Student Ambassadors | Applied Psychological Science
Our Ambassadors offer insight about Pacific University School of Professional Psychology's Masters in Applied Psychological Science program to prospective students and any other party requesting information about student life or the area. In addition to this, the Ambassadors help assist with open house, interview days, and other events. They also work very closely with the Admissions office in providing an invaluable resource for prospective students.
If you would like to speak with a current student about their experience applying to or choosing Pacific University, you are invited to contact one of our student ambassadors. They will be happy to help you.
Class of 2020
Jocelyn Chavez
First year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | New Mexico State University, Psychology
Hometown | Albuquerque, New Mexico
Why I chose Pacific | Coursework and practicum that would fully prepare me to work in the field after graduation.
Hobbies | Cooking, running, exploring restaurants and places in Portland.
William Bunnett
First year | Clinical Psychology
Katelyn Hershberger
First year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Oregon State University; BA psychology and BS Human Development and Family Sciences
Hometown | Canby, Oregon
Why I chose Pacific | I choose Pacific for the welcoming environment and the benefits of the program. All of the staff and students I have met have been enthusiastic about the program and are some of the most encouraging people out there. The program allows continuation in education and/or advanced placements in practical careers. I am excited for my future endeavors due to the training and education I have and will continue to receive through Pacific.
Hobbies | Playing with my dogs, baking, traveling, and adventure.
Emily Kearns
First year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Trinity Western University; Psychology major
Hometown | Lethbridge Alberta, Canada
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific because it is a small university that values close-knit relationships. I wanted a place where I could have the freedom to be myself and not become lost among hundreds of other students. At Pacific, I love the welcoming atmosphere and the supportive faculty and staff.
Hobbies | I enjoy hiking, going to the beach, exploring new places, drinking tea, hanging with my friends, and reading.
Alexandra Pardico
First year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Gonzaga University, B.A. Psychology (Research Concentration) with a Minor in General Business
Hometown | Maui, HI
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific because I knew that the value of the education and hands-on practice I would receive from Pacific would make me a competitive job applicant and/or candidate for continuing PhD or PsyD programs. In addition, I immediately felt the support and enthusiasm of the faculty upon meeting them -- and learning is much more fun when you can rely on incredible mentors.
Hobbies | I love watching movies, baking desserts, SLEEPing, binge watching shows with my dog, Milo, and finding good BOBA places.
Nikki Romena
First year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Texas Christian University, Double Major in Psychology and Criminal Justice
Hometown | Nānākuli, Hawaiʻi
Why I chose Pacific | I chose Pacific because I felt that it valued diversity, collaboration, and community, which were all important factors that I wanted to consider when deciding what university to attend.
Hobbies | I love binge-watching the same shows on Netflix over and over again, anything outdoors (walking, hiking, swimming, etc.), watching sports, exploring the city with friends, and finding all the good sushi places in town.
Jhoevhana Sabado
First year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Pacific University, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Hometown | Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Why I chose Pacific | A large reason I chose to return to Pacific University is because of the university's professors and faculty. While they encourage students to be self-sufficient and advocate for themselves, they also provide continuous support because they want their students to be successful. As a student, I know that I will be challenged in ways that I will learn more about the field that I love, but also about myself.
Hobbies | I am a foodie who loves binge-watching Netflix television shows, hiking, traveling and making arts and crafts.
Ethan Wallace
First year | Clinical Psychology
Chandler Wingreen
First year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | I completed my undergraduate degree at Charleston Southern University (CSU) in Charleston, SC. I graduated with a dual B.S. in Psychology and Biology. I also represented my undergraduate school as a student athlete playing on their women's soccer team.
Hometown | I completed high school in Yorktown, VA and consider this to be my hometown. I lived in this area for 7 years, but I also moved often in my childhood and have lived in several different states/ countries.
Why I chose Pacific | I ultimately chose Pacific university because I felt like the school emphasized the importance of its students and preparing them for successful professional careers. Upon interviewing for the school the closeness of the faculty was another big factor in deciding where I wanted to pursue my graduate education. The faculty is passionate about their roles as educators, clinicians, and researchers. They all appeared to offer valuable insight through their own unique experiences working in the field.
Hobbies | As for my personal hobbies and self-care I love playing sports and having an active lifestyle. Hiking, working out, and being outside are things I try to incorporate weekly. I also enjoy live music, exploring Oregon, of course watching Netflix, and spending time with friends.
