mailto:psychology@salve.edu

Newport, RI(AP):(1997-1998 Academic Year)

Dr. Mary Zahm in Olympia enroute to Delphi, 1998The Department of Psychology is pleased to welcome Dr. Mary Zahm of Middletown, RI as Adjunct Faculty Member commencing in the Fall, 1998. Dr. Zahm obtained her B.A. in psychology with honors from Roger Williams University, her M.A. in Personality and Social Psychology from Rhode Island College, and her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Rhode Island. She was a Human Factors Psychologist and Senior Research Scientist at Raytheon for twelve years following which she joined the faculty of Bristol Community College full-time while teaching part-time at several other local colleges and universities. Dr. Zahm has published extensively in the area of "human factors psychology" and is the author of the book Create your ideal life:Applied psychology of personal adjustment and growth(2nd Edition). Dubuque, IA:WCB/McGraw-Hill (ISBN 0-697-38530-2). Dr. Zahm taught a course on The Psychology of Women in the Fall, 1998 and Research Methods in Behavioral Science(formerly Experimental Psychology)in the Spring, 1999. She is shown in the photo during a recent tour of Greece and Italy "...in Olympia enroute to Delphi to confer with the Oracle."

Psychology Major Graduates
Class of 1998
Amanda Ann Allsopp Deanna Lynn Anderson Diana Maria Azevedo Paulomi Bole
Sarah L. Cavallaro Salvatore A. Cipriati Lisa Marie Decrescenzo Elizabeth Geraty Drum
Kelly B. Emmett Benjamin Liam Gilmore Patricia Hamilton Kelly Ann Hannon
Melinda Beth Jason Kara Marie Kirker Deborah Lynn Kostisin Heather Jane Leary
Marissa Lynn Nicotera Aideen Mae O'Keefe Kristin Joy Pulcinella Allison Kate Richards
Jennifer L. Sherman Catherine Mary Walsh Rachel E. Wehler Amanda Zusman
Yellow Highlights Psi Epsilon Delta Members

Janet Catherine Titus in her new doctoral robe.Janet Catherine Titus(1984) successfully defended her doctoral dissertation entitled "The generalizability of observational ratings of parent-child interaction with young children who have a chronic illness or disability" on May 12th, 1998 and was awarded her Ph.D. three days later in Educational Psychology, with a specialization in Measurement and Evaluation. The formal abstract describing this investigation and its results can be read here. Janet writes:

"I am currently living in Bloomington, Illinois with my husband, Charles Boudreaux. (Charles is a doctoral candidateThe Seal of the University of Minnesotain counseling psychology at the University of Minnesota. We moved down here for his internship, which he completed at the student counseling center at Illinois State University. He's working on his dissertation.) We have no human children (yet), but one feline daughter :) named Azure -- she's a Siamese/Tabby mix and the most affectionate, talkative cat you've ever met. I am currently on staff at Chestnut Health Systems, a behavioral health center that specializes in substance abuse treatment. (One of our programs was featured on the recent Bill Moyers special on addiction -- see our website...here. ) I am the Project Coordinator of the Cannabis Youth Treatment Project, a multi-site randomized clinical trial of treatment programs for adolescents who abuse or are dependent on marijuana. The project was funded by CSAT (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment out of the Department of Health and Human Services) and we are working in cooperation with four sites: Chestnut's Madison County site in southern Illinois, the Child Guidance Center in Philadelphia, PAR in St. Petersburg, Florida, and the Alcohol Research Center at the University of Connecticut Medical School. In a nutshell, I am responsible for overseeing the implementation of the research across the sites."

Those wishing to communicate with Janet and/or to send her congratulatory wishes may contact her at jtitus@chestnut.org.

[ News received by Dr. Anthony A. Walsh on 21-May-1998 ]

NEW COURSE TO BE OFFERED IN THE SPRING TERM: In the Spring semester, 1999, the Department ...[offered] a new course in Educational Psychology. This course...[was] taught by former psychology major and Salve graduate, and now School Psychologist, Kathleen McCabe-Blank(Salve BA in Psychology, 1980).
Stacy Newhall(1995) has been accepted into the School Psychology Program at the University of Hartford. In a recent letter to Fr. Michael Malone she wrote: "...I started my first classes today [ September 1st ]... I also wanted you to know that your Psychological Testing class had a great influence on my decision to pursue a career in School Psychology. Thank you for everything." [ Signed: Stacy Newhall ]

[ A.A. Walsh, 28-September-1998]

Psi Epsilon Delta Spring Dinner, 1998 [Photo by A.A.Walsh] On Monday, April 27th, 1998, the [then]current and new members of Psi Epsilon Delta, the Salve Regina University Psychology Honor Society, convened for dinner at Sardella's Restaurant, in Newport. In attendance at this event( from left to right in the photo) were: Dr. Caroline Salvatore, Fr. Michael Malone, Allison K. Richards(1998), Melinda Beth Jason(1998), Amanda Zusman(1998), Dr. Arthur Frankel, Jennifer L. Sherman(1998), and Dr. Anthony A. Walsh. Other current members who could not attend were: Deborah Lynn Kostisin(1998), Deanna L. Anderson (1998), Kelly Hannon(1998) and Jennifer J. Mead(1998).
News update from Craig Piers, Ph.D., Salve BA in Psychology, 1986
In a recent communication to the department, Craig wrote:

"Bridget [Piers]([Salve Regina] Nursing '88) and I are doing well. We live in Lenox MA and love the area. We have two delightful and energetic boys, ages 8 and 4.

