2018-2019 SPSA Board
|
President: Kaya Ishijima
Vice President: Megan Hayes Treasurer: Brett Harrison Secretary: Maria Pia Ramos Co-Philanthropy Chair: Amparo Martinez Cruz Co-Philanthropy Chair: Pedro Ruezga |
Co-Social Chair: Valerie Salazar
Co-Social Chair: Cordell Suha Online Communications Director: Shelby Bartlett First Year Representatives: Wendy Romero, Tania Calhoun, & Sepehr Nasserara Faculty Adviser: Dr. Kristi Hagans |
PRESIDENT: KAYA ISHIJIMA
Kaya is a second year student in the CSULB School Psychology program. She grew up in San Jose, California and graduated from UC San Diego with a B.S. in Psychology. While there, she worked as a research assistant for the UC Links Preschool Project, which studied early childhood development. She is currently part of the MTSS training grant and is completing her practicum at Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District.
Fun Fact: She was on a competitive ballroom dance team at UCSD.
Life Goal: Travel the world and become fluent in another language.
Kaya is a second year student in the CSULB School Psychology program. She grew up in San Jose, California and graduated from UC San Diego with a B.S. in Psychology. While there, she worked as a research assistant for the UC Links Preschool Project, which studied early childhood development. She is currently part of the MTSS training grant and is completing her practicum at Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District.
Fun Fact: She was on a competitive ballroom dance team at UCSD.
Life Goal: Travel the world and become fluent in another language.
VICE PRESIDENT: MEGAN HAYES
Megan Hayes is in her second year in the school psychology program at CSULB. She is very excited to serve as Vice President this year! She was born and raised in San Diego and from there moved to Northern California for her undergraduate education. Megan graduated in Spring of 2017 from UC Davis with her bachelors in Psychology and Communication and with a minor in Human Development. As someone who has loved working with kids for a majority of her life, Megan looks forward to continue working with this population and being able to make a difference in their lives. Megan is completing her practica year at Los Alamitos Unified School District and cannot wait to learn and grow personally and professionally as she gains more experience in her future profession!
Fun Fact: Writes and uses utensils with her left hand but play sports with her right hand and can't switch between the two.
Life Goal: to live a long, happy, and healthy life and to make a lasting impact on the children she ends up working with
Megan Hayes is in her second year in the school psychology program at CSULB. She is very excited to serve as Vice President this year! She was born and raised in San Diego and from there moved to Northern California for her undergraduate education. Megan graduated in Spring of 2017 from UC Davis with her bachelors in Psychology and Communication and with a minor in Human Development. As someone who has loved working with kids for a majority of her life, Megan looks forward to continue working with this population and being able to make a difference in their lives. Megan is completing her practica year at Los Alamitos Unified School District and cannot wait to learn and grow personally and professionally as she gains more experience in her future profession!
Fun Fact: Writes and uses utensils with her left hand but play sports with her right hand and can't switch between the two.
Life Goal: to live a long, happy, and healthy life and to make a lasting impact on the children she ends up working with
TREASURER: BRETT HARRISON
Brett is a second year in the School Psychology program at CSULB and the current Treasure for SPSA. Prior to graduate school, Brett worked for two years as an ABA therapist and two years as a special education instructional assistant. Currently, he is working as a graduate research assistant. Brett is passionate about the implementation of systemic change, and hopes to utilize this passion within his future career as a school psychologist.
Fun Fact: He has perfect pitch and writes music
Life Goal: Skydive
Brett is a second year in the School Psychology program at CSULB and the current Treasure for SPSA. Prior to graduate school, Brett worked for two years as an ABA therapist and two years as a special education instructional assistant. Currently, he is working as a graduate research assistant. Brett is passionate about the implementation of systemic change, and hopes to utilize this passion within his future career as a school psychologist.
Fun Fact: He has perfect pitch and writes music
Life Goal: Skydive
SECRETARY: MARIA PIA RAMOS
Maria Pia Ramos is a 2nd Year School Psychology Student. Pia has been working with students in special education classes since high school as part of her Social Services Academy classes. She attended UCSB where she volunteered at morning and after-school programs providing tutoring services for a wide variety of students. She also interned as a Research Assistant for a bilingual literacy project and a reading/math interventions project. She currently works as an ABA Interventionist for Autism Spectrum Therapies and as a student assistant for Student Support Services and previously worked as an Instructional Assistant at LBUSD.
Fun Fact: She’s a Hufflepuff.
Life Goal: Explore and possibly contribute to international educational systems and stop misplacing my keys before I leave the house.
Maria Pia Ramos is a 2nd Year School Psychology Student. Pia has been working with students in special education classes since high school as part of her Social Services Academy classes. She attended UCSB where she volunteered at morning and after-school programs providing tutoring services for a wide variety of students. She also interned as a Research Assistant for a bilingual literacy project and a reading/math interventions project. She currently works as an ABA Interventionist for Autism Spectrum Therapies and as a student assistant for Student Support Services and previously worked as an Instructional Assistant at LBUSD.
