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The award also will support research on theperceptions of training needs and researchgaps of those providing mental health supportfor regional military personnel and theirfamilies. Assisting them are undergraduatepsychology major Rachel Fish, and psychologygraduate students David Anchin (MAPsychology Program), Diane Grimaldi,Meredith Johnson, and Jaymie Lowitt (MSMental Health Counseling Program. TheConference also was supported by an awardfrom the SUNY New Paltz Campus AuxiliaryServices.When not working, Dr. Raskin spends a lot oftime chauffeuring his daughters Ari (12) andNoa (7) back and forth to ballet, gymnastics,and music classes.SPOTLIGHT: CurriculumEvolutionary Studies (EvoS):A New Interdisciplinary MinorLast year marked the launching of theuniversity’s interdisciplinary EvolutionaryStudies (EvoS) program, which offers anundergraduate minor. This program is directedby psychology faculty member Glenn Geher,known for his passion for evolutionarypsychology (still!). This program includescourses from psychology (such as evolutionarypsychology, infancy and childhood, and socialpsychology) as well as courses from severalother areas that highlight principles related toevolutionary theory (such as anthropology,biology, and geology).Dr. Jonathan Raskin (joined the faculty in1996)Dr. Jonathan Raskin continues to do researchin the area of constructivist psychology. His coedited book with Dr. Sara Bridges, Studies inMeaning 3: Constructivist Psychotherapy in theReal World, was published in January 2008.Constructivist psychotherapy remainssomewhat unfamiliar to many clinicians,despite offering a variety of innovative andpractical therapeutic approaches andtechniques. In "Studies in Meaning 3,"constructivist psychology is presented as itrelates to everyday practice. The chaptersprovide many examples of what constructivistpsychotherapy looks like in the real world,showing how one can make the transition fromconstructivist theory to constructivist practicewith ease. The chapters explain basicconstructivist therapy concepts and thendemonstrate them with vivid case examplestaken from applied experience in the field.During its first year, this program attractedmore than 20 students to declare the minor–and we are confident in the future growth ofthis program. The centerpiece of the EvoSprogram is the EvoS seminar series, whichpresents speakers on various topics related toevolution. Last year marked the first offering ofthis series and, by all accounts, it started offwith a bang. For instance, we hostedevolutionary psychologist Rebecca Burch ofOswego who spoke on her work dealing withthe psychological effects of seminal fluid –awell attended and highly stimulating talk,indeed. All of these presentations are free andopen to the public – and we encourage all ouralumni to attend. In 2009 (Darwin’s BiCentennial), the EvoS Program will hostGordon Gallup (of Albany) who will speak onthe evolutionary biology of physical attraction(in addition to several others). See:www.newpaltz.edu/evos for more information(or contact Glenn at: [email protected]).In addition to this book, Dr. Raskin has a 2008article in the Journal of ConstructivistPsychology examining the relationshipbetween evolutionary epistemology andconstructivism. He will be presented papers atthe New York Mental Health CounselorsAssociation conference in April, theConstructivist Psychology Network conferencein June, and he will present at the AmericanPsychological Association convention inAugust.Page 4

I better get educated; to do that I took one course –Introduction to Psychology – at C.W. Post Collegein Nassau County. I still remember the name of theprofessor – Dr. Appel – who taught that coursesince it turned out to be a key turning point in mylife. I ended up getting an “A” in that course andmore importantly – for some reason – I also figuredout what I needed to do to succeed in college-levelcoursework. And, by the way, it was then I decidedto become a Psychology major.SPOTLIGHT: Alumni1970sGerry Dizinno (B.S. Class of 1970)([email protected])Attended SUNY New Paltz: Fall 1964 throughSummer 1971Attended one year of graduate school inPsychology at SUNY New PaltzM.S. Psychology Florida State University(1977)Ph.D. Experimental Psychology Florida StateUniversity (1983)I was readmitted to New Paltz as a Psychologymajor and was fortunate to have, as my firstinstructor, Dr. David Morse. Dave eventuallybecame my first mentor – and if it wasn’t for himand other New Paltz Psychology professors I wouldnever have even imagined I could succeed beyondundergraduate school. Another professor who hadan important influence on me was Dr. Don Schiff;I’ve had many other statistics instructors since Donin my life, and he still stands out as the best.Without his help and guidance, I would never havesucceeded in graduate statistics courses. Myteaching responsibilities since I started as a collegeinstructor have always included statistics –introductory through advanced/multivariate – and Istill, to this day, “plagiarize” Don’s methods andexplanations! Two other faculty members who I willalways remember and thank – more for theirpersonal support than anything else – are Drs.Mark Sherman and Bob Nye.I came to graduate school at Florida StateUniversity in what was then known as theBiopsychology program within the PsychologyDepartment. My research interests and affiliationswere initially within “animal behavior,” but morespecifically on animal communications and theintersection of endocrine systems with chemicaland auditory communications in mice. My interestsexpanded in graduate school to include humanEvolutionary Psychology with the publication of E.O. Wilson’s “Sociobiology” – it became my mainfocus. Ultimately, after working for a while teachingPsychology at a few schools, I finished mydissertation in 1983 – a cross-cultural study lookingat the relationship of ecological and populationvariables on the incidence of male homosexualbehavior. I moved with my wife to New Mexicowhere she had a full-time position at UNM.When I first got to New Paltz I was a fairly directionless 18 year old who had never spent even a fewweeks of the summer away from home; not even atsummer camp! In addition, in High School(Hicksville, Long Island) I had always “coasted” onmy basic abilities, focusing more on my social lifeand extra-curricular activities than class work. Inaddition, as is the focus of a number of studies offactors inhibiting college success, I was a “firstgeneration” college student. New Paltz, being notquite as selective as it is now, was the only fouryear college to accept me. I was in for somesurprises.The first surprise was that it was not possible to usemy old strategies at academic “success.” To makea long story short, following my sophomore year Iwas not invited back for a junior year! Yes, I was aflunk-out; now I had to get a job. My jobs involvedselling encyclopedias door-to-door, and working ina potato chip distribution facility doing inventory.Needless to say, after about one year I realized thatPage 5

