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  • Combined Counseling/School Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy

For PhD Program Information, please contact:

Robert A. Horn, PhD Associate Doctoral Training Director

Email: Dr. Robert A. Horn


Department of Educational Psychology

Email:
eps​@nau.edu
Call:
928-523-7103
Get Application Information

Meet the PhD Combined Counseling-School Psychology Program faculty at the Information Open House

Click for Dates and Details


Handbooks

Please refer to the Doctoral Student Handbook and the Combined Doctoral Program Practicum Handbook for more information.
2023-2024 Student Admission Outcomes and Other Data

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Future students

Visit the College of Education's Future Students page to get helpful links for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Programs of Study

For a complete listing of all programs of study, please visit the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies Programs of Study page.


Combined Counseling/School Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy

This plan prepares students to function as well-rounded generalists with a strong foundation in both counseling psychology and school psychology. Students engage in substantive training utilizing a scientist-practitioner model integrating psychological theory, research, and practice. The combined approach promotes the optimal development of individuals, families, groups, and environmental systems using empirically supported, culturally sensitive interventions that include assessment and diagnosis, interdisciplinary teamwork, relatively brief intervention approaches, prevention, consultation, outcome evaluation, career-development, and ethical decision-making,  in a broad array of settings including schools, universities, integrated healthcare, community mental health, correctional facilities, and independent practice. We believe that this core is best realized using a scientist-practitioner training model that includes a systematic analysis of human behavior, careful applications of best practice, and a methodical evaluation of the effectiveness of these applications.

The program is organized to emphasize general preparation as counseling/school psychologists through:

  • integration of theory, research, and practice of health service psychology
  • ethical decision making and commitment to professional standards of practice
  • multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills with particular emphasis on working with peoples in the rural, Southwestern United States (e.g. American Indians, Latinas/os)
  • application of  health service psychology theory, research, and practice concepts in training, supervision, and consultation

This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

This program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)

  • Degree Info Tab Open

  • Requirements Tab Open

  • Overview Tab Closed

  • Details Tab Closed

  • Availability Tab Closed

Requirements Accordion Open

  • To receive a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses, from one or more disciplines, ranging from at least 60 - 109 units of graduate-level courses. Most plans require research, a dissertation, and comprehensive exams. All plans have residency requirements regarding time spent on the Flagstaff campus engaged in full-time study.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

Overview Accordion Closed

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.
  • At least three years of full-time equivalent coursework beyond the master's degree
  • Two consecutive semesters (Fall and Spring) of full-time residency
  • The completion of a one-year internship
Minimum Units for Completion122
Additional Admission RequirementsRequired
Dissertation

Dissertation is required.

Comprehensive ExamComprehensive Exam is required.
Oral DefenseOral Defense is required.
Fieldwork Experience/InternshipRequired
ResearchIndividualized research is required.
Licensure

This program may lead to licensure.

Purpose Statement

This plan prepares students to function as well-rounded generalists with a strong foundation in both counseling psychology and school psychology. Students engage in substantive training utilizing a scientist-practitioner model integrating psychological theory, research, and practice. The combined approach promotes the optimal development of individuals, families, groups, and environmental ...systems using empirically supported, culturally sensitive interventions that include assessment and diagnosis, interdisciplinary teamwork, relatively brief intervention approaches, prevention, consultation, outcome evaluation, career-development, and ethical decision-making,  in a broad array of settings including schools, universities, integrated healthcare, community mental health, correctional facilities, and independent practice. We believe that this core is best realized using a scientist-practitioner training model that includes a systematic analysis of human behavior, careful applications of best practice, and a methodical evaluation of the effectiveness of these applications.
 