Fun Fact: She’s a Hufflepuff.
Life Goal: Explore and possibly contribute to international educational systems and stop misplacing my keys before I leave the house.
CO-PHILANTHROPY CHAIR: AMPARO MARTINEZ CRUZ
Amparo is a second-year student in the School Psychology program. She was born and raised in Long Beach and graduated from CSULB with a B.S. in Psychology in 2012. Amparo worked as a behavior interventionist for children with Autism in the home and school settings for almost 5 years before beginning the program. Amparo is currently completing her practicum at Los Alamitos Unified School District.
Fun Fact: Amparo was Miss Long Beach Gay Pride 2015.
Life Goal: Amparo’s life goal is to save as many rescue dogs as possible.
Amparo is a second-year student in the School Psychology program. She was born and raised in Long Beach and graduated from CSULB with a B.S. in Psychology in 2012. Amparo worked as a behavior interventionist for children with Autism in the home and school settings for almost 5 years before beginning the program. Amparo is currently completing her practicum at Los Alamitos Unified School District.
Fun Fact: Amparo was Miss Long Beach Gay Pride 2015.
Life Goal: Amparo’s life goal is to save as many rescue dogs as possible.
CO-PHILANTHROPY CHAIR: PEDRO RUEZGA
Pedro Ruezga is currently a second-year student in the School Psychology Ed.S. program. He earned his B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine in 2012. Prior to being a student at CSULB, Pedro worked with a local district overseeing an after-school program, as well as working with students with disabilities as a health instructional assistant. Pedro enjoys collaborating, listening to other, and creating an environment where all people are included.
Fun Fact: In his spare time, Pedro spends time with his family, friends, and dog named Henry.
Life Goal: Pedro’s future goals include working as a School Psychologist to inspire students, parents, and staff to become productive members of their community through social justice and social emotional education.
Pedro Ruezga is currently a second-year student in the School Psychology Ed.S. program. He earned his B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine in 2012. Prior to being a student at CSULB, Pedro worked with a local district overseeing an after-school program, as well as working with students with disabilities as a health instructional assistant. Pedro enjoys collaborating, listening to other, and creating an environment where all people are included.
Fun Fact: In his spare time, Pedro spends time with his family, friends, and dog named Henry.
Life Goal: Pedro’s future goals include working as a School Psychologist to inspire students, parents, and staff to become productive members of their community through social justice and social emotional education.
ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: SHELBY BARTLETT
Shelby is a second-year student in the School Psychology program at CSULB. Prior to this program, Shelby earned a BA in Psychology at UC Santa Barbara, provided services as an ABA paraprofessional for children with autism, and volunteered as a mentor to high school students at-risk of school disengagement. Shelby believes in advocating for social justice in schools so that all children can be successful academically, socially, and behaviorally.
Fun Fact: Shelby’s spirit animal is a unicorn
Life Goal: Live each and every day with an open mind and an open heart
CO-SOCIAL CHAIR: VALERIE SALAZAR
Valerie Salazar is a 2nd year graduate student in the School Psychology program. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California, Irvine. For the past 9 years, Valerie has worked with students in a variety of settings. Most recently, she has worked as an interventionist in a charter school. Valerie is fulfilling her practicum hours at Stauffer Middle School in Downey Unified School District.
Fun Fact: In her free time she enjoys going to flea markets, watching documentaries, and going to the beach with her dog Louis!
Life Goal: Her academic and professional goals are to create positive learning environments in underserved schools and also to promote equitable education for girls.
Valerie Salazar is a 2nd year graduate student in the School Psychology program. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California, Irvine. For the past 9 years, Valerie has worked with students in a variety of settings. Most recently, she has worked as an interventionist in a charter school. Valerie is fulfilling her practicum hours at Stauffer Middle School in Downey Unified School District.
Fun Fact: In her free time she enjoys going to flea markets, watching documentaries, and going to the beach with her dog Louis!
Life Goal: Her academic and professional goals are to create positive learning environments in underserved schools and also to promote equitable education for girls.
CO-SOCIAL CHAIR: CORDELL SUHA
Cordell is a second year school Psychology student who grew up in the Sacramento valley, and graduated from Sacramento State University with his BA in Psychology. Cordell's goal after finishing the School Psychology program is to work in a high school setting, helping under-served populations.
Fun Fact: I used to work in organ donation.
Life Goal: travel throughout Africa.
Cordell is a second year school Psychology student who grew up in the Sacramento valley, and graduated from Sacramento State University with his BA in Psychology. Cordell's goal after finishing the School Psychology program is to work in a high school setting, helping under-served populations.
Fun Fact: I used to work in organ donation.
Life Goal: travel throughout Africa.