Class of 2019
Kaitlyn Iseminger
Second Year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | East Texas Baptist University, Psychology Major
Hometown | Houston, TX
One reason I chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because I wanted an institution that would continue to challenge me to be all that I can. I wanted an education where not only would I grow to learn more about the field I love, but more about myself. Pacific was the perfect environment I was seeking for continuing my education.
Hobbies: I love to paint, read, and write- all three of those are major self-care tools of mine. I am always down to dust off my old basketball shoes to hit the court. I also love hiking and stargazing, which Oregon is one of the best places to do that. Aside from my other hobbies, I am probably brushing up on my favorite fandoms!
Natalie Weber
Second Year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | Oregon State University
Hometown | Corvallis, OR
One reason I chose Pacific | One thing that I love about Pacific University is the faculty and professors. They really care about your learning and what you're interested in - they're always supportive. It feels like a tight knit family here and you have the freedom to be yourself. The atmospheres is warm and welcoming - you really do become close your cohort.
Hobbies | Hiking, exploring, movies, food, drinks, music, and camping.
Ravi P. Desai
Second Year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution | The State University of New York at Buffalo
Hometown | Hillsborough, New Jersey
One Reason I Chose Pacific | I chose Pacific because of their approach in teaching psychology and healthcare. Pacific views healthcare as an integrated approach by all healthcare professions. Since the industry is treading in this direction, getting an education here will better prepare me for the work place after I graduate. It is an exciting time to be in graduate school and I am ecstatic to be here at Pacific!
Hobbies | I love playing tennis and watching all sports especially football! I enjoy exploring the city for interesting things to do. I also love to watch movies and eat amazing food.
Caitlin Hines
Second Year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution: University of Oregon, Biology and Psychology major
Hometown | Fallbrook, California
One Reason I Chose Pacific: One major reason I was drawn to Pacific was the great reputation the program had in the community. I understood why this was when I learned more about the program itself and met the faculty at interview day. Everyone here has a clear investment in a student's success as well-rounded members of the field.
Hobbies: I love exploring the Oregon coast! I’m constantly amazed at how different the coast and beaches are here compared to the ones I grew up on in Southern California. When I’m not able to make it out for an adventure, I enjoy watching Netflix (of course), cooking and baking.
Heather Hodel
Second Year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution:
Hometown | Albany, OR
One Reason I Chose Pacific: I fell in love with Pacific University because Psychology its integrated in the broader healthcare system. Pacific sees Psychology as an important tool that needs to be brought to many, if not all, healthcare communities.
Hobbies: Netflix, art, crocheting, and cooking
Prianka Maharaj
Second Year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution: Washington State University - Major: Psychology, Minor: Neuroscience
Hometown | Ewa Beach, HI/Pullman, WA
One Reason I Chose Pacific: One main reason I chose Pacific was the close-knit atmosphere it brought to students. I did not want to be another face among my peers and faculty members in graduate school - Pacific was able to eliminate that fear immediately.
Hobbies: Netflix, napping, hiking, gaming, adventuring to new places, crafts, listening to music, and anything I do with my two best friends!
Katie Austin
Second Year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution: University of Oregon, Psychology Major
Hometown | Albany, OR
One Reason I Chose Pacific: I was born and raised in Oregon and definitely wanted to stay in this beautiful state for graduate school. I admired the values of pacific University but was truly sold once I visited the campus. The faculty, students, and environment were amazing. I loved the idea of being apart of a program that focused on building a community, with both students and faculty encouraging growth and success of every student. We are in this together inside of competing against each other. As a student, it is extremely beneficial to have such close relationships with your peers and faculty.
Hobbies: I love exploring the outdoors, hiking, fitness, reading, food, and music.
Alecc Quezada
Second Year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution: Utah State University
Hometown | Rohnert Park, CA
One Reason I Chose Pacific: The main reason I chose to attend Pacific University is because of the welcoming atmosphere. Their is an immediate sense of family that resonates from faculty and students. The faculty here are dedicated to seeing you succeed and are willing to help you through any obstacles that school, or life, may throw at you. The community, including PhD, PsyD and other healthcare professionals on the campus, is extremely integrated. We are one big team and everyone wants you to succeed.
Hobbies: I love soccer, volleyball, frisbee golf, rock climbing, mountain biking, snowboarding, and the outdoors. I also enjoy movies, video games, music, food and a good book.
Lara Quan
Second Year | Clinical Psychology
Undergraduate Institution: University of Washington
Hometown | Bothell, WA
One Reason I Chose Pacific: I chose to attend Pacific Universality because of the highly collaborative atmosphere that is fostered by both the faculty and the students.
Hobbies: In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, eating, playing with my dog and watching Netflix.