The program is organized to emphasize general preparation as counseling/school psychologists through:

  • integration of theory, research, and practice of health service psychology
  • ethical decision making and commitment to professional standards of practice
  • multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills with particular emphasis on working with peoples in the rural, Southwestern United States (e.g. American Indians, Latinas/os)
  • application of  health service psychology theory, research, and practice concepts in training, supervision, and consultation


Student Learning Outcomes

  • Graduates will demonstrate ethical behavior and a commitment to professional standards of practice, including multicultural awareness, knowledge, skills, and social justice principles:
    • graduates will demonstrate ethical behavior that adheres to professional standards and legal guidelines for psychologists.
    • graduates will demonstrate skills in self-assessment of competence and self-care.
    • graduates will demonstrate competent delivery of psychological services to diverse populations, particularly those located in the rural Southwest.
    • graduates will demonstrate effective social justice advocacy methods.
  • Graduates will demonstrate entry-level practice skills and strong identity as psychologists.
    • graduates will demonstrate evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and treatment skills.
    • graduates will apply consultation and collaboration skills in interdisciplinary settings, taking into account the unique needs of systems located in the rural Southwest.
    • graduates will demonstrate supervision knowledge and skills.
    • graduates will demonstrate critical thinking about issues and practices central to professional psychology and regularly participate in professional conferences and workshops.
  • Graduates will effectively apply scientific theory and research methods to the practice of Counseling and School Psychology.
    • graduates will apply critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate existing research for use in psychological practice.
    • graduates will demonstrate ability to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment approaches.
    • graduates will generate research that advances the knowledge and practice of psychology.

Details Accordion Closed

Graduate Admission Information
  • The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.

    Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

    International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.

Additional Admission Requirements
  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

    • GRE® revised General Test for applicants with a GPA lower than 3.00.  If you have a cumulative GPA of less than 3.00, you are required to submit official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores on the aptitude portion (verbal and quantitative) of the GRE taken within the past six years. Scores, if applicable, must be received by application deadline for admission consideration.
    • 3 letters of recommendation with at least two from faculty
    • completion of bachelor's degree in psychology, education, or closely-related field prior to enrolling in the program; or a master's degree in counseling or psychology; or educational specialist (Ed.S.) degree in school psychology prior to enrolling in the program
    • responses to specific essay questions
    • interview
    • Note: Students admitted with a bachelor's or master's degree who do not have the prerequisites below will be expected to take these courses early in their programs:
      • Group Counseling/Group Dynamics
        • EPS 661
      • Human or Lifespan Development
        • EPS 580
      • Graduate or upper-level Undergraduate courses:
        • Psychological or Educational Statistics
          • EPS 525
        • Applied Behavior Management
          • EPS 606
        • Research Methods
          • EDR 610
        • Special Education
          • ESE 548
Doctoral Requirements
  • This doctoral degree requires 122 units distributed as follows:

    • Psychological Foundations: 21 units
    • Counseling/School Psychology Specialization: 74 units
    • Research Block: 21 units
    • Electives: 6 units


    Take the following 122 units:

  • Psychological Foundations (21 units)

    • EPS 609, EPS 640, EPS 680, EPS 706, EPS 708,  EPS 712, EPS 723 (21 units)
  • Counseling/School Psychology Specialization (74 units)

    • EPS 590, EPS 601, EPS 604, EPS 607, EPS 620, EPS 621, EPS 622, EPS 660, EPS 664, EPS 669, EPS 670, EPS 673, EPS 674, EPS 675, EPS 678, EPS 681 EPS 690, EPS 692, EPS 737, EPS 738 (63 units)
    • EPS 700 - Internship Preparation (1 unit each taken 3 times for a total of 3 units)
    • Select from the following (6 units):
      • EPS 740 Doctoral Practicum and Supervision in Counseling Psychology (6 units or 3 units plus 3 units of EPS 741)
      • EPS 741 Doctoral Practicum and Supervision in School Psychology (6 units or 3 units plus 3 units of EPS 740).
    • Doctoral Internship (2 units)
      • EPS 796
  • Research Block (21 units)

    • EPS 625, EPS 725, EPS 726, EPS 767 (12 units)
    • EPS 799 for the research, writing, and oral defense of an approved dissertation. Please note that you may end up taking more than the 9 units of dissertation credit you can count toward your degree because you must enroll for it each time while you are working on your dissertation. (9 units)
  • Electives (6 units)

    • Electives selected in consultation with your advisor. (6 units)
Additional Information
  • The necessary coursework for this plan is only available at Northern Arizona University-Flagstaff.

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

  • Program Fee Information
  • Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee has been approved for this program. See program fee details. Program fees are subject to change and updated July 1 for the next academic year.

