Alumni

Chanika McCombs
Psychiatric Caseworker
State of Nevada

2004 Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies

Soon after graduation I was hired on with the State of Nevada as a Psychiatric Caseworker. I work for a program called W.I.N (Wraparound in Nevada). This program is a process used to support children, youth and families with complex needs. We take a strength- and culture-based approach to individualized planning through a family centered team that promotes “Family Voice and Choice.”

The Human Development and Family Studies department gave me a strong base in working with people from diverse cultures of all ages. The department provided an effective foundation to understand human interaction and family systems. I received continuous support from faculty and staff from the start of my education through graduation and even help finding a job. I use my educational background on a daily basis and greatly value the education I received at The University of Nevada, Reno.

Lindsey Hicks, CCLS, CFLE
Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)
Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona

2003 Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies

Currently I hold a child life position on the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. As a child life specialist my job is to reduce the stress and anxiety that children/adolescents and their families experience during hospitalization.

Provide patients with developmentally appropriate preparation and distraction for/during invasive procedures.
Provide patients with medical play opportunities to help them gain a sense of mastery.
Provided patients with therapeutic play opportunities.
Provide sibling education and support using developmentally appropriate materials.
Provide bereavement services and support.
Advocate for patient and family needs to other healthcare professionals.

A solid understanding of development allowed me to take the next step and complete a professional child life internship. During my internship I learned how to apply my knowledge of development, family dynamics, and diversity to the medical field. I learned how accurately to prepare patients for procedures and provide developmentally appropriate distraction and support. After completion of my internship I was eligible to sit for the Child Life Certification Exam.

An interest and emphasis in family dynamics and diversity has helped me to understand and anticipate family reactions associated with hospitalization. My understanding of cultural diversity allows me to help families embrace what is most important to them while submerged in an unpredictable and ever changing environment. I rely daily on my knowledge of development to help children and adolescents cope with stress and unanticipated interactions associated with healthcare.

As a Certified Child Life Specialist I promote the importance of play. I provide patients with therapeutic and medical play opportunities daily. Playrooms, holiday activities and celebrations are also organized and carried out by the child life staff. Child life specialists understand and promote the importance of parental presence. Hospitalized children and adolescents are removed from their daily routines. Child life specialists help to make the environment more predictable for patients and encourage the presence and involvement of families and friends.

*more information about becoming a child life specialist can be found at www.childlife.org.

Judy M. Pannell
Administrator of XL Hospice, Inc.
Fernley, NV

2004 Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies

I was hired to be the administrator of XL Hospice, Inc. in April of 2005, and I am responsible for all activities in our office. We are a new hospice, having served patients since December of 2005. We cover the rural areas of Fernley, Silver Springs, and Fallon and I travel to all of these locations. I direct the volunteer program, serve as the HIPAA compliance officer, recruit and hire staff, work in public relations, and community education.

The focus of my graduate work was in end-of-life, and my thesis researched the perception of role strain of daughters and wives during end-of life care. I also created and directed a volunteer hospice in Fernley, Nevada as an internship. My internship was a large part of why I was offered my position with XL Hospice, Inc. My studies and internship in the HDFS department provided me an understanding and foundation for my work in Hospice. I have been able to use my background and contacts from UNR to further develop our programs at XL Hospice Inc.

Marty Elquist
Child Care Resource & Referral Quality Coordinator
The Children's Cabinet

2002 Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies

As the Child Care Resource and Referral Quality Coordinator for the Children's Cabinet, my primary responsibility is to track our department outcomes. Outcomes are the observable, measurable results from our services. Outcomes can include improved client knowledge, attitudes, behavior and or circumstances and are very important for the continuation of our funding. I assist in the annual development of the outcome plan and ensure that we are meeting all the outcomes identified in our grants as well as quality outcomes identified in our state plan.

I have set up tracking mechanisms that capture program utilization, customer satisfaction, and client change data to reach this objective. When I am not tracking outcomes, I am overseeing all department publications to ensure that we are providing research-based information for our community. I also coordinated our effort in achieving NACCRRA (National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies) quality assurance, and now I make sure we are meeting quality standards required to maintain accreditation. Finally, I coordinate the distribution of grant funds for child care quality improvement projects.

