Read through descriptions of some of our former graduate students:
Erica Jordan chose the Human Development and Family Studies track and completed her thesis on racial differences regarding childhood experiences with corporal punishment and attachment to a parental figure. She then continued her education in the collaborative doctoral program in Psychology Developmental Science at UA. She is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at The University of Houston.
Shakira Savage chose the Human Development and Family Studies track and completed her thesis on children’s acquisition of taboo (or “bad”) words. After graduating, she accepted a position working as an enhancement specialist on a state-funded project. In this role she works with the directors of early care and education centers from around Alabama to help them make improvements to their centers. Eventually she plans to return to school and earn a PhD.
Taylor Ladd Deer chose the Parent and Family Life Education track and completed her internship with Dr. Daniel Potts, a neurologist and Executive Director of Cognitive Dynamics. Taylor's internship involved planning and implementing a curriculum with elderly individuals in residential care and their family members. The curriculum aims to help family members better connect emotionally to the aging individual. She is now the Coordinator of the Student Honor Code at Mississippi State University.
Shemeka Phipps chose the Parent and Family Life Education track and completed her internship at Tuscaloosa's One Place (TOP) and specialized in home visitation services and case management. She is now the Residence Life Coordinator at The University of Houston.
Jesse Smith chose the Marriage and Family Therapy track and completed his internship at UA’s MPACT program conducting group, individual, and family counseling related to substance abuse and addiction. He is now a doctoral student in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Texas Tech University where he continues to specialize in substance abuse counseling.
Erin Holloway chose the Marriage and Family Therapy track and completed her internship in the Capstone Family Therapy Clinic at UA where she worked in an administrative position as the Clinic Manager. She now has a private practice in Tuscaloosa and is an adjunct professor at UA. She is also the 2017 Student/Associate Representative on the Alabama Marriage and Family Therapy Association Board.
Jessica Shafer chose the Marriage and Family Therapy track and completed her internship at St. Vincent’s East Family Medical Residency in Birmingham. She is now pursuing a doctoral degree in Medical Family Therapy at Saint Louis University.