Availability Accordion Closed

  • Flagstaff

Fall 2026 Admission Application Deadline (application process opens on August 1, 2025):

     - December 1, 2025 (all applications)

     - November 15, 2025 (for Presidential Fellowship consideration)

 

To see the current degree details please view the Catalog.

This program was intentionally designed to lead to licensure or certification in the state of Arizona. For information regarding how the curricular requirements for this degree program align to licensure or certification requirements in other states, see https://nau.edu/compliance-and-authorization/professional-licensure-by-state/.

GRE®️ revised General Test – Applicants with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 are required to submit official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores on the aptitude portion (verbal and quantitative) of the GRE taken within the past six years. Applicants with a cumulative GPA higher than 3.0 have the option to submit GRE scores, if desired.  GRE scores must be received by the application deadline for admission.

Accreditation Status Accordion Closed

Thank you for your interest in our Combined Counseling/School Psychology PhD Program.

This program was previously on “accredited, on contingency” status with an initial accreditation date of April 6, 2017.  At its March 30-April 2, 2022 meeting, the APA Commission on Accreditation (CoA) voted to approve full accreditation of the doctoral Counseling/School Ph.D. program at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, with its next site visit scheduled in 2031.

To view the program's accreditation status, please visit the APA Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation's program search site.

Questions related to the program’s accreditation status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:

American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Phone: 202-336-5979 Web: www.apa.org

Application Deadlines Accordion Closed

Application Deadlines for Educational Psychology (EPS) Programs

 
ProgramSiteApplication deadlinesSemester next cohort begins
PhD Combined Counseling/School PsychologyFlagstaffDecember 1 (all applications)
November 15 (for those wishing to be considered for the Presidential Fellowship)
Fall 2026
EdS School PsychologyFlagstaffJanuary 1Fall 2026
EdS School PsychologyNorth Valley (Phoenix)January 1Fall 2026
MA Clinical Mental Health CounselingFlagstaffJanuary 1Fall 2026
MA Clinical Mental Health CounselingNorth Valley (Phoenix)February 15Fall 2026
MA Clinical Mental Health CounselingTucsonFebruary 15Fall 2026
MA Clinical Mental Health CounselingYumaApril 1Fall 2026
MEd Counseling - School CounselingFlagstaffJanuary 1Fall 2026
MEd Counseling - School CounselingNorth Valley (Phoenix)February 15Fall 2026
MEd Counseling - School CounselingTucsonFebruary 15Fall 2026
MEd Counseling-Student AffairsFlagstaffJanuary 1, (priority deadline)
Fall 2026
M.Ed. Human RelationsOnline & All CampusesRolling Admission
Applied Human BehaviorOnline; Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, South Mountain Community CollegeRolling Admission

Application Process Accordion Closed

This Combined Counseling/School Psychology PhD Program is only offered at NAU's Flagstaff campus.

Admission Deadlines

Completed application files are reviewed, and admission decisions are made during one cycle each year. All application materials must be submitted to the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies online application by the posted application due date to be reviewed for entrance in the subsequent academic year.

***Admission decisions are made by the first week of March and students receive notification of this decision electronically. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that their application file is complete. Incomplete files are not reviewed.

***The Office of the President at NAU has a special initiative to attract outstanding doctoral students with specific research interests. This initiative offers a generous fellowship during the individual’s graduate studies at NAU. Individuals who would like to be considered for this Research Fellowship will be required to apply for the program by November 15th. Applications received by the November 15 date will be reviewed for consideration for this fellowship.