The HDFS program has provided me with a comprehensive education that adequately prepared me for my professional life. My first position with the Children's Cabinet was as an on-site family consultant for General Motors (GM) employees represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW). This position required that I understood human development, spanning from conception and early childhood to death and dying. The position also required knowledge in the financial aspects of family life such as paying for child care, saving for college, and assessing retirement needs. At GM every day was different. Employees came to me with a wide variety of family issues. I was very pleased that my education prepared me with the knowledge to help the UAW workforce balance their work/life obligations by providing on-site family services.

My current Quality Coordinator job duties require my previous job experience plus knowledge about statistics, research, technical writing, and non-profit agencies. I feel that my education also provided me with the foundation to excel at my current job. Statistics, research and technical writing skills were gained in my research methods courses and integrated throughout the remainder of my coursework. Courses in administration of child and family services provided me with an understanding of how non-profit organizations operate and the role non-profits play in communities.

Overall, I could not be more satisfied with my education in Human Development and Family Studies. The staff and professors were approachable and provided superior guidance to ensure that I reached my educational goals. My experience has provided me an excellent foundation to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Thank you.

Susan G. Harris
Project Director
Nevada Care Connection, Sanford Center for Aging
University of Nevada, Reno

2000 B.S. in Human Ecology (Gerontology minor)

2001 Certificate in Gerontology, Sanford Center for Aging

2003 M.S., Human Development and Family Studies
Adult Development and Aging Emphasis

2005 M.A., Social Psychology

2008 (anticipated) Ph.D. in Social Psychology, Aging and Health

Nevada Care Connection provides information to help people who care for elders throughout Nevada. That includes professionals like senior-center administrators but also includes spouses, adult children, neighbors, and anyone else who helps elders remain independent and living at home. The Nevada Care Connection’s electronic newsletter circulates to more than 700 individuals and groups throughout Nevada.

I was 38, caring for two teenagers, and working a full-time job when I began work on my bachelor’s degree. Since then, I have earned a Master’s in adult development and aging as well as a Master’s in Social Psychology. I expect to complete my Ph.D. in 2008. Along the way I have taught several HDFS courses, have co-authored several research articles on issues related to aging, and presented my research at many professional conferences. My focus is healthy lifestyle and positive aging. My dissertation interest focuses on how people’s image of themselves in the future – their “possible selves” – influences their behavior.
I had a passion for the field of aging before I began formal course work. I had a very close extended family and spent a lot of time with my great-grandmother when I was young. She lived to be 91.

Human Development and Family Studies gives you a very broad perspective of how you look at the human condition. Everything is related – the past, the present, and the future. They all exist in the person at any given point in time. Also, social and historical context must always be considered.

What really helped me in my advanced studies and in getting this job is my amazing mentors from the HDFS and Social Psychology programs; Drs. Jeanne Hilton, Karen Kopera-Frye, Eva Essa, and Colleen Murray gave me a strong foundation in the area of human development; Drs. Melissa Burnham and Sally Martin gave me opportunities to apply research methodologies from HDFS; and Judith Sugar has guided me in my doctoral endeavors, just to name a few. The coursework from the HDFS and Social Psychology programs, combined with the high level of academic rigor in terms of research methods and statistical analysis, have provided me with the skill-set to complete the various requirements of my position as well as in mentoring the graduate students who work with me. Also, the support of my husband, David, and my children, Jessica and Valerie, has sustained me throughout the entire academic process."

Jolynne L. Saylor
Mental Health Counselor II, Clinical Services
Washoe County Department of Social Services
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Drug and Alcohol Counselor

1995 Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies

1998 Master of Arts, Counseling and Educational Psychology

I work with families involved with Social Services due to abuse, neglect, mental health, and substance abuse issues. This includes in-home therapy, foster placement training and support, facilitating family group meetings, and teaching parenting. I have also been in private practice for 11years as a Marriage and Family Therapist/Drug & Alcohol Counselor, working with private and court-ordered clients.

