychology and would tell me facts as a child that interested me.

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PsyD Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:00:35 +0000

Danielle Love

Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI

Program: PsyD

Book I would recommend: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Favorite Quote: “Bloom where you’re planted.”

Fun Fact: Each chapter of my journey has helped shape and develop me, and this one is devoted to pursuing my calling to help others through clinical psychology.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I am deeply committed to advancing mental health support for older adults, with a focus on addressing stigma and reducing disparities in access to care.

Why did you choose MSP?

I chose to attend MSP because of its strong humanistic approach to psychology and its emphasis on seeing clients as whole people, which aligns with my values, and because earning my MA here provides the foundation I need to grow both personally and professionally as a clinician.

What do you want to do with your degree?

I plan to use my degree to provide individual and group therapy, as well as psychological assessment, for older adults and underserved populations in a clinical practice setting that emphasizes equitable and compassionate care.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

My interest in the mental health profession is rooted in my desire to better understand human behavior and to support people in navigating life’s challenges.

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MA Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:26:59 +0000

Tony Groulx

Hometown: Bay City, MI

Program: MA

Book I would recommend: Letters to a Young Poet by Rainier Maria Rilke

Favorite Quote: “Le vent se lève!… Il faut tenter de vivre! [The wind is rising!… We must try to live!]” —Paul Valéry, Le Cimetière Marin

Fun Fact: I have a degree in English Creative Writing, and I write poetry and essays.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I’m very passionate about attempting to understand the nature of reality, especially as it pertains to the crossroads of traditional religious structures, psychology, literature, and philosophy.

Why did you choose MSP?

I chose to attend MSP because of the suggestion of my dear friend, who believed that my capacity to grow and be patient with others would be well-suited to the work therapists undertake on a daily basis.

What do you want to do with your degree?

With my degree, I intend to begin working as a therapist in the state of Michigan. Over time, I would like to begin my own private practice and specialize in working with individuals who suffer from varying degrees of Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders.

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

I first became interested in Psychology through the undergraduate Philosophy courses that I took at Saginaw Valley State University. Subsequently, I then worked for a cemetery, as well as for several funeral homes, with individuals in varying degrees of grief and psychological distress. Entering into the mental health profession, through a Master’s program in Psychology, was the natural next step, after that for me.

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PsyD Student Spotlight

Dana Erickson — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 17:36:24 +0000

Luci Clark

Hometown: Tacoma, WA

Program: PsyD

Book I would recommend: Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown

Favorite Quote: “What we know matters, but who we are matters more.” -Brené Brown

Fun Fact: I have a weird talent for always knowing where north is, even if I’ve never been in that spot before.

Name a cause you are passionate about.

I am passionate about creating spaces where people feel free to share cherished pieces of themselves.

Why did you choose MSP?

I chose to attend MSP not only for another degree and advancements in my career, but to continue learning and surrounding myself with co-learners.

What do you want to do with your degree?

I am holding plans loosely because I would love to be influenced by the people I meet and the journey that takes me where I am going. Though I think I will always love working with young adults who are working through OCD and other anxiety disorders

How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?

I had to take on a minor in my undergrad program and was persuaded to choose the substance abuse counseling minor. This is where I realized that therapy aligned with many of my passions, values, and hopes for my future.

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