MSPP Student Ambassador

Chelsea Kinne
Simmons College
2nd year MA in Counseling Psychology program
chelsea_kinne@mspp.edu

Hello! My name is Chelsea Kinne and I am 23 years old. I am currently a second year Masters in Counseling student at MSPP and completing my second year internship at Bryant University Counseling Center in Smithfield, RI.

I completed my senior year of high school at a local college, which allowed me to graduate from Simmons College with a Bachelors degree in Psychology one year early. I knew that I wanted to be in the field of psychology since a young age, which facilitated the extensive volunteer work that I did throughout high school and undergrad. My senior year undergraduate internship was at Gateway Arts, where I worked with individuals with Developmental Disabilities in a professional development art setting.

Following my graduation from Simmons College in 2010, I spent one year working as a Medication Coordinator/Health and Wellness Coordinator in the Community Outreach division for Vinfen Corporation. This position allowed me to work one-on-one with individuals with Severe Mental Illness, and I was able to gain a deep connection and understanding of the Department of Mental Health and all that it entails. At Vinfen, I worked with diagnoses ranging from depression and anxiety, to schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder. These experiences have enriched my understanding of my graduate work and have allowed me to directly apply what I am learning to what I have experienced.

After one year of being out of school, I knew I wanted to continue my education and obtain a graduate degree from an institution that had a strong psychology focus. I had heard about MSPP through my professors at Simmons and after looking into the school, realized that it felt like home. I have had nothing but amazing experiences with all staff and professors at MSPP, and have found it to be an incredibly supportive and encouraging place. Through practicum and internship placements, interviews, mountains of reading, and hundreds of typed pages, I can confidently say that I have always felt a level of support that allows me to manage all aspects of life and manage everything that comes my way, including activities at school. I was asked to assist with interview days for the incoming class this past spring, and felt honored and excited to be a part of building the future of our school. I was then able to offer my assistance during fundamentals week, which allowed me to meet the incoming students and help them to feel as comfortable at MSPP as I always have.

Since my enrollment, I have made incredible connections with my professors and peers that have allowed me to continue to grow both professionally and personally. I strongly believe that these connections will last a lifetime and that we will all continue to grow together. I have decided to continue to a Doctoral program and will be applying for advanced standing to the Clinical PsyD for the 2013-2014 academic year.

I encourage all entering students to become involved and strive to make connections with your peers and professors. Remain open to new experiences and take chances! Be sure to make time for yourself and those close to you, your support networks will help to ground you. Make sure to manage your workload and do not let yourself become overwhelmed (easier said than done, I know). Use your peers, Student Ambassadors, and professors when you are experiencing increased levels of stress and remember that this is an exciting and monumental time in your life. Good luck!

Updated 12/13/12