I got into this field because I had volunteered for many years in the school system, which was both rewarding and somewhat frustrating as I saw many youths struggling to achieve at school as they endured sometimes alarming issues at home. I saw that I needed specific education and training if I were to help in a meaningful way. I can honestly say that I was grateful every day for my education in HDFS, which gave me the chance to learn in-depth about families and the ability to use that knowledge to bring about positive and lasting change for children. Today, my most fulfilling endeavors involve direct work with parents and children, increasing parenting skills and enhancing family relationships.

Following graduation, I was invited to teach at both the University and our Community College. Teaching gave me a great opportunity to share the valuable material presented in both my baccalaureate and graduate degree disciplines. Sometimes, as I drive past the University, I still have to remind myself that I have come from being an idealistic, well-intentioned volunteer, to working as a qualified and respected professional in our community.

Tina Schennum Springmeyer
Coordinator, Northern Nevada Child Care Apprenticeship Program

1989 Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, emphasis on Child and Family Studies

1997 Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies

The Nevada Child Care Apprenticeship Program helps individuals who work in child care obtain training in their field through college course work. I provide technical assistance to child care apprenticeship sites including enrolling participants and meeting requirements of the Apprenticeship program. I provide training and support for the mentors and apprentices. I maintain records and I collect assessment data to document the success of the program.

I value the education and experience that I gained as a student at the University of Nevada Reno. My degrees gave me a strong framework and foundation to help guide me as an Early Childhood Professional. I think that my Master’s degree helped me to expand my educational experience by giving me more of a global perspective of the early childhood field and the impact that quality child care, professional development and formal education have on my profession. My education and work experience have given me many opportunities to be part of the professional early childhood community that has developed the Pre-k standards and the Core Knowledge areas of professional development for teachers. As the Apprenticeship Coordinator, I help entry level early childhood teachers become students and start their career path towards becoming a Child Developmental Specialist. I find that my education prepared me to meet the constant challenges of this position.

Brianna Head-Carter
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Consultant

2006 Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Family Studies

I am currently working with emotionally disturbed children, diagnosed with various mental illnesses. As a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Consultant (PSR)*, we provide in-home and in-community behavioral interventions. PSR spends time in schools, homes and works with all members in a client’s “treatment team.” We work on issues including psychiatric, social, educational, family, basic life skills and other issues pertaining to the individual’s needs.

My background in Human Development and Family Studies has given me a solid foundation for a wide range of issues affecting families and children today. The Human Development and Family Studies program has helped prepare me for my current position and future educational goals. My degree in HDFS has given me a comprehensive understanding of development, family theories, family dynamics, and family resource management, ideas and concepts into which I tap everyday. The HDFS program and faculty will help set you up for a wide range of career successes.

*A little side note: Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR), is not necessarily a new idea or discipline, but it is becoming a popular trend and growing quickly in the Northern Nevada area.

Pam Young
Home Visitor
Early Head Start Program

2005 Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

Immediately after graduation I was hired by UNR to work in the Early Head Start program. I am one of two home visitors who work in this program. I carry a case load of twelve families, with children aged 0 – 3 years, that I conduct weekly home visits with. My main focus during these visits is to assist the parents with understanding what developmental stage their child is in and how to provide experiences in the home that will give their child the best start in life.

Having a strong base of knowledge about child development in the early years is essential in this job, and that is what I received from my Early Childhood Education program. Currently, I am also enrolled full time in the College of Education working on a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education.

Tori Montalbano
Second Grade Teacher
Tony Alamo Elementary School
Las Vegas, NV

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, 2006

As a 2nd grade elementary school teacher, I teach general education in all subject areas to children ages 7 and 8.

I truly believe that my education helped prepare me for the role I have recently taken on. I was offered this job after completing my student teaching internship at Tony Alamo Elementary School last year. The practicum and other hands-on experiences I had as a student gave me a true understanding of how children learn and how to foster that learning. At the same time, I know that I still have to encourage the children’s physical and mental growth and foster their independence. I have learned that all interactions are important and meaningful. My preparation and education in the Early Childhood Education program have helped me learn how to make each such interaction as significant as possible so that I can be the best second grade teacher I possibly can be.