Admission Application Requirements
  • NAU Graduate Online application is required for all programs. Details on admission requirements are included in the online application.
  • GRE®️ revised General Test - Applicants with a cumulative GPA less than 3.0 are required to submit official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores on the aptitude portion (verbal and quantitative) taken within the past six years. Applicants with a cumulative GPA higher than 3.0 have the option to submit GRE scores, if desired. GRE scores must be received by the application deadline for admission.
  • Completion of bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in psychology, education, or closely related field; or a Master’s or Ed.S. degree in Counseling or Psychology
  • Transcripts
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"), or the equivalent.
  • Three electronic recommendation forms with at least two from faculty
  • Responses to specific essay questions
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume
  • Interview
  • For details on graduate admission policies, please visit the Graduate Admissions Policy
  • International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy
Note: Students who do not have the prerequisites below will be expected to take these early in their programs of study:
    • Graduate Level Courses:
      • Group Counseling/Group Dynamics
      • Human or Lifespan Development
    • Graduate or upper-level Undergraduate Courses:
      • Psychological or Educational Statistics
      • Applied Behavior Management
      • Research Methods
      • Special Education
Application Review Process
 The materials in the applicant's file are evaluated by faculty using an objective, multi-criteria system. Areas that are considered include:
  1. Academic Aptitude for Graduate Study: GPA and GRE scores as needed,
  2. Essay Responses (autobiographical and professional interest questions),
  3. Work Related Experiences (relevant paid and volunteer work),
  4. Potential to Contribute to Profession and Program (professional activities and letters of recommendation),
  5. Goodness of Fit to the Program (areas of focus congruence, fit to College of Education mission, and professional characteristics)

Highly-ranked candidates will be invited to participate in a virtual interview day that will be held towards the end of January.

All applicants being invited for interviews will be informed approximately two weeks in advance of the interview date. The interview day will include introductions, an overview of the program, a small question and answer session with current doctoral students, and an individual interview with at least two faculty members last approximately 30 minutes. The interview day will last approximately 4 to 5 hours.

All faculty members present will rate the applicant on specific characteristics relevant to our doctoral training program. The highest ranked applicants based on the entire application process will be receive an offer of admission.

Approximately five to seven students will be admitted in a given year for the Combined Counseling/School Psychology PhD program.

Requirements for Admitted Students

Individuals who are offered admission and accept the program offer must begin the program during the subsequent summer or fall semester. In general, individuals unable to begin at this time must re-apply to the program. Deferred enrollment is offered in rare circumstances.

The EPS Doctoral Steering Committee will consider each request for deferred enrollment individually.

Arizona state law requires that personnel who engage with minors or vulnerable adult populations have an IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety. That requirement applies to graduate students in practical psychology experiences as well. Admitted students will need the Identity Verified Fingerprint Clearance Card (IVP card) by the start of the fall semester.

You may request a packet directly from DPS by either calling (602) 223-2279 or faxing your request to (602) 223-2947. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you are in-state, you may complete the online application and get digital fingerprints at a contracted Field Print site within Arizona.

The link to the agency that provides the fingerprint clearance is: http://www.azdps.gov/Services/Fingerprint/

Program Costs Accordion Closed

Tuition costs are updated routinely by the university and posted here.  University fees for technology, health, recreation, etc. vary by campus.

Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR).  A program fee has been approved for this program.  See program fee details.

Program fees are subject to change and updated July 1 for the next academic year.

Program of Study Accordion Closed

The program of study (POS) is the agreed-upon plan for completing program requirements.  Current and previous programs of study may be downloaded from the NAU Office of Graduate and Professional Studies Programs of Study webpage.

Students complete the POS with their advisers during the first semester of graduate work.  The POS is used as a verification document when students apply for graduation.  The original, signed POS, is submitted to the Educational Psychology department office and  placed in the student’s file.

In most cases, amendments to your POS can be made with your adviser’s approval. Please be aware that the necessary coursework for this plan is only available at the Northern Arizona University-Flagstaff Campus.

Prerequisites

Please be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take.  Course prerequisites are listed on the Program of Study form.  Students may also review the online catalog for selected courses where prerequisites are required.  Please check with the department or a faculty adviser if you have questions regarding prerequisites.

Students who do not have the prerequisites below will be expected to take these early in their programs of study by taking classes in one of the counseling or school psychology master-level programs:

  • Graduate Level Courses:
    • Group Counseling/Group Dynamics
    • Human or Lifespan Development
  • Graduate or upper level Undergraduate Courses:
    • Psychological or Educational Statistics
    • Applied Behavior Management
    • Research Methods
    • Special Education

Notice regarding School Psychology Certification/Licensure

Students who wish to meet the requirements for school-based certification/licensure must either meet the requirements of the Ed.S. degree in school psychology OR complete a doctoral internship in a school-based setting.