Unfortunately, my research career had to be putaside because we needed two full-time salaries.Here my training in statistics and methodology,which started at New Paltz, served me well – I’veworked in those fields now for over 20 years andcurrently I am the Associate Vice Provost forInstitutional Research at The University of Texas atSan Antonio. I am also a tenured associateprofessor in the Educational Leadership & PolicyStudies department, which has an emphasis inhigher education administration. I am often calledupon as a consultant by other universities and byaccrediting bodies to contribute to their needs inbuilding systems of effectiveness and assessment.1980sJoel NeumanIt’s been a long road since I started at New Paltz in1964 – but I hope that the current group of studentsare being served as well as I was when I became aPsychology major. And, I hope that there remains acore number of faculty members with the samelevel of dedication as those I was fortunate enoughto encounter. Without New Paltz and those facultymembers, I’d still be selling encyclopedias!BA: Class of December 1984 (SUNY NewPaltz)MA: Class of August 1986 (SUNY New Paltz)PhD: May 1990 (SUNY Albany)[email protected])Associate Professor of Management &Organizational Behaviorand Director of the Center for AppliedManagement, School of BusinessSUNY New PaltzRobin Cohen-La Valle, LMHC (B.A. Class of1977 and M.A. Class of 1982)([email protected])Associate Dean of Students, SUNY New PaltzMy time in both undergraduate and graduatepsychology programs at New Paltz had a dramatic(and very positive) impact on professional life. As anon-traditional (older) student, I had 12 years ofmanagement experience in the private-sector priorto entering the program. My psychology courses atNew Paltz emphasized both theory and practice,which appealed to my academic and appliedinterests. My studies and on-going conversationswith New Paltz faculty shaped my decision tocombine my business experience with my love ofpsychology. As a result, my research, consulting,and teaching interests involve the application of theprinciples and findings of psychology to behaviorsin work settings. In short, my time at New Paltz wasinstrumental in shaping my career decisions and Ihave been extremely happy with the results.My experience in the Psychology Department atNew Paltz shaped much of my professional career.Close contact with faculty modeled much of what Istrive to provide those I have mentored over theyears: collaboration, enthusiasm about researchand a healthy perspective on 'data', counselingskills, and relationships in organizations. Beingexposed as a generalist to social, clinical, cognitiveand behavioral psych, as well as 'perception',opened avenues for me to craft work settingswhere I could apply my experience to addresshuman needs, assess perceptions anddevelopment, and consequently inform social andbehavioral choices students make during thecollege years.Page 6

