Author: Brianna Alford

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in Human Development and Family Science have selected Katherine Leon as their Outstanding Student in Human Development and Family Science. Congratulations, Katherine!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Human Development and Family Science, Katherine Leon:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of? 

I am most proud of my research assistant experience with Dr. Bethany Letiecq. During Summer 2019, I had the opportunity of working on Dr. Letiecq’s research team in the Culmore community. We were able to collect crucial information on the social determinants of health in a primarily undocumented community. This academic accomplishment exposed me to data collection, transcription and focus group facilitation—all important aspects of being a part of a research team. The experiences I gained from my research assistantship have prepared me for graduate school and future professional endeavors.  

What organizations/affiliations have you been involved with while at Mason? 

During my time at Mason, I served as the Vice President of Active Minds as well as an UndocuAlly trainer for Mason Dreamers. Additionally, I worked as both a Resident Advisor and Head Resident Advisor for Housing and Residence Life during my sophomore and junior years respectively.  

 What are your plans after graduation? 

After I graduate, I will transition to a full-time position at the National Alliance on Mental Illness working as a Senior Coordinator for the Internal Strategy and Support department. Moreover, I intend to apply to graduate school within the next 1-2 years, I’ve decided to take a break from my studies while I explore potential career routes.   

What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student?  

My favorite memories in CEHD would be taking Dr. Bethany Letiecq’s HDFS 300 and HDFS 401 courses. Learning from Dr. Letiecq was a meaningful experience for me, her passion and expertise powerfully lead each lecture and I intend on taking the knowledge I gained from her classes into my future professional career.  

What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially to those that are not graduating yet)? 

My best advice would be to refine your time management skills, get involved in organizations that interest you and practice self-compassion. Throughout my time at Mason, I consistently used a planner to keep track of my assignments and major projects—this tool helped me stay ahead of my academic responsibilities and enabled me to take on additional roles through Mason organizations. My involvement in organizations such as Mason Dreamers and Housing and Residence Life introduced me to the wonderful people I call my friends and enabled me to develop skills that I can carry into my academic and professional endeavors. Finally, the power in self-compassion will prove to be significant, especially when you inevitably make mistakes. Life will not always go as planned; you are bound to make mistakes and that completely is okay. During these tough times, it is important to extend much needed warmth and understanding to yourself in order to alleviate the negative feelings you may be experiencing. In turn, this practice will allow you to develop healthy coping mechanisms and practice compassion with your peers, friends and family.  

 Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? 

I am a first-generation student—graduating this semester is a major feat in my life. I am extremely thankful to my parents for making this accomplishment possible. I am also thankful to Dr. Susan Burns for believing in my ability to succeed in the HDFS program—your support has proved to be invaluable to my academic success.  

 

 

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in the PhD in Education program have selected Jennifer Mischel for their Outstanding Dissertation Award. Congratulations, Jenny!

Q & A with Outstanding Dissertation Award winner, Jenny Mischel:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of?  

I’m most proud of winning 3rd place in the 3MT competition at George Mason University in 2019. 

What organizations/affiliations have you been involved with while at Mason?  

American Psychological Association (APA), Association for Psychological Science (APS), American Educational Research Association (AERA), International Bullying Prevention Association (IBPA), Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD),Claire Ellen Weinstein Mentorship Program, Golden Key Honor Society, Payton’s Project 

What are your plans after graduation?  

I am currently a Visiting Assistant Professor at Washington and Lee University and I hope to continue a career in academia while continuing to research perspectives of bullying/cyberbullying behavior.  

What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student?  

The friendships I developed with those within my cohort, and professors in the College of Education and Human Development, made all the difference. Not only did they provide much needed encouragement throughout the doctoral process, but I made life-long friends that I feel I can reach out to for both emotional and academic support. In addition, I had an amazing advisor and dissertation chair, Dr. Anastasia Kitsantas who, in addition to providing on-going support throughout the entire process, reminded me to write every day.  

What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially those that are not graduating yet)?   