Related Forms and Websites

When completing or revising the POS, the following documents may be useful:
  • Master Planning Tool
  • EPS Course Offerings by Semester - provides an overview of which courses are typically offered each term
  • Program of Study Work Sheet - useful for translating the program of studies into a semester by semester plan
The following websites may also be useful when crafting the program of studies:
  • Combined Counseling/School Psychology, PHD Academic Catalog Listing - provides a list of required courses with links to course descriptions
  • Academic Catalog Policies - transfer credit, timelines, doctoral requirements, residency, and other policies

Student Admission, Outcomes, and Other Data Accordion Closed

2022-2023 Student Admission Outcomes and Other Data

Professional Codes of Ethics and Licensure Guidelines Accordion Closed

Students in this doctoral program should follow the professional codes of ethics and licensure guidelines established by the following organizations:

Ethical Codes

      • American Psychological Association 
      • National Association of School Psychologists 

Licensure Guidelines

      • Arizona: State of Arizona Board of Psychologists Examiners 
      • Other States  and General Licensing Information:  Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards 

Combined Counseling/School Psychology PhD Program Faculty Accordion Closed

Back row, left to right: R. Horn, K. Bohan, J. Lee, S. Abercrombie, M. Cota, S. Haberstroh, M. Whetstine. Front row, left to right: A. Guida, J. Strain, T. Alexander (staff), R. Mellott, A. Kennedy.
  
Sara Abercrombie, Ph.D., Professor and Department Chair
Phone: 928-523-7148
Sara.Abercrombie@nau.edu 
Dr. S. Abercrombie Bio

Kathy Bohan, Ed.D., Clinical Professor
Phone: 928-523-0362
Kathy.Bohan@nau.edu
Dr. K. Bohan Bio

Marya Cota, Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor
Phone: 928-523-5296
Marya.Cota@nau.edu
Dr. M. Cota Bio

Austin Guida, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Phone: 928-523-1778
Austin.Guida@nau.edu
Dr. A. Guida Bio

Shane Haberstroh, Ed.D., Professor
Phone: 928-523-0051
Shane.Haberstroh@nau.edu
Dr. S. Haberstroh Bio

Robert Horn, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Associate Doctoral Training Director
Phone: 928-523-0545
Robert.Horn@nau.edu 
Dr. R. Horn Bio

Alana Kennedy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Phone: 928-523-5632
Alana.Kennedy@nau.edu
Dr. A. Kennedy Bio 

Pit Kolodinsky, Ph.D., Professor
Phone: 928-523-8495
Pit.Kolodinsky@nau.edu
Dr. P. Kolodinsky Bio

Jieun Lee, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Phone: 928-523-8569
Ji-Eun.Lee@nau.edu
Dr. J. Lee Bio

Ramona Mellott, Ph.D., Professor and COE Dean
Phone: 928-523-6534
Ramona.Mellott@nau.edu 
Dr. R. Mellott Bio

Jeff D. Strain, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Phone: 928-523-4048
Jeff.Strain@nau.edu
Dr. J. Strain Bio

Melanie Whetstine, Ph.D., Assistant Teaching Professor
Phone: 928-523-4879
Melanie.Whetstine@nau.edu
Dr. M. Whetstine Bio

Current Doctoral Students Accordion Closed

DSO Officers

DSO President Emma M. Ferns, BS; Third-Year Student
  • Clinical Experience: Practicum Placements Include: Institute for Human Development Multidisciplinary Evaluation Clinic, Phoenix Children's Hospital Autism Clinic, The Guidance Center, the Private Practice of Dr. Kim Kalas, the NAU Practicum Clinic, and Camp Verde Unified School District
  • Research Interests: Inequities related to neurodevelopmental disorder identification in children; Socially just assessment practices for identifying neurodevelopmental disorders in children; Autism and other NDDs
  • Awards & Accomplishments: ArizonaLEND Fellow (2023-2024 AY); Outstanding Doctoral Student in the Department of Educational Psychology (Northern Arizona University, 2024); Outstanding Volunteer (Research) (Oregon Health & Science University, 2018); Outstanding Senior in the Social Sciences (Pacific University, 2018); Psi Chi
DSO Co-President-Elect Izhani Rosa, MS; Second-Year Student
DSO Faculty Liaison Ben Maddock, BA, MSEd, LMHC-A; Second-Year Student
  • Research Interests: I am interested in investigating parental attributions for children’s mental health conditions and the relationship between these attributions and parenting practices