Kelli Baker
Director of Hug Early Learning Center
Infant and Toddler Coordinator
Washoe County School District

2002 Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

I am in charge of supervising three child care centers that serve our teen moms in the community. The child care centers are located at Hug High School, Wooster High School, and Sparks High School. The purpose of our centers is to help young teen moms stay in school and receive an education. I am in charge of 12 staff members and responsible to make sure that they receive up to date training every month. I do monthly goals with my staff and make sure that they have reached those goals the following month. I also run a support program for our teen moms once a week during their lunch time. We cover topics such as housing, WIC, Medicaid, nutrition, bankruptcy, and domestic violence, just to name a few. Our program has already helped so many young mothers!

My education at UNR has helped me to get to where I am today because I was able to start out in Early Childhood Education by teaching Kindergarten, and then preschool. Being in the field of Early Childhood Education opened up the doors for me to advance into an administrator’s role. My education also allowed me to be a director of a licensed child care center. In addition, it has helped me as a supervisor to learn what is important to teach to my staff.

Elizabeth Crump
Senior Children’s Services Specialist (full-time)
Early Education Specialist Adult Trainer (part-time)
Tucson, Arizona

2004 Bachelor of Science, dual major in Early Childhood Education and Human Development & Family Studies, with a minor in Psychology

Currently a full time student pursuing a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

As the Senior Children’s Services Specialist, I supervise and assist early education teachers at a Head Start agency with their classrooms and the children they work with. I also supervise other Children’s Services Specialists, write curriculum, provide trainings, and form partnerships with parents of the children we serve.

As the Early Education Specialist Adult Trainer, I work for two different agencies providing child care trainings to early education teachers on topics ranging from early development to issues that arise in the classroom.

My education at UNR provided me with the knowledge and first-hand experience needed to obtain a position working with young children where I also am able to work with other adults who share my passion for early education. I graduated from UNR with the confidence I needed to become a leader in my community and at my agency within the early childhood field. I am also confident in sharing what I have learned throughout my course studies with the many adults I train on a regular basis.

Elizabeth B. Florez Elizabeth Florez Image

Program Manager of the McGee Center, Washoe County Department of Juvenile Services

2002 Master of Science, HDFS emphasis on Adolescent Development

I have been employed with Juvenile Services since 1994 and was a Residential Youth Advisor in the detention facility for three years and then a Probation Officer for eight years. While still providing supervision for juvenile offenders as a Probation Officer, I returned to UNR in 1999 to pursue a Master's Degree. I realized in my work with juvenile offenders that there were a myriad of issues and systems that influenced youth and their behaviors, but wanted to know more. The HDFS program provided a holistic framework with which to assess and treat juveniles. In 2006, I became Program Manager and now oversee the
Department's status offender shelter, the McGee Center. We serve a diverse population, the great majority of who are girls. In an effort to be gender responsive and provide appropriate, effective services for youth, I frequently call upon the education I received in HDFS, especially in relation to diversity and the many systems or contexts which affect the lives of young people. My education undoubtedly has assisted me to be promoted within my profession and has provided me the necessary tools to provide good service to youths and their families.

Cindy Thomas Elizabeth Florez Image

Coordinator of the Cancer Resource Center
Renown Institute of Cancer, Renown Regional

1991 Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
1995 Master of Arts, Counseling and Educational Psychology

I graduated in December 1991 with a BS in HDFS. Understanding the developmental stages helped me to be a better parent, person and ultimately counselor. I knew that I wanted to help people, but was not sure in what way. The HDFS degree program was rigorous for a non-traditional student and helped prepare me for graduate school. Since graduating with my Master’s Degree I have 12 years of experience in counseling and disability services. In February 2008 I starting working at Renown Regional Medical Center, Institute For Cancer, as the Resource Center Coordinator/Cancer Concierge/Outreach Coordinator. I have the privilege of assisting cancer patients and their families to access needed resources, support, and services such as wigs, camisoles, hats, etc. In addition, I also co-facilitate support groups and provide information on social, nutritional and counseling services, as well as representing the Institute for Cancer at community and educational events.