School Psychology

Yusuf, Temi

Temi Yusuf is a doctoral student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She is advised by Dr. Andy Garbacz. Before her graduate studies, she received dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and Secondary Education from the University of Michigan. Temi’s research interests include family-school-community partnerships and developing culturally sensitive adaptations for interventions.

McConnell, Josh

Josh is a doctoral student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. Josh received his BSc in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from the University of Calgary. Prior to attending UW-Madison, Josh worked at Springbank Psychology, a Canadian private practice specializing in neurodevelopmental-related clinical concerns. Josh’s research is focused on identifying intelligence patterns within the Autistic brain, using both network-based approaches and examination of clinical assessment data. His clinical focus lies in the diagnosis and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, with specific emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability.

Barnett, Kierin

Kierin Barnett is a doctoral student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She is advised by Dr. Katie Eklund. Kierin received her BA in Psychology and Sociology from UW-Madison. Prior to graduate school, Kierin worked as a Research Specialist studying prejudice reduction interventions for adults, parents, and children as well as interventions designed to facilitate positive intergroup relations among children. Her current research interests center on supporting student mental health in schools. Specifically, Kierin is interested in promoting positive outcomes for students with internalizing and externalizing concerns using culturally responsive, evidence-based interventions.

Kressin, Stephanie

Stephanie Kressin is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She completed her bachelor’s degrees in psychology and Rehabilitation Psychology at UW-Madison, along with a certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies. She has worked as a research assistant in the Social Kids Lab, as an intern at the Waisman Early Childhood Program, and as a coordinator for a college outreach program called Bucky’s Classroom. Her research interests include effective interventions for students with disabilities, resilience, and family-school and community partnerships. As a LEADSS scholar, she receives specialized training in evidence-based practices in school mental health.

Botting, SJ

SJ Botting is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. SJ graduated from UW-Madison with a BA in Psychology and Spanish and worked in the Madison community in not-for-profit finance before returning to pursue a degree in school psychology. They are a scholar of Project SPACE which provides specialized training for culturally responsive mental health services. SJ’s interests in the field also include social emotional learning, inclusive school climate, and family-school partnerships.

Thielen, Rachel

Rachel Thielen is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She graduated from UW-Madison with a BA in Psychology and certificate in Education & Educational Studies. She formerly worked as a Registered Behavior Technician for ABA therapy and as the Youth Services Specialist at a local non-profit providing resources for individuals with disabilities. Her research interests include early intervention, universal screening, and the incorporation of Tier 2 and Tier 3 services for early childhood learners.

Swearengin, Piper

Piper Swearengin is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She completed a BA in Psychology and a minor in Education at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She works as an Employment Specialist, where she helps people with mental health concerns and disabilities seek employment. At UW-Madison, she is a part of the Project CASTLE training grant, where she receives specialized training in autism identification, intervention, and interdisciplinary practices. Her interests include social-emotional learning, suicide prevention, and treatment of co-occurring disorders in students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Rodriguez, Marybell

Marybell Rodriguez is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She graduated from UW-Milwaukee, where she received his BA in Psychology and Spanish. While completing her undergraduate degree, she worked as a daycare teacher in the Milwaukee area. She is currently a scholar of Project SPACE.

Marsh, Leah

Leah Marsh is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She graduated from Trinity University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education. She has worked as a lab coordinator for a child development research lab and as a research assistant for a team that investigated the effectiveness of mental health interventions for students. She is currently a Project LEADSS scholar, which emphasizes collaboration between school psychologists and school social workers to promote the mental health of all children.