We moved here in 1992 when I began my four year post-doc fellowship at the Austen Riggs Center, a private, fully open and voluntary psychiatric hospital which specializes in the residential treatment of severe personality, psychotic and other so-called "treatment-resistant" disorders. The core of the treatment is four times weekly psychoanalytic psychotherapy.... The place is rich with history, and while challenging in many respects, I continue to find the work rewarding and stimulating. After completing my fellowship, I was asked to join the staff as the Assistant Director of Admissions and as a member of the Associate therapy staff. I carry a case load of four patients, and interview and evaluate prospective patients for their clinical appropriateness for our setting. In addition I have a private practice in psychotherapy, primarily with adults. I also do a fair amount of psychological testing.

I have also been able to write and do some research. The clinical work can be very demanding and draining, and I have found the writing to be revitalizing. In addition, writing is always clearer than the ambiguities of practice. I present my work often at national conferences and I have published over a dozen articles (some currently in press) primarily in psychoanalytic journals. My writing has included theoretical, clinical and empirical pieces. I actually made a small splash with two articles I wrote on the current fascination (or frenzy, depending on your point of view) with trauma and memory...."

Craig closed his comments by describing how much he valued his education in psychology at Salve and then noted:
"...I feel ... grateful to ... the [psychology] faculty... I feel I developed a sense of confidence in my abilities through ...[their] guidance and encouragement..."

And, in a follow-up letter added:
"... it is true... that I left Salve with a sense accomplishment, competance and confidence that was in large measure due to the encouragement and guidance that came from all of you[ in psychology]. I hasten to add that I always felt well-prepared academically for graduate school by the solid undergraduate coursework I had at Salve. I think this...[is] an important message for any of your current students who are considering graduate school."

Signed: Craig Piers, Ph.D., Psychology Major, Salve Class of 1986

[ A. A. Walsh, 6-November-1998 ]

Paul Charette, Class of 1995, e-mailed us recently. He wrote:

"I am writing to you to let you know what I have been up to since graduating in '95 with Bachelors degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Before doing that let me backtrack a bit to March of '95.

At that time I began employment at the Key Program as a residential counselor for juvenile male offenders and boys who were in the custody of the Department of Social Services. During my employment at Key I came into contact with a large number of boys who had committed a wide range of offenses and who came from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Many of these boys were on the wrong track and it was part of our job to ensure their safety and to try to get them onto a better path.

This job afforded me the opportunity to put into practice many of the things which I learned in the classroom. Many of these boys were very interested in the justice system as it pertained to them and their lives and this sometimes was a way to reach them. My background in psychology also helped in that many of the kids felt comfortable confiding in me because they felt I might be able to understand them.

This job turned out to be a very rewarding experience to me in many ways. First, it exposed me to a portion of our society which is in dire need of good role models which was something I tried to do. Second, this job was a chance to put my classroom learning to practical use. Finally, it helped me develop new goals in terms of furthering my education and for other types of employment experiences. I was with the Key Program from March of '95 till July of '97.

While still at the Key Program I began pursuing a Masters of Science degree in Administration of Justice at Salve. I am now half way to my Masters degree in that field.

While working at the Key program many of my co-workers and myself talked about what influences these children to commit crimes. Many people believe that if a child doesn't have good influences in his/her early years this can lead to future difficulties. This was one of the reasons that I began working for the Head Start program in August of '97.

I began working as a Teacher Assistant in a class of 18 children ranging in age from 3-5. My ultimate goal was to obtain my own Head Start classroom and in February of this year I was able to achieve that goal. I have a class of 19 children and this has become my most rewarding experience. I am given the opportunity to positively impact these children and their families and I am now in a position where I am making a difference and I am happy every day after work. The children provide inspiration for me to be my best self and I am trying to foster that in them. I just wish that everyone could get as much from their job as I do."

Paul you're doing great! We're all proud of your accomplishments. Keep up the good work.

[ E-mail received by Dr. Anthony A. Walsh on 20-April-1998 ]

Rebecca and Michael Homer On June 27th, 1998 REBECCA L. CLARK(BA in Psychology, 1995) and Michael J. Homer were married in a ceremony in the chapel of Ochre Court conducted by Fr. Michael Malone, Associate Professor of Psychology. Rebecca, who also has a BS Degree in Nursing from Salve, and Michael, who is a Medical Technician, live in Middletown, RI. The complete account as published in The Newport Daily News on August 22-23, 1998 may be viewed here.

