Education & training

Clinical psychologists are qualified professionals who are able to provide direct services to clients needing help with mental or behavioral issues, and are experts in psychometrics (or psychological measurement). They administer and interpret cognitive and personality tests, diagnose mental illnesses, create treatment plans, and conduct psychotherapy.

Helen is a clinical psychologist in private practice and a Professor of Clinical Psychology. She has a Master's program that trains licensed therapists and mental health professionals. For over three decades, she has treated children, teens, and adults and have taught and advised thousands of students, especially those interested in psychology. She is an editor and author and has presented on many topics, including stress, trauma, reproductive mental health, dreams, synchronicity, and spirituality.

Speaker: Helen Marlo

Speech-language pathologists, also called “speech therapists,” work with patients on a broad range of physical and cognitive communication disorders: issues with articulation, stuttering, word finding, semantics, syntax, phonics, vocalization, and swallowing.

As a SLP for SMFCSD Julie identifies, diagnoses, and treats students from age 3 to age 13 who demonstrate speech & language delays. Her passion is identifying language difference vs. a disorder for Spanish-speaking students learning English as a second language. She assesses and conducts therapy in both Spanish and English. She has been a bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist for 30 years.

Speaker: Julie Urquidez

College counselors can offer various services, ranging from helping students with admissions paperwork, keeping them on top of deadlines, and ensuring aspiring high schoolers are hitting all the necessary requirements to be eligible for admission to their top universities.

As an admission officer for 19 years, Susan traveled throughout the world recruiting students for universities including Boston University, as well as small liberal arts colleges. She has read thousands of college applications, essays and teacher recommendation letters in order to make admissions decisions. She also spent 18 years working as a high school college counselor guiding students through the college search and application process.

Speaker: Susan Solomon

An associate professor is a mid-level professor in a tenure-track position in between an assistant and full professorship.

As a professor, Robby's first job is to conduct research (experiments or surveys) to expand our knowledge on his areas of interest: psychological effects of video games, virtual reality, and avatars. His second job as a professor is to teach classes to undergraduate and graduate students about his broader field, Media Psychology. His third professorial responsibility is to engage with the public and promote a public understanding of his research. That’s why he is excited to be speaking!

Speaker: Rabindra (Robby) Ratan

A Plumbing Maintenance Technician, is a skilled tradesperson in charge of installing, inspecting and repairing pipes and plumbing systems to make sure all of a building's fixtures operate correctly. Their duties include finding the source of leaks and blockages, fixing or replacing broken parts and testing the plumbing system. A curriculum coordinator's primary purpose is to create and implement an education plan that meets the needs of students. He or she makes recommendations to teachers and other faculty in regard to the ways in which various subjects are being taught in order to enhance learning.

Thomas joined the Plumbers Union 467 at 30 years old. In his 5 year apprenticeship, he can proudly say he was at the top of his class while working the entire time. Being given opportunities to lead in the field while being an apprentice enabled him to become a Journeyman. The Apprenticeship asked Thomas to become an instructor, which he happily accepted. Taking this opportunity he transitioned his career towards educating the future of 467 by becoming the Curriculum Coordinator.

Speaker: Thomas Johnson

Occupational therapists treat patients who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.

Joyce and Rachel work at a county and state-funded program where they see clients from birth to 21 years of age who have a qualifying diagnosis for their occupational therapy needs in an outpatient clinic where parents/caregivers attend therapy sessions to learn new activity ideas for home to encourage their highest level of independence. The highlight of being here has been alternative group activities such a summer camp, family meetings and prom that were offered pre-covid.

Speakers: Joyce Laird and Rachel Novales

Marine science educators are a type of environmental education specialists focusing on the conservation of the oceans, for the protection of marine life (plant and animal) and for the preservation of this vital resource.

Tiffany is a scuba instructor who has taught and led scuba all over the world, She has worked in aquariums. She was a field biologist, and has attended a culinary academy. Her careers have been very diverse and colorful. Now she mostly works in marketing and outreach, but she still enjoys the hobbies that allow her on, in, and under the water.

Speaker: Tiffany Murzi-Moyce