Currently, I have my own consulting business,which now gives me the pleasure of working in theindustry I have loved yet having the autonomy Ihave craved. My understanding of individuals andgroup dynamics was cultivated through my studiesand, on a daily basis, helped me navigate mycareer. I have had the good fortune of working withmany great artists whose personalities were socomplex and interesting that while I was not"practicing" psychology as a profession, I had tohave a psychological awareness andunderstanding, and flexibility, to be good at my job.Now, as a consultant in the NewMedia/entertainment world, that is even more-so. Ihave realized that no matter what occupation I havechosen, it's all a psychological mine field and that iswhat makes everyday interesting. I still use andvalue many of the lessons learned during class andin the field work required to attain my M.A. I havealways been very grateful for that personalaccomplishment.Marda Reid BA: Class of 1986 and MA Classof 1989Assistant Vice President for Human Resourcesat SUNY New Paltz.The most important things I learned while I wasstudent were how to do complex statistical analysisand how to write creatively about any topic—eventhe real rats in the JFT animal lab! (I guess thatgives away my age!)I remained at SUNY New Paltz after my MA degreebecause I love the people--we absolutely have thebest faculty, professional faculty, and students. My18 years of employment have allowed me to utilizemy industrial psychology background and haveafforded me the opportunity to work with allconstituencies. I have been a teaching assistant,adjunct lecturer, assistant to the vice president foradministration, executive assistant to the provost,and director of human resources until December2007 when I received my current position1990sJanet Stampler Froio (M.A. Class of Dec1991)When I decided to attend SUNY New Paltz for anM.A. in Psychology, I had originally intended to goon for my Ph.D. and have a career directly in thefield. As life would have it, plans did not go that waybut I finished my Master's and loved my education.I decided I needed time off before committing toany further school and moved into NYC to work andcontemplate other options. I had always lovedmusic and decided to try and work in the musicbusiness before taking the last dive into graduateschool. Well, that attempt to work in the musicbusiness has lasted through today, many yearslater. Surprisingly, and much to my satisfaction, Ihave never felt that I wasted my education bymaking this choice. I have spent the 15 years in themusic industry with the last 7 years as a VP of NewMedia/Digital Sales at Atlantic Records.Page 7

Catherine Kelly (M.A Class of 1992)([email protected])Assistant Professor of Nursing, SUNY NewPaltzMichelle Warfield (M.A. Class of 1995)(warfield [email protected])I am currently working as a clinical and forensicpsychologist at California State Prison Sacramento,located in Folsom, California. It is a Level 4 prisonfor any of you interested in prison settings, and theplace for mentally disturbed and anti-socialcriminals. My psychology career has includedworking in prison systems in different states:Kansas, Colorado, New York, and California sinceMay, 2002 when I earned my PhD in ClinicalPsychology. I received my Bachelor of Arts inPsychology at SUNY Albany in December, 1987,and my Masters in Counseling Psychology atSUNY New Paltz in December, 1995; andsubsequently obtained an additional Master’sDegree in Clinical Psychology and a doctoraldegree in Clinical Psychology: all of these degreeswhile working around my priority, my two children.And I have never regretted one moment of how Icompleted my education. While my professionalwork has included a satisfying clinical privatepractice including psychotherapy, assessment,testing, and evaluation, my forensic work remainschallenging and rewarding as well.PhD, Nursing, 1999, Adelphi University,Garden City, N.Y. 11530MA, Psychology, 1992, State University of NewYork at New Paltz, New Paltz, NYMSN, Critical Care Nurse Practitioner, 1983,State University of New York at Stony Brook,Stony Brook, NY 11794BSN, 1978, State University of New York atStony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794AS, Science and English, 1976, Suffolk CountyCommunity College, Selden, NY 11776LPN, 1973, Harry B. Ward Vocational School,Riverhead, NY 11901The knowledge and skills I learned as a MA studentin Psychology, in addition to a MS in Nursing, atNew Paltz enabled me to provide better care for thepatients and communities I worked with as a nurse.I was able to work more effectively with EmergencyCare providers during times of crisis, developedresponse teams, and designed programs to helpprevent chronic stress for health care providers. Inaddition, the psychology program greatly enhancedmy writing and research abilities. These skillshelped me to complete a PhD in nursing and writegrants. All of these skills assist me with teachingnursing students at New Paltz.SUNY New Paltz prepared me for my role as ascientist / practitioner beginning with qualityresearch coursework, and supervised experience inconducting psychotherapy at the SUNY New PaltzCounseling Center, an amazing combination,offering an opportunity to excel in the scientist /practitioner model. SUNY New Paltz set thefoundation for me to become a competent andethical clinical, and later, forensic, psychologist. Atone point in my ever growing career as a clinicalpsychologist, I had the opportunity to work at theSUNY New Paltz Counseling Center in aprofessional capacity as well. Please feel free tocontact me about my education at SUNY NewPaltz, and my subsequent academic and workexperience at my e-mail address. I wish you thevery best in all of your academic and professionalendeavors.Page 8

