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.

Costello, Kathryn

Kathryn Costello is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She graduated from NYU with a degree in psychology and a minor in disability studies. Before returning to school, she worked at a day program for adults with autism providing continuing education and job training. She is part of the Project CASTLE grant, which provides specific training on supporting children with autism spectrum disorder. Her interest in the field involves ensuring children with disabilities receive an equitable and positive education experience.

Jennings, Kasheah

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.

Decker, Joseph

Joseph Decker is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. He completed his BA at the University of Iowa in Psychology and Spanish with a minor in Portuguese. Being trilingual in English, Spanish, and Portuguese is an important part of his identity, as well as being a USA swimming certified swim coach. Joseph’s interests include advocating for quality education for youth of color and eliminating disparities from structural racism for students. He is also a Project SPACE fellow, a grant in partnership with Madison Metropolitan School District that trains school psychologists to engage in culturally-responsive school mental health.

Bednar, Jenna

Jenna Bednar is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. She received her BS in Psychology and minors in neuroscience and Spanish from Wisconsin Lutheran College. Jenna discovered her passion for creating acceptance and advocacy for children throughout her experience as an Advanced Registered Behavior Technician and in leading initiatives serving children with autism. She is part of Project CASTLE that provides specific training on supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Her interests include ABA, early identification and intervention for students with autism, cultural responsiveness, and development of inclusive school environments.

Wintrone, Jacob

Jacob Wintrone is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. He attended UW-Madison as an undergraduate, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in education. Before joining the School Psychology program, he worked as a special education and behavior assistant with the Madison Metropolitan School District. His interests include resilience-building programs. social-emotional learning, and positive school climate.

Rubenzer, Grace

Grace Rubenzer is an Educational Specialist student in the School Psychology area within the Department of Educational Psychology. Grace attended the University of South Carolina where she majored in experimental psychology and history. Grace is a participant in the Project SPACE grant at UW-Madison. Her interests include school mental health and the provision of culturally responsive mental health care for students.