Community Psychology Practica
The community psychology program works to customize practica experiences for students typically in the third year of the program. Below are some recent and current practica that show the diversity and breadth of experience. All these practica are paid in the $10,000 - $12,500 range for 10 hours/week for a year. It is not unusual for practica to lead to further opportunities and jobs.
 |
Kyrah K. Brown is currently completing her pre-doctoral practicum with the University of Kansas Medical Center. She is working under the supervision of Dr. Cari Schmidt who is the Director of Research for Pediatrics and an Associate Research Professor. Dr. Schmidt is also a graduate of the doctoral program in Community Psychology. Kyrah has attended several task force meetings and workgroups for physicians and other maternal and child health professionals in Sedgwick County. This has aided in professional relationship building and an advanced understanding of maternal and child health in Kansas. Most of her practicum activities, however, are centered on research development. Kyrah has been working with Dr. Schmidt and other physician researchers at the KU Pediatric Clinic on several research projects. A recently completed project, led by Dr. Kari Harris, involved surveying young mothers to understand characteristics of the current care young mothers are receiving in Sedgwick County. Kyrah assisted with data interpretation and facilitation of focus groups for this study. Kyrah is also leading a research project which aims to understand how health care practitioners in Kansas address care transition and the learning and health needs of adolescent mothers. |
| Sharon Hakim completed a summer practicum with Atlantic Health Systems in Morristown, NJ. She worked with the Department of Planning and Systems Development in designing a hospital-wide “Healing Cultures” initiative focusing on patient empowerment and total health (not simply recovery from illness), for implementation in their hospitals starting in 2011. She was involved in organization-wide research and discussions around strategically planning the hospitals in the new era of healthcare reform. |  |
 |
Laura Herpolsheimer is concluding her practicum at Senior Services Inc. of Wichita completing an evaluation of programs and services at four senior centers across the city of Wichita. This included creating a documentation system that will provide quarterly and annual reports at the push of a button, and implementing a training/sustainability procedure for continuing the evaluation process. The evaluation will ultimately provide Senior Services with data necessary for current and future funders. Senior Services provides10 different innovative programs to help protect and improve the quality of life and independence of aging adults 55+. The most well known program is Meals on Wheels, however the four senior centers offer physical, social, educational, and recreational opportunities. Laura has been able to work closely with Executive Director, Laurel Alkire, and interact with a wide variety of staff, volunteers, and participants in a vibrant non-profit organization. |
| Lisette T. Jacobson started her pre-doctoral internship in Community Psychology with the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the University of Kansas Medical School, Wichita. She is working under the supervision of Dr. Ruth Wetta-Hall, Assistant Professor and Director of Research and Evaluation Associates in Community and Clinical Health (REACH Center), who is also a graduate of the doctoral program in Community Psychology. The internship focuses on the development and evaluation of youth preventive intervention programs including the Pure and Simple Life curriculum, an abstinence education program in the Wichita metropolitan area, and the Pursue Your Dreams programs with Future Leaders Outreach Network in the Kansas City area. |  |
 |
Mike Lemke's practicum is with the American Trucking Associations (ATA) in Arlington, Virginia. He began this practicum during the summer of 2012 and continues his relationship with them. Working in the Policy and Regulatory Affairs department, he has engaged in several projects. Among these include: a survey of health and wellness programs offered by trucking companies, a “white paper” of priorities in advancing truck driver health, and a driver health and wellness program template. Currently, he is collaborating with ATA on two projects: preparation for upcoming regulation regarding truck driver sleep apnea and a proposal for a pilot program that would investigate the possibility of lowering the minimum age for operating a commercial motor vehicle. |
| Ashlee Lien is completing her practicum with the Nomar Community Development Corporation (CDC). The Nomar CDC is focused on creating economic self-sufficiency for a disadvantaged community of Wichita while valuing the diversity, heritage, and culture of the community. An international market has been created to support economic development, trainings, and cultural activities. Ashlee will be providing assistance with the development of business and community relationships in the Nomar district, network with local agencies to collaborate on projects, complete evaluations of the market, and provide assistance in finding and completing grants to support ongoing operation of the Nomar market. |  |