Andrew Lehr (B.A. Class of 2002 and M.A.Class of 2004) ([email protected])2000sSarah B. Asmussen (B. A. Class 2000)([email protected])I am currently working as a Registered Nurse on aSpecialized Neurology, Medical-Surgical Unit atWhite Plains Hospital Center. After leaving highschool, to attend SUNY New Paltz, I had little ideaof what would become of the rest of my life. Luckily,with the help of a few key professors, including Dr.Geher, I began to spend more time learning.Ultimately I received a Bachelors degree inPsychology in 2002. With a growing interest in notonly Psychology, but also research, I went on toachieve a Master’s degree in ExperimentalPsychology from SUNY New Paltz in 2004. Fromthis point, my direction seemed pretty clear. Iintended to continue my education in Psychologyand eventually receive a Doctoral degree, though afamily crisis would soon intervene.Soon after finishing my Masters degree and movinghome, my mother tragically and suddenly passedaway. My role as primary caretaker for mygrandmother became clear, which would ultimatelycause my career to be put on the back burner. Thiswas a tough time in my life, but a very meaningfulone. I then took a job as a Mental Health Worker atNew York Presbyterian Hospital in Westchester,which is a Psychiatric Facility. After working for 2years, I decided that I needed to look onward.I graduated last June with a Ph.D. in ClinicalPsychology from Pacific Graduate School ofPsychology (PGSP-Stanford Affiliate in Palo Alto,CA). Last year I was on internship in Tampa at theVA Medical Center. I worked with 20-30 y/o menand women coming back with spinal cord injuriesand/or head trauma from Iraq, suicidal children andadolescents, burn victims, and in-patients.While caring for patients on a day-to-day basis, Ilearned that what had initially driven me into thefield of Psychology was the prospect of helpingpeople. With the aid of some much needed fundingthrough my job; I went on to complete a secondBachelors degree, this time, in the area of Nursing,from Pace University - Pleasantville. While themedical field is a new prospect for me, verydifferent from the theoretical world that I was soaccustomed to, it will certainly be another learningexperience. Although my current job entails workingin the medical field, I have found that myknowledge and experience in the area ofPsychology has certainly helped. My abilities tointeract and therapeutically communicate withpatients would not be possible without myPsychology background.Now I'm further specializing in neuropsychology. Iwork with neurologists and neurosurgeons at theBNI (Barrow Neurological Institute) in Phoenix,Arizona. My primary focus now is understandingpatients with epileptic and non-epileptic seizures("pseudo-seizures," a.k.a. psychiatric seizures). Ihelp decide whether the patients with seizures goon to surgery.I recall Experimental Psychology quite vividly. Ihave to say that the course content andintroduction to SPSS really helped me when I firststarted graduate school. In general, my SUNY NewPaltz Psychology degree has been useful, despitemany people asking me where and what SUNYNew Paltz is. In fact, I found that many of my fellowStanford graduate colleagues had less experience,knowledge, and useful coursework.I owe much of my success in the job world to theeducation and knowledge bestowed upon me fromthe numerous excellent teachers that I came acrosswhile attending New Paltz. If anyone is interested inthe nursing field or any of the areas I talked aboutfeel free to email me.Page 9

My final two years at SUNY provided me thenecessary tools to succeed in grad school.However, while my grades and my interest in thecourse material remained high, I began to questionmy desire to work in the world of politics. I found mywork in Human Services to be much morerewarding and it seemed very natural to me. Idecided to hold off on law school and worked inHuman Services for two more years following thecompletion of my studies at Northeastern. I waspromoted to Project Director after 2 years and feltthat I had hit a professional and financial ceiling.For this reason I recently took on a position ofAccount Manager/ Recruiter for a Boston area ITStaffing Firm. The money is much better and Icould not work for a better organization.Benjamin Rickard (B.A. Class of 2003)([email protected])I will always look back at my time at SUNY NewPaltz as a period of great personal and intellectualgrowth. My SUNY experience extended over 5years, which included a brief hiatus that allowed meto refocus on my studies. When I returned to SUNYI sought out a strong support network andimmersed myself in my school work. The schoolwas flexible and accommodating in helping meachieve my educational goals. Further, many of myprofessors, most notably Dr. Glenn Geher, seemedsincerely interested in my success and oftenvolunteered free time in helping me. With thissupport and my renewed educational ambition Iwas able to raise my GPA 1.5 points over my final 2years and I was accepted into NortheasternUniversity's MA in Political Science program. Myintention was to complete the program andsubsequently attend law school with the ultimategoal of going into politics.I moved to Boston in 2003 and prepared myself tosettle in for at least five more years of school. Iimmediately found work as a job coach for adultswith mental retardation and started graduate schoola few months later.SUNY New Paltz will always be special to mebecause it marked a turning point in my life. Thepeople that I met and the knowledge that I gainedthere have unquestionably had a profound impacton my career and personal life.Karla Vermeulen (M.A. Class of 2005)([email protected])When I came to SUNY New Paltz in 2003 to begina Masters in general psychology, I'd been out ofcollege and working for more than a decade and Iwas very unsure if I was making the right decisionin returning to school. I wondered if I'd be able tohandle graduate-level academic work, and Iwondered if I was crazy to give up a well-paying(but unsatisfying) job. But I quickly realized

([email protected] ) Attended SUNY New Paltz: Fall 1964 through Summer 1971 Attended one year of graduate school in Psychology at SUNY New Paltz M.S. Psychology Florida State University (1977) Ph.D. Experimental Psychology Florida State University (1983) When I first got to New Paltz I was a fairly direction-