Current PhD Students

Adriana Aboagye, PA, MPH; First-Year Student
  • Clinical Experience: Licensed Physician Assistant
  • Research Interests: My research focuses on mental health, maternal and child health, and autism. I explore how African international students perceive mental health services and barriers to access. I am also interested in autism research, particularly early diagnosis and intervention in underrepresented communities
Crystal Becenti, BA, MA, LMSW; Third-Year Student
  • Clinical Experience: Licensed in Social Work, Trained in Mindfulness, Biofeedback, Progress Muscle Relaxation, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Research Interests: Maternal mental health, substance use and addiction, grief and loss, and neurodivergence
  • Awards & Accomplishments: John W Tippeconnic Scholarship, awarded fall 2022 for the year 2022-2023; Navajo Nation Scholarship, awarded fall 2022, for the year 2022-2023; Research Assistant, January 2017 – June 2018, Education and Implementation of POLST Protocols in Northern Arizona
Michaela Bedwell, BIS; Fourth-Year Student
  • Clinical Experience: FEMA: IS-100.C and IS-907 Certified; Psychological First Aid Certified; Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Certified; Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools Certified; Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certified; Gottman Level 1 Trained; Certified K-5 Teacher in TX & AZ
  • Research Interests: The evaluation process of Emotional Disabilities vs Autism; Adolescents with behavioral disorders; Trauma- Informed Practices; Personality Characteristics and Burnout
  • Awards & Accomplishments: Poster Presentation at the National Association of School Psychology (NASP) Conference 2/2023 (First Writer) Poster Title: “What School Psychologists Should Know about Emotional Intelligence”; University of Texas at El Paso Dean’s List 2015-2016, Dean’s List 2016-2017
Katie Hinkle, BS, MA, LAC; First-Year Student
  • Clinical Experience: Previous internship/employment at Redemption Counseling Center providing mental health counseling to adult individuals and couples. Clinical Interests: trauma and PTSD, couples, ACT, DBT, and CBT. Certifications: EMDR Trained, Gottman Level 1 Certification, Prolonged Exposure Certification
  • Research Interests: Faith integration in mental health treatment of religious and spiritual individuals; Barriers to accessing mental health care for Christian clients; Protective factors of religious and spiritual practice for individuals with mental illness, suicidal ideation, and self harm
  • Awards & Accomplishments: Chi Sigma Iota National Counseling Honor Society; National Society of Leadership and Success; Member of APA (Div. 17 & 36), ACA, ASERVIC, and AzPA
Ashley Johns, BA; Second-Year Student
  • Clinical Experience: As a group facilitator, Ashley led lessons from Seeking Safety and other evidence-based alcohol/drug recovery programs. Additionally, Ashley was an instructor of the PEERS program at Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center and is research reliable on all modules of the ADOS-2 and ADI-R
  • Research Interests: Ashley’s research interests continue to evolve as she progresses in the PhD program. Currently, her research interests include recovery from alcohol and/or drug use, post-traumatic stress and resilience, autism spectrum disorders, culturally responsive programming, and psychedelic-assisted therapy
  • Awards & Accomplishments: Scholar of the doctoral-level Culturally Centered Addictions Research Training Program (2025); Recipient of the Cynthia J. Newlon Memorial & Clarence E. Fishburn Scholarships (2024-2025); 1st place Multicultural Heroes Hall of Fame Case Competition at Michigan State University (2016)
Shannon Kincade, BA; Second-Year Student
Sherita LaMarche, EdS, NCSP; First-Year Student
  • Clinical Experience: Assessments
  • Research Interests: Misdiagnosis, children & adolescents, academic achievement, diverse populations, mental health services for those in rural areas
  • Awards & Accomplishments: Presidential Fellowship
Morgan Regalado Hustead, MA; Fourth-Year Student
  • Clinical Experience: EMDR Trained, HeartMath Certified, Gottman Level 1 Trained, Extensive experience providing evidenced-based therapies (CBT, CBT-I, ACT, PE), Trained to conduct Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5, Extensive neuropsychological testing experience (WAIS-IV, RBANS, WMS, TMT, WCST-4, etc.)
  • Research Interests: Health disparities, particularly among underserved populations and geriatrics. I explore biobehavioral models of health and resilience, such as in chronic pain and caregiving, through scale development and community-based interventions
  • Awards & Accomplishments: Received NAU College of Education’s Outstanding Masters Student in Educational Psychology (Extended Campuses) in 2017; Nominated NAU 2020 Outstanding Graduate Research Award; President & Past President of DSO Nov 2019-2021
Abby Smits, BS; First-Year Student
  • Research Interests: Child and adolescent psychology, emotion regulation, social-emotional learning, rural mental health, developmental disability
  • Awards & Accomplishments: Phi Beta Kappa - Alpha of North Carolina
Ethan Trujillo, MA; Fourth-Year Student
  • Research Interests: My clinical experiences include community mental health, private practice, and university counseling center. They have involved student-athlete mental health, stress management, anxiety, adjustment, identity development, social justice methods, behavioral changes, and emotional regulation
  • Awards & Accomplishments: My research interests involve student-athlete mental health, access to care, mental health stigma, and impact of identity on mental health seeking behaviors
Liz Winnop, MA; First-Year Student
  • Research Interests: Identity development, motivation, sport psychology, college student mental health, student athletes, young adults

