EdS Student

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.

Cleo Decker is an Educational Specialist student with the School Psychology Program in the Department of Educational Psychology.

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.

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.

Cate Huyck is an Educational Specialist student with the School Psychology Program in the Department of Educational Psychology.

Emily Jans is an Educational Specialist student with the School Psychology Program in the Department of Educational Psychology.