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Profiles of Current Students and Alumni

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Diana Kendall Davis

Program of Study:

Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling

Year of Graduation:

2008

Hometown:

Army, USA

Previous Education:

Bachelor of Arts - Major in Psychology;
Minor in Criminal Justice Administration From:
Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri

Previous Work Experience.:

-Campus Safety Officer (police cadet) - 1 year
(Columbia, Missouri)
-Client Contact Specialist of First Command Financial Planning - 1 year (St. Robert Missouri)
-Substitute Teacher - 2 years (Waynesville, Missouri)
-Secretary - 1.5 years (Catskill, New York)

Career Goals:

My current career goals are somewhat wide. I enjoy working with children and adolescents with various emotional and behavioral disorders. I believe the younger individuals in the mental health field can reach people who need our people, the sooner those in need can begin to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. I am very interested in crisis/trauma work with all ages. I also have a special place in my heart for members of law enforcement. I believe my diverse life experiences and education provide me with the ability to work with a variety of clients. Presently, I am interested in working within an agency where I can be around and learn from other mental health professionals. I find Astor to be an unbelievable learning environment. Working for Astor would be a blessing.

Why did you choose Marist?

Marist provided me with a program that most closely matched my future goals. Completing the application process was a pleasant experience. I felt very comfortable with those individuals I met. I really felt like I could learn something here.

How do you balance school demands with work and/or family life?

I don't know if I would use the word "balance." I certainly think there are necessary sacrifices when undertaking a challenge such as graduate school. Two main factors make graduate school. First, I have the most incredibly supportive and understanding husband in the world. He is not just a consistent source of encouragement and strength, but he helps me keep up with the regular responsibilities of living. He has willingly made sacrifices and taken on tasks to help me reach my goals. The second factor would have to be time management. I have to sit down at the beginning of every semester and map out when I'll be working on papers, studying for tests, going to school, going to work, and yes, spending time with my family. I schedule time for my husband and "kids" (I have two dogs) because being with them is how I take care of myself. After all, if I don't take time to enjoy life, then there is no reason to push myself so hard! It also helps to have a somewhat flexible work schedule.

What do you like best about your program at Marist?

The program itself is probably the most appealing aspect. The Master's in MHC is set up so graduates are as ready as possible to take the next steps for licensing. There are also certain professors I find especially inspiring. It makes learning far easier and far more fascinating with the instructor is genuinely interested in teaching the students. Thank you Dr. Tsoubris, Dr. Walsh, and Dr. Scileppi.

Tell us a little bit about your internship experience.

I have the best internship a student could ask for. I have a great supervisor who is always available and interested in helping me better myself. I work with a group of clinicians that love the work and genuinely want to help those they serve. The whole environment is primed for molding a quality counselor. Plus, I have my own office. Who wouldn't like that?