School Psychology EdS Students

Gabby Abrams is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology.

Hayley Bates is a second-year Educational Specialist Student with the School Psychology Program in the Department of Educational Psychology. She received a BA in Psychological and Brain Sciences & Educational Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. While earning her bachelor's degrees, Hayley volunteered as a peer mental health counselor after completing 100 hours of training to gain skills in supporting a diverse student body with a range of mental health concerns. She also worked as an educational interventionist, implementing individualized intervention plans for PreK-12th-grade students with neurodevelopmental disabilities in the areas of reading, math, and logic. Hayley is particularly interested in supporting positive identity development for marginalized students, implementing inclusive practices in schools, and early academic intervention.

Rebecca (Becca) Bogucke is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and Sociology from Ripon College. During her undergraduate career, she studied emotional contagion across developmental stages in the Infant and Children's Cognition Lab. Becca worked as a Registered Behavior Technician throughout her undergraduate career and afterward in the Oshkosh area. She is currently an early childhood educator in Cottage Grove.

Claire Bowman is an Educational Specialist student within the Department of Educational Psychology. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology and education studies from UW–Madison. During her undergraduate degree, she researched youth academic performance in the Cognitive Development and Communication Lab. Before returning to school, Claire worked as a teacher for MMSD’s Intensive Intervention Programming, working with students with extreme behavioral challenges. Claire's interests include improving school mental health, enhancing school safety, and preventing the school-to-prison pipeline through early intervention and trauma-informed practices.

Mariana Bruno is an Educational Specialist student within the Department of Educational Psychology. She received her bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Sciences and Psychology with minors in Social Work and Education at Florida State University. Growing up mostly in Latin America and being fully bilingual shaped Mariana's passion towards providing culturally comprehensive services in the field of school psychology. During her undergraduate degree, she worked in various research facilities focused on providing evidence-based supports in reading interventions and for students with ADHD. Mariana's interests include supporting culturally comprehensive services in schools, social and emotional learning, early intervention, and trauma-informed practices.

Audrey Burke is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She completed her BA at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in Psychology and Education Policy with a certificate in Chicano/Latino Studies. While completing her undergraduate degree, Audrey was a research assistant within the Educational Neuroscience Lab working on a project that explored how children understand and self-report pretend play behaviors. Her current research interests include school-based mental health practices and family-school-community collaboration impacts on school climate. Audrey is a scholar in Project LEADSS, where she receives specialized training on collaboration between school psychologists and school social workers.

Macayla Church is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She holds a B.S. in Psychology and Spanish, along with a certificate in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Through her work in restorative justice and special education, Macayla developed a strong interest in mental health and trauma-informed disciplinary practices in schools. She is a scholar in Project LEADSS, which focuses on advancing evidence-based practices in school mental health, supervision, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Alivia Cook is an Educational Specialist student within the Department of Educational Psychology. She graduated from Case Western Reserve University, where she received her bachelor's in psychology with minors in childhood studies, communication sciences and disorders, and nutrition. As an undergraduate, Alivia volunteered at a local children's hospital, supporting children and their families during stays. She has worked for many years with youth in summer camps, early education settings, and as a substitute teacher. She is a scholar in Project SPACE, which is a grant that has partnered with Madison Metropolitan School District to train school psychologists to provide culturally responsive mental health support in schools. Her interests include trauma-informed practices, school climate, and family-school community collaboration.

Shaila Dantluri is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She earned her BS in Developmental Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. While completing her undergraduate degree, Shaila worked as an assistant preschool teacher and mental health helpline specialist. She also completed developmental screenings at an early childhood education center. Shaila’s professional interests include mental and behavioral health, school readiness, and early childhood intervention. She is particularly interested in serving students and families in urban settings. Shaila is currently a scholar in Project SPACE where she partners with Madison Metropolitan School District to emphasize culturally-responsive school mental health.

Darrell Dufek is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. He Received a BA in Psychology and a BA in Criminology & Law from Marquette University. Darrell is a scholar in Project SPACE, a grant in partnership with Madison Metropolitan School District that focuses on culturally responsive school mental health. Darrell's previous experience in the criminal justice field has shaped his commitment to diversion and early intervention strategies that help individuals avoid deeper involvement in the criminal justice system.

