MSPP Student Ambassador

Ashley Gareau
Boston
Lafayette College
2nd year Counseling Psychology program
ashley gareau@mspp.edu

My name is Ashley Gareau and I am a second year student in the Master’s in Counseling Psychology program. I graduated from Lafayette College in 2009 with a B.A in Psychology and minor in Anthropology and Sociology. Upon starting my undergraduate education I was enrolled in the pre-medicine track, as attending medical school had always been a dream of mine. However, after taking my first psychology class I quickly learned that the social sciences were my calling. After graduating from Lafayette I moved to Boston to explore my career interests and I assumed a position at Children’s Hospital Boston as an Administrative Assistant. During my employment at Children’s, I became involved in the volunteer program and spent time with children on the solid organ transplant unit. The experiences I gained with these patients and their families cultivated a deep interest in the psychological effects of illness and alas I determined what career path I would pursue: health psychology.

While earning a doctorate was still in the back of my mind, upon researching graduate programs I decided to focus my attention on Master’s programs as I felt it would be wise for me to begin my studies at this level to ensure I indeed wanted to complete a doctoral program. Immediately upon looking into MSPP I was impressed with what the Counseling Psychology program had to offer and I made the decision to apply. From my very first visit to MSPP I was struck by the caring and supportive community that I found myself amongst and I knew this was the type of environment where I wished to receive my graduate education. After completing my first year, I am confident that I made the right decision. The support and encouragement I received from both faculty and fellow classmates has allowed me to flourish both personally and professionally.

Another reason I chose to attend MSPP was because of the field placement training opportunities during both years of the program. Last year I completed my practicum at Children’s Charter Trauma Clinic in Waltham, MA, which was a tremendous learning experience that allowed me to directly apply what I was being taught in the classroom. This year I will be completing my internship at The Dimock Center in the Pediatric Behavioral Medicine Department and I am excited about my future experiences to come!

My experience so far at MSPP has truly been incredible. I have formed meaningful relationships with faculty and students alike, and I have had the opportunity to become an active member of a wonderful and inspiring community. This past year I was a participant in MSPP’s C.A.R.E team (communities assisting relief efforts) and I traveled to New Orleans to do relief work from Hurricane Katrina. I was also afforded the opportunity of writing for the student blog, which you guys should check out as it provides great insight to the life of graduate students!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions about MSPP or my experience, and I wish you the best of luck in your search for graduate programs!

Updated 12/13/12