MASTER OF ARTS IN COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY

MEGHAN N. FLYNN '19, M.A.
College of Arts and Sciences

Meghan Flynn ’19 has two passions in the field of psychology — policy and advocacy work — and found that the area of community psychology brings those two passions together seamlessly. The program that helped her pursue them? The University’s M.A. in Community in Psychology, with a concentration in Program Development. “I was immediately drawn to the program because of its commitment to establishing strong community connections through applied research opportunities,” she explained.

“The training in the Community Psychology program propelled me into countless opportunities to further my professional development,” she said. “I worked as a research assistant at the Yale School of Medicine’s Consultation Center and as an intern for the Child Health and Development Institute (CDDI). During my second year in the program, I completed a master’s thesis, which consisted of a mixed-methods needs assessment focused on understanding and addressing the barriers that transgender and gender-diverse individuals face when seeking gynecological care.”

Currently, Flynn is a Ph.D. candidate in the Community Psychology program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Her research seeks to understand the systemic and individual barriers that impact access to quality healthcare.” I am interested in expanding trauma-informed approaches to gynecological care for survivors of sexual assault,” she added. “I believe that for research to be truly effective and enact long-term, sustained change, its efforts should focus on changing the systems in which communities operate.”

Flynn credits the graduate Psychology Department and the greater New Haven community for her success. “I would not be the community psychologist I am today without their support and the resources they provided,” she declared.

RICHARD C. CONCEPCION ‘22
College of Arts and Sciences

Through the Forensic Psychology concentration in the M.A. in Community Psychology program, Richard Concepcion found exactly what he needed to fulfill his career dreams: influential professors who provide firsthand knowledge and experience in community and forensic psychology, including in his favorite areas— Mental Health Law, Foundations of Community Psychology, and Forensic Treatment Models. “I have an intense interest in the intersectionality of psychology and criminal justice, “ he explained, “and this program has allowed me to take classes in different concentrations and programs to pursue that interest. Through those opportunities, I found where my true passion lies — assisting at-risk youth through community programs that can lessen the likelihood of criminal justice involvement in the future.”

Concepcion says that the concepts and theories he has learned and the experiences he has had have shown him a different perspective on the systemic issues that people face and how to focus on possible solutions in collaboration with organizations and communities. With the guidance of Associate Professor Melissa Whitson, he obtained an internship for his last year of graduate school to work at the Juvenile Review Board in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Meanwhile, through his work as a Project Coordinator of the Transforming Youth Justice Program at the Tow Youth Justice Institute, Concepcion has learned the critical importance of community engagement and advocacy work. “The Institute also has enabled me to work with professionals in making reforms in Connecticut while I’m still in graduate school,” he enthused. “In the near future, I hope to become a leader in the systems that help at-risk youth lead successful lives and have a voice about the injustices they may experience.”

I am starting my second year in the M.A. in Community Psychology program with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. My biological science background, familial experience with mental health struggles, and interest in justice system engagement fuel my interest areas. I aim to improve the surrounding community and foster more informed practices for trauma treatment.

Being a part of the Community Psychology program has allowed me to build new connections, deepen my understanding of psychology, and find new research areas to explore. That was especially true when I had the chance to be a presenter at the annual Eastern Psychological Association (EPA) conference. Collaborating with peers and discussing thought-provoking questions prompted deep discussions about how we can collectively heal through our lived traumas. It was a fantastic experience and one that I would do again.

Professors with years of field experience, like Dr. Whitson and Dr. Cassidy, have greatly influenced my professional journey. They bring real-world scenarios and ventures into the classroom and offer guidance and insight into my professional development. Thanks to this exposure — and my interest in the persistent issues present in our communities — my focus has narrowed to victim advocacy. I want to help bridge the gap between helpful resources and the community's access to them, providing the psycho-legal supports victims may need.

This semester, I will begin my internship at National Latin@ Network, where we will focus on the research and evaluation of domestic violence and sexual assault to promote social justice.

Being a first-generation college graduate, continuing my education and giving back is a priority. In my role as a graduate assistant and student mentor, I hope to continue to be an example of what is possible and provide the guidance that students may need in pursuing their dreams.

KRISTA GRAJO '22 M.A.
College of Arts and Sciences

I’m a second-year Community Psychology student with a concentration in Community-Clinical Services. I love the content and engaging discussion in my classes as well as the flexibility in choosing interesting electives. The faculty are extremely supportive, both in the classroom and outside of it. From research opportunities with culturally specific national organizations to co-presenting conferences, there are plenty of opportunities to grow in professional development, participate in applied research, and make genuine connections with folks in the program. As part of the Community Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Club Executive Board, we look forward to establishing a mentorship program and sharing resources and community with current students and alumni. In general, the skills, tools, and perspectives gained from my experiences with the program directly inform my internship, work, and other meaningful community involvements as I continue my education.

Azza Hussein ’23 M.A.
College of Arts and Sciences
Community Psychology, M.A.

A candidate in the University’s graduate program in community psychology, Azza Hussein ’23 M.A. has focused her research and volunteer work on empowering and supporting immigrants and refugees. During her time as a Charger, she has discovered her own passion for research and the impact she hopes to continue to have in ensuring that others have a voice.

HUNTER CLARK ‘23
Community Psychology

For Hunter Clark ’24 M.A., the University’s forensic psychology concentration offered as part of its master’s degree in community psychology has been a perfect fit. Inspired by the myriad possibilities to make an impact in the field, she’s exploring possible career options, including pursuing her doctorate.