Zoe Esterly is an Educational Specialist student within the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She completed her BA at St. Olaf College in Psychology with concentrations in Linguistics and Education. She received her license in teaching English as a Second Language. Her interests include supporting multilingual students and trauma informed care. Zoe is a scholar in Project SPACE, a grant in partnership with Madison Metropolitan School District that focuses on culturally responsive school mental health.

Elizabeth Fajemirokun is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She completed her BS in Developmental Psychology with a minor in Applied Psychology in Educational and Community Settings at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. While completing her undergraduate degree, Elizabeth worked as a research assistant in the Culture and Family Life Lab, contributing to Project UNITE, and gained clinical experience as a Mental Health Technician supporting young children with autism. She also worked as an AVID tutor, supporting students’ academic growth and preparation for higher education. Elizabeth is passionate about culturally responsive and equitable school-based mental health services, with research interests in school mental health, educational equity, and the academic and psychological experiences of marginalized students. Elizabeth is currently a scholar in Project SPACE, where she partners with Madison Metropolitan School District to emphasize culturally responsive school mental health.

Megan Gauthier is an Educational Psychology student within the Department of Educational Psychology. She completed her BS at UW-Madison in Psychology with a certificate in Educational Services. She worked as a behavior technician and a respite care specialist in the Madison community, as well as a research assistant in the Prejudice and Intergroup Relations Lab/Social Kids lab while completing her bachelor's degree. Megan is a scholar in Project SPACE, a grant in partnership with the Madison Metropolitan School District that prepares graduate students to provide culturally responsive and equitable mental health services in schools. Her other interests include social and emotional learning and positive behavior supports in schools.

Selin Gok is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology.

Maddie Harford is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where she also completed a minor in At-Risk Child and Youth Care. Maddie is deeply committed to advocating for youth with disabilities, striving to ensure they receive high-quality and accessible education. Furthermore, she is a scholar in Project LEADSS (Leading Educators to Advance School-Based Services in Mental Health). This is a training grant aimed at preparing future school psychologists and social workers in the domains of school mental health practices, crisis intervention, and leadership skills pertinent to interdisciplinary school mental health teams.

Kasheah Jennings is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She earned her BA from UW-Milwaukee where she majored in Education. She taught 7th-grade English, conducted reading and math interventions, and participated on the PBIS Leadership team. She is a Project SPACE scholar which emphasizes culturally responsive mental health services. Kasheah’s current research interests include culturally responsive interventions, family and school partnerships, and educational inequities for marginalized individuals.

Annika Johnson is an Educational Specialist Student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She earned her BA in Psychology and Educational Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. While completing her bachelor's degree, Annika served as a research assistant in the Learning, Cognition, and Development Lab, where she studied how children acquire new vocabulary and worked as an assistant preschool teacher. Her research interests include social-emotional learning, early intervention, and building family-school partnerships.

Olivia Kamer is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She received bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Linguistics from William & Mary. Prior to entering the Educational Specialist program, she served as a reading interventionist and clinician. Her interests include literacy, school and community collaboration, and school mental health.

Anne Kim is an Educational Specialist in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She completed her BA at California State University, Long Beach in Communication Studies. She has previously worked as a counseling intern at a nonprofit organization. Her interests include internalizing concerns in children and adolescents, social and emotional learning, and dismantling barriers for marginalized students. She is a scholar in Project SPACE , receiving specialized training in culturally responsive practices and equitable school mental health.

Gracie Kleiser is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She earned her BS in Psychology with an Education Policy Studies minor from Loyola University Chicago. While completing her undergraduate degree, Gracie interned with Chicago Public Schools to understand how community cultures and needs impact school success and the ways public policy directly affects those communities. Her emerging research interests focus on creating clear parent and teacher psychoeducation, and the creation of a positive, supportive, and communicative school climate that helps students thrive in and outside of school.

Payton Kuenzi is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She completed her BA at the University of Wisconsin Madison in Psychology and Spanish. Her experiences working with children as a Counselor and Director at Camp Minikani and through research in the Teacher Prejudice Habit-Breaking Intervention fuel her dedication to equity and student well-being in practice. Her other research interests include culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches, social-emotional learning, and fostering strong family–school–community partnerships.

