Mrs. Brown’s Advanced Psychology class had a special visitor join them via Skype all the way from Honolulu, Hawaii recently. On Wednesday, February 12, alumna Jodie Gerson ’91, a clinical psychologist, family therapist, and certified trauma expert, called in to speak to the students and answer questions about careers in Psychology, her own expertise, and her life after SKS.

Jodie is a Certified Expert Trauma Professional and has worked in the field for over 24 years. Her work experience with adults, adolescents, and children includes assistance and intervention with the homeless, individuals with mental illness, minors in foster care, forensics, youth parole, and persons with HIV/AIDS. She also specializes in art therapy. “The class has been learning about developmental psychology related to parenting styles, environmental factors, and biological disposition,” explained Mrs. Brown. “These are some of Ms. Gerson’s areas of expertise, so we were very excited to collaborate with her.”

 

 

The students listened intently and asked many insightful questions as Jodie talked about specific examples from her career. For example, senior Huanran Dorothy Mao, a talented student-artist, inquired about her own predisposition for the arts from the developmental perspective. Another senior, Myles DeBrecourt, was interested in how professionals in the field cope with the stress of helping others who sometimes have very significant issues. Other students inquired about Jodie’s time in college and asked for guidance on career paths they could follow in college and beyond.

“It was a very interactive session and I think it definitely benefited the class. Not only did it relate to our current class materials and make them more engaging, but it also served to get some of the quieter students to be active participants in their learning,” explained Mrs. Brown after class. “Jodie also offered to stay in touch with any students who may have questions in the future. On behalf of the entire class, I want to thank Jodie for generously volunteering her time and sharing her valuable experience with us.”