At our introductory doctoral meeting, one of the professors within our program (Dr. Peters-Burton) shared with us to, “Keep your eye on the nugget.” It was a phrase I have said to myself many times and now share with others.  

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?  

You can do anything you set your mind to.  

  

 

 

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in Special Education have selected Madeline Kaplow as their Outstanding Student in Special Education (Autism Certificate). Congratulations, Madeline!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Special Education (Autism Certificate), Madeline Kaplow:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of?  

So much of my day-to-day as a Special Education teacher involves collaboration and this program was no different. I am proud to have consistently reached out to facilitate greater understandings of the work I was doing in conjunction with what I was learning.    

What are your plans after graduation? 

After graduation I am excited to share that I will be working as the Director of Special Education at high school in New Orleans where I have been formally working as a Special Education teacher. 

What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student? 

I was super worried that because of its online format, I wouldn’t have the feeling of a “real” academic experience. I was so wrong. Being a CEHD student meant that I had a team of professors who had my back far beyond the semester or two we spent together. Additionally, working alongside passionate, motivated and brilliant learners in my cohort made me feel like each week I was experiencing a new practicum.  

What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially those that are not graduating yet)? 

This is hard! Not only is the program challenging but the work we do is hard. Be gentle with yourself in acknowledging this and stay student-focused. When the going got tough, it only took about one second of thinking about a student to get me back on track. The more we know, the better work we do.  

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? 

I am so lucky to have found a career that I truly love. After graduation I am also going to have my French Bulldog certified as a therapy dog so I can bring him into my classroom and to nursing homes, hospitals and in-patient facilities. 

 

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in Special Education have selected Kittie Cooper as their Outstanding Student in Special Education (Visual Impairment Certificate). Congratulations, Kittie!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Special Education (Visual Impairment Certificate), Kittie Cooper:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of?  

Managing to finish a master’s degree while also having a full-time teaching job! 

What organizations/affiliations have you been involved with while at Mason?  

My program is through the Visual Impairment Consortium, and I’ve made some valuable connections through meeting and talking to other students and TVIs (Teachers of the Visually Impaired) in the consortium.    

What are your plans after graduation?  

I teach music at Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, so I’m going to continue doing that but now with a master’s and a full teaching certificate! 

What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student?  

I took a summer course in Orientation and Mobility (O&M) on campus with Dr. Kim Avila last summer. We learned about how to support O&M instruction as TVIs and learned some O&M concepts and techniques. I’m mostly an online student, so it was wonderful to finally meet everyone in person and to get to know the GMU campus and Fairfax! 

What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students (especially those that are not graduating yet)?   

I got my start in special education because I signed up for a student group in undergrad called AMASE (Academy of Music and Arts for Special Education) on a whim. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things!  

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?  

I found it really wonderful to be in a program where I could connect the content I learned with real-life teaching. Many thanks to all the GMU professors and advisors for helping me do so, and for helping me achieve a balance between work and school so I could be successful.  

 

 

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

This year, faculty in the Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Exceptional Learners (TCLDEL) program have selected Ailsa Liu as their Outstanding Student in Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Exceptional Learners (International Elementary). Congratulations, Ailsa!

Q & A with Outstanding Student in Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Exceptional Learners (International Elementary), Ailsa Liu:

What academic accomplishment are most proud of? 

I am most proud of completing a M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction while working full-time and raising three children. 

What are your plans after graduation?  

After graduation, I plan to teach second grade at an international school in Singapore. 

What is your favorite memory in CEHD or your favorite part of being a CEHD student? 

My favorite part of being a CEHD student are the opportunities I’ve had to interact and collaborate with colleagues and professors that have helped me tremendously along the way. 

What advice do you have for current CEHD students? 

The TCLDEL program at George Mason truly equips and prepares you for the classroom and beyond.  Definitely take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and experience the professors offer in all your courses. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela 

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself? 

As someone who started a second career very late, I would say there’s always time to find a profession you love.  I started out as a consultant, worked for a mutual fund company, stayed at home with my children and then started my masters program.  Like I said, it’s never too late to start again.