Grace Lister is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She received a BA in Psychology with a minor in English from Grand Valley State University. While completing her undergraduate degree, she volunteered on an initiative to implement a social-emotional curriculum to elementary and middle school students in Grand Rapids Public Schools. Following the completion of her Bachelor’s Degree, Grace worked in a classroom supporting students with extreme behavioral needs. Her interests include continuing to support students with emotional and behavioral disorders and advocating for more mental health initiatives in schools.

Ian Loss is a graduate student in the School Psychology Ed.S. program, driven by a commitment to strengthening mental health support in schools and advancing equitable, high quality education for all students. He earned his B.S. in Psychology with a Spanish minor from Carroll University, where he also served as a Teaching Assistant for Psychological Testing and Assessment. Ian’s work at Community Living Connections, where he supports adults with autism through relationship-centered, strengths-based care, continues to shape his developing practice. His emerging research interests focus on teacher support systems and the creation of positive, sustainable school climates and ecologies that help students and educators thrive.

Caitlyn Lynch is an Educational Specialist student within the Department of Educational Psychology. She completed her BA at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in Psychology, and obtained certificates in Criminal Justice, Disability Rights and Services, and Educational Services. She is a scholar in Project SPACE, which is a grant that has partnered with Madison Metropolitan School District to train school psychologists to provide culturally responsive mental health support in schools. Her interests include school, family, and community collaboration, social justice, and culturally responsive interventions.

Marilyn Marbella is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. Before returning to grad school, she worked in outdoor education in the Santa Cruz Mountains in California and in North Cascades National Park in Washington state, where she combined her love for the outdoors and SEL to create powerful experiences in nature for diverse children and adolescents.

Karen (Baren) Olvera Garcia is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology.

Samanta Patlan is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She completed her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Chicano/a Studies at California State University, Fullerton. Before entering the school psychology program, Samanta worked as a behavior technician and a bilingual 4th-grade teacher. As a first-generation Mexican-American, her cultural background plays a significant role in shaping her identity and professional values. Samanta is passionate about advocating for school mental health and promoting culturally responsive supports and interventions that empower students and families.

Sara Stanislawski is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She completed her BA in Psychology and Journalism with a certificate in Education and Educational Services at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. While completing her undergraduate degree, she worked as a summer camp counselor with Madison School and Community Recreation and as a communications intern for the Department of Psychology. She continues to work as a behavior technician in the Madison community. These experiences, along with others, have influenced her interests in the field of School Psychology, particularly in autism, effective interventions for students with disabilities, social and emotional learning, family-school-community partnerships, and media coverage of K-12 education.

Sofia is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology Program within the Department of Educational Psychology. She earned her BS in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and previously taught fourth grade before pursuing school psychology. Drawing on her experience as an educator, Sofia is passionate about supporting students and serving the Madison community in her future role as a school psychologist.

Ella Weaver is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She received a BS in Elementary Education with a minor in Social Studies Teaching from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. Following the completion of her bachelor's degree, Ella worked as a classroom teacher. Currently, Ella is a part of Dr. Andy Garbacz’s research team, assisting in conducting research on family-school partnerships. Her interests include fostering supportive family-school-community partnerships, promoting positive outcomes for students with internalizing and externalizing concerns, and school climate.

Nina Zavala Gonzalez is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She received a BS in Economics and a BS in Psychology from the University of Utah. Nina is a first-generation Mexican American graduate student with aspirations to work with high school students in high-need school districts. When she isn't doing homework, she's cuddled up reading a book or playing a game!

Kaitlyn Zenner is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire with a BA in psychology and Spanish and a minor in neuroscience. As an undergraduate, Kaitlyn worked as a research assistant focused on reading fluency and comprehension in elementary school aged students. After graduation, she worked as an English Teaching Assistant in Spain through the Fulbright Association and is very passionate about supporting multilingual learners. She is a scholar in Project SPACE and is dedicated to providing culturally responsive mental health services to all students.

 Rome Zupke is an Educational Specialist student with the School Psychology Program in the Department of Educational Psychology. He received a BA in Psychology from the University of St. Thomas. His interests are social-emotional learning curricula and their impact within schools, as well as how they can be implemented across tiers of support.