FIRST YEAR REPRESENTATIVE: WENDY ROMERO
In 2014, Wendy received her BA in psychology from CSULB, becoming the first in her family to graduate from a four-year college. Afterwards, Wendy began working as a behavior therapist for the nonpublic agency, IECP (Inclusive Education and Community Partnership), which services schools within LAUSD. Wendy wanted to continue her education while also finding a profession within the K-12 education system and found that the school psychologist was the best fit. Soon, Wendy was accepted to CSULB’s School Psychology program. Wendy is confident that CSULB’s program would give her the tools, support, and knowledge to become an effective school psychologist.
Fun Fact: Consumes way too much Easy Mac cheese. I pack it nearly every day for lunch.
Life Goal:
In 2014, Wendy received her BA in psychology from CSULB, becoming the first in her family to graduate from a four-year college. Afterwards, Wendy began working as a behavior therapist for the nonpublic agency, IECP (Inclusive Education and Community Partnership), which services schools within LAUSD. Wendy wanted to continue her education while also finding a profession within the K-12 education system and found that the school psychologist was the best fit. Soon, Wendy was accepted to CSULB’s School Psychology program. Wendy is confident that CSULB’s program would give her the tools, support, and knowledge to become an effective school psychologist.
Fun Fact: Consumes way too much Easy Mac cheese. I pack it nearly every day for lunch.
Life Goal:
FIRST YEAR REPRESENTATIVE: TANIA CALHOUN
Tania Calhoun is a first-year in the school psychology program. She grew up in Long Beach and received her BA in Psychology from UC Irvine 2011. After graduating, she took time off from school to work. During this time, she worked as a special education instructional assistant with local school districts. In this position she worked with culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse populations. She noticed disparities within special education services and this prompted her to pursue higher education.
Fun Fact: I am a mom to two girls.
Life Goal: Make the most of her life while she can and take it one day at a time
Tania Calhoun is a first-year in the school psychology program. She grew up in Long Beach and received her BA in Psychology from UC Irvine 2011. After graduating, she took time off from school to work. During this time, she worked as a special education instructional assistant with local school districts. In this position she worked with culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse populations. She noticed disparities within special education services and this prompted her to pursue higher education.
Fun Fact: I am a mom to two girls.
Life Goal: Make the most of her life while she can and take it one day at a time
FIRST YEAR REPRESENTATIVE: SEPEHR NASSERARA
Sepehr Nasserara is in his first year of the School Psychology program and is very excited to be here at Long Beach! Since 2016 he has worked as an aide in various special education settings such as SDC, RSP, one-on-one (1:1), life skills, and autism center. Currently he works in a 2nd grade moderate to severe autism center as a 1:1 aide. Sepehr looks forward to working and collaborating with others during his time at the Beach!
Random Fact: During his free time he loves to cook, but does not share the same passion with cleaning the dishes.
Life Goal: Sepehr’s life goal is to own two cats and continue connecting with as many people as he can possibly reach.
Sepehr Nasserara is in his first year of the School Psychology program and is very excited to be here at Long Beach! Since 2016 he has worked as an aide in various special education settings such as SDC, RSP, one-on-one (1:1), life skills, and autism center. Currently he works in a 2nd grade moderate to severe autism center as a 1:1 aide. Sepehr looks forward to working and collaborating with others during his time at the Beach!
Random Fact: During his free time he loves to cook, but does not share the same passion with cleaning the dishes.
Life Goal: Sepehr’s life goal is to own two cats and continue connecting with as many people as he can possibly reach.
FACULTY ADVISER: DR. KRISTI HAGANS
Dr. Kristi Hagans is associate professor and director of the School Psychology program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Before her appointment at CSULB, Dr. Hagans worked as a school psychologist in public schools at the elementary and middle school levels for five years in both Oregon and California. Her research and practice interests include the use of general outcome measures to inform instruction to increase academic outcomes for preschool, elementary, and middle school students in reading and math. Dr. Hagans is the co-principal investigator of a U. S. Department of Education grant to train school psychologists as instructional consultants in a response-to-intervention model, and serves as an external evaluator on several federal- and state-funded grants. She currently teaches courses on advanced assessment for intervention, behavioral assessment and intervention, supervision of practica students and interns, and serves on several student thesis committees as chair or reader. Dr. Hagans also co-teaches the introduction to school psychology course. She lives in Long Beach with her partner, two children, and two dogs.
Dr. Kristi Hagans is associate professor and director of the School Psychology program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Before her appointment at CSULB, Dr. Hagans worked as a school psychologist in public schools at the elementary and middle school levels for five years in both Oregon and California. Her research and practice interests include the use of general outcome measures to inform instruction to increase academic outcomes for preschool, elementary, and middle school students in reading and math. Dr. Hagans is the co-principal investigator of a U. S. Department of Education grant to train school psychologists as instructional consultants in a response-to-intervention model, and serves as an external evaluator on several federal- and state-funded grants. She currently teaches courses on advanced assessment for intervention, behavioral assessment and intervention, supervision of practica students and interns, and serves on several student thesis committees as chair or reader. Dr. Hagans also co-teaches the introduction to school psychology course. She lives in Long Beach with her partner, two children, and two dogs.
