When I look back at my undergraduate training at Southwestern University, it is easy to see why I have been fortunate since leaving my alma mater. After graduating from Southwestern in 2009 with a B.A. in Psychology, I began working at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD, Inc.) in Austin while I researched and applied to graduate programs. At CARD, I was able to utilize my background in psychology and education as a behavioral therapist for children with autism. I quickly realized that autism and developmental disabilities were my true passion, and educational psychology was the right field for me.

When I applied to the School Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Texas, I sensed the program would be excellent fit with my educational and professional goals. I started at Texas in the fall of 2010, and have been able to continue working as a Senior Therapist at CARD while completing my Ph.D. As a part of my graduate training, I have provided assessments, consultation, and therapy to children and families across a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and hospitals. I have also gained valuable research experience while working closely with faculty in my program, as well as teaching experience while guest lecturing and serving as a Teaching Assistant for several courses. After earning my Ph.D. from Texas, I hope to become licensed and start a practice that provides comprehensive services to children and families affected by autism. I feel so lucky to be able to follow my professional dreams, and I know my success in graduate school is undoubtedly related to the outstanding education and research training I received while at SU.