Doctoral Student Organization (DSO) Accordion Closed

The purpose of the doctoral student organization is to provide a forum for doctoral students to support each other, share ideas, and be a voice to promote frequent and clear communication between students and faculty to facilitate improvement in the doctoral program."

To contact the Doctoral Student Organization please email EPS.DSO@nau.edu


Emma Ferns - President

Marysol Olivarria & Izhani Rosa - Presidents Elect

Jacquie Bassford & Ben Maddock - Faculty Liaisons

Sonny Lomadofkie -  Events Coordinator

Katie Cooke -  Former President

Program Highlights Accordion Closed

  • Melissa Wheeler, Combined Counseling/School Ph.D. students selected for the second cohort of Rising Graduate Scholars from Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.
  • Neshay Mall and Melissa Wheeler, doctoral students in combined counseling/school psychology are named C-CART Scholars.
  • Yolanda Garcia, associate professor in EPS at NAU serves as 2020-22 President of the Division 45 Executive Committee.
  • Yolanda Garcia, associate professor in EPS co-authored a study on Development and Validation of a Community Assessment Survey for Diverse Rural Family Caregivers of People with Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias.
  • Julie Baldwin (MPI) and EPS faculty Ramona Mellott (MPI), Co-Investigators Shane Haberstroh, Chesleigh Keene, and other NAU faculty receive grant to develop graduate certificate titled Culturally-Centered Addictions Research Training (C-CART) for health professionals focused on substance use disorders in underserved communities.
  • Melissa Wheeler, doctoral student in the combined counseling/school psychology, received the 2020 American Psychological Association Division (APA) 45 Joseph E. Trimble and Jewell Horvat Award.
  • Yolanda Garcia, associate professor in EPS and others conduct study on health equity among ethnic and rural caregivers of people with ADRD.
  • Marca McCallie, doctoral student in psychology, co-founded Sage Home residential treatment center in 2017 to assist people in recovery keep their families intact.
  • Yolanda Garcia, associate professor in EPS and co-investigator on the NAU researchers study effects of COVID-19, health disparities on caregivers of people with ADRD.
  • Chesleigh Keene, assistant professor in EPS presents on Native American Healers and Helpers at NACP Native American Role Model Speaker Series.
  • Melissa Wheeler, NAU Dine Doctoral Student selected for the Interdisciplinary Minority Fellowship Program (IMFP).
  • Chelsey Tarazi, a doctoral student in combined counseling/school psychology wins NAU’s annual 3MRP competition.
  • Laura Rodriguez, doctoral student in combined counseling/school psychology nominated Graduate Student of the Month!
  • Yolanda Garcia, associate professor in EPS and co-investigator of SHERC grant receives funding for Alzheimer’s family caregivers study.
  • Yolanda Garcia, associate professor in EPS elected President of NLPA.
Department of Educational Psychology
Location
Room 110 Building 27
Eastburn Education
801 S Knoles Dr
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Email
eps@nau.edu
Phone
928-523-7103
Fax
928-523-9284