Celebrating our first cohort of graduates from the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Counselling Psychology, School Psychology field program this Spring!
We are honoured to celebrate three very special graduates this Spring who successfully defended their Dissertation in Practice (DiP) in the Counselling Psychology, Doctor of Education program in the NEW School Psychology Field!
Having started this new program in the midst of the pandemic - Fall of 2020, each of these graduates had an interesting journey and we are so proud to celebrate them as the first graduates from the Counselling Psychology (School Psychology), Doctor of Education program.
We learn more about each of them, their DiP's and where they plan to go from here.
Angèle C. Desbois-Ramsden
What your DiP topics were and a bit on why you chose this:
My DiP title is: "Mental Health Literacy in Educational Practice: A Qualitative Study Exploring New Elementary Teachers’ Reasoning when Identifying Students with Mental Health Concerns and Choice-Making in Supporting Referrals." This study emphasized the crucial role of teachers in the early identification of student mental health problems, advocating for the integration of mental health literacy into teacher training. Drawing on my experience as a school psychologist, my research was driven by a profound dedication to support novice educators in navigating the complex landscape of mental health within educational contexts.
How has the DiP impacted your career/career growth?
The dissertation in practice has contributed to my career development by offering valuable networking opportunities with other researchers across Canada and enabling me to learn from field experts. It has significantly enhanced my skills and knowledge in the areas of teacher training and mental health literacy. My participation in research at the University of Toronto and with research teams elsewhere has underscored my dedication to advancing practices in this vital field.
What next?
Currently serving as a school psychologist within an Ottawa school board, I am dedicated to fostering mental health through support, prevention, and intervention by engaging in consultation and collaborative efforts. Looking to the future, I plan to redirect my efforts towards supporting initiatives focused on addressing the shortage of school psychologists. As a student in the new EdD (School Psychology Field) program, which aims to address this shortage, I am committed to advocating for professionals seeking to enhance their academic and practical preparedness in the field of school psychology.
Diane Anderson
What your DiP topics were and a bit on why you chose this:
For my DiP, I conducted a qualitative case study to explore the knowledge, perceptions, and practice of self-advocacy for students with Learning Disabilities (LD) during the transition to high school. I chose this topic based on my professional experience and work with students with LD, and their families, who often faced barriers in becoming actively involved in their learning goals. Research has determined that students with LD benefit from direct instruction of self-advocacy, but opportunities to learn and practice these skills are rarely offered before Grade 9. My findings highlighted the importance of promoting self-advocacy earlier to assist with the high school transition, and supported the need for a true collaboration between students, their parents, and their school team.
How has the DiP impacted your career/career growth?
The DiP research process and findings have directly informed my ongoing clinical work in supporting a successful transition to high school for all students with disabilities. I have a renewed interest in promoting self-advocacy intervention, student-led transition meetings, and inclusive school climates, as well as capacity-building for educators and support for families. I plan to continue to collaborate with school teams and families within my school board, as well as advocacy organizations, about the best ways to work toward changes in educational practices.
What next?
I am currently employed as a Psychometrist at the Durham District School Board. For the future, I plan to apply for Supervised Practice through the College of Psychologists of Ontario, in order to become a registered Psychologist in the areas of School and Counselling Psychology. This will support my continued work within schools, with the possibility for career growth, and the opportunity to engage in autonomous practice. The practical and research experience offered through the EdD program has enhanced my clinical skills in assessment, counselling, and leadership, and provided inspiration and confidence for my future in this important field.
Chantelle Quesnelle
What your DiP topics were and a bit on why you chose this:
My dissertation in practice focused on student voice and system-level school mental health initiatives. As a school psychologist and system leader I facilitated a youth participatory action research project with a group of secondary student researchers from across the school district in order to inform student mental health initiatives. After the project was completed and recommendations were made by the student researchers to system leaders, the students reflected on their experience. The system leaders who heard the recommendations from the student researchers also reflected on their experience hearing student voice through this process. This data was used to create a case study of youth participatory action research at a school system level focused on student mental health.
How has the DiP impacted your career/career growth?
After the initial case study project, I continued to facilitate system-level youth participatory action research projects to enhance this pathway for student voice in my school board. The second iteration of this project was in partnership with our Continuing Education department. The third iteration of the project is currently underway with a University partnership. As the Mental Health Lead at my school board I have also consulted with School Mental Health Ontario and the recent launch of their Student Engagement Toolkit.
What next?
I am currently the Mental Health Lead at the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, and I look forward to continuing my work in mental health promotion, prevention and intervention while ensuring multiple pathways for students to have direct communication, leadership, and influence over our school boards mental health initiatives.