We extend to them our best wishes and sincerest congratulations as they embark on their new life together.


[ A.A. Walsh, 25-August-1998]

Marissa L. Nicotera(1998)On Saturday, April 4, 1998, Deana Anderson(1998) and Marissa Nicotera(1998) represented the Department of Psychology at the Admissions Office Spring, 1998 CONNECTIONS Program for Accepted Students. Deana and Marissa joined Dr. Walsh in answering prospective student questions about our program, student life here, and their plans for the future. Marissa, who recently completed a one semester Internship at "Lucy's Hearth Women's Shelter" in Middletown, discussed her rich and rewarding real life "hands-on" experiences there. Deana discussed her double major in Psychology & Criminal Justice and announced that she has been accepted to the graduate school of theUniversity of New Haven where she will major in Correctional Counseling. The morning event was a great success and the Department sincerely appreciates their competent and generous assistance.

[ Announcement from Dr. Anthony A. Walsh on 6-April-1998 ]

Dr. Walsh has just received an update from Kathleen "Kitty" Fallon, Psychology Major, Class of 1994. The following is excerpted from her e-mail. Kitty writes:

"I hope all is well for you and everyone else in the department and that everyone is continuing to thrive. I'm still down in Gainesville, Florida, and have been working as a substance abuse counselor for almost two years. My job is the best deterrent against using any substance...the horror stories are just that...horrific. In my spare time, I'm still volunteering at the Alachua County Crisis Center...I was a telephone volunteer for a while, then shifted to working as a consultant on the teams that respond to community crises...been on my share of suicides and accidents. My dream, which I've just begun to work on realizing, is to create a wellness/retreat center in my community...it would follow a holistic model of healing and counseling, including workshops on a variety of therapeutic and spiritual topics, learning about nutrition, natural healing...space for an organic garden...all in all...a sanctuary for healing on many levels."

In August, 1996, Kitty received a Masters of Education (M.Ed.) and Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) from the University of Florida, College of Education, Department of Counselor Education. Her specialty was in marriage and family counseling. Her practical training was in crisis counseling at the Alachua County Crisis Center. For the past two years, she has been working as an outpatient substance abuse counselor.

[ News received by Dr. Anthony A. Walsh on 7-April-1998 ]

Amanda Zusman(1998)Amanda Zusman(1998) appeared in a combined voice and viola instrumental concert on March 28th, 1998 in a presentation of "Classic Endings," a senior recital in Ochre Court. Read the full story here.
[The Newspaper, Wednesday, March 25, 1998 {AAW}]

The department learned recently that Amanda Zussman(1998) and Rachel E. Wehler(1998) have both been accepted by the graduate school of Springfield College in Western Massachusetts. Both intend to concentrate in Higher Education Administration. The department faculty are delighted with this news and are confident that both will do very well there. Congratulations from us all!

[ Announcement from Dr. Anthony A. Walsh on 5-March-1998 ]

On Monday, February 16th, 1998 the students in Dr. Frankel's Psychology of Learning and Behavior course were treated to a guest lecture by Will (Zapecki) Gammetto, a staff member at the New England Center for Children located in Southborough, Massachusetts (outside of Worcester). Will graduated from Salve four years ago as a psychology major.

Will described his experiences working with autistic children and how behavior modification is used at his school to teach students how to behave more effectively and acquire more control over their lives. He did a wonderful job bringing to life the behavior principles the students had been learning and discussing in class. His explanations of how shaping, token economies, and social attention are used to help these children fulfill their potential made it easier for class members to see how behavior principles are powerful tools and how these principles can be used to make a better world.

[ Report from Dr. Arthur Frankel, 25-Feb-98 ]

Dr. Arthur Frankel and Mindy Lawrence(SRU 1997) have had their research project entitled "Early Birds" and "Night Owls" Should Have Different Schedules in College accepted for presentation at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Society this year to be held in Washington, D.C. from May 23rd to the 26th, 1997. The research that will be presented began as Mindy's research project in Dr. Frankel's Experimental Psychology class last year. She continued with the investigation last Fall(1996) in an independent study. An interesting relationship was discovered that connects personality type--"day people" versus "night people"--and classroom performance as measured by grades. The Department is proud of this accomplishment by one of our students and are delighted that this scholarly research has been selected to be presented on the APA's official program this year. Click hereto view a copy of their abstract from the official program as well as a reproduction of the seal which appeared on the program's cover. [ 16-Apr-97 ]
On April 11th, 1997 and again on April 14th that year Amy Silvestri, SRU Class of 1991, double major in Psychology and Biology, was on campus and gave two lectures on her current research in Dr. Salvatore's Brain and Behavior class. Amy has just recently completed her doctorate at the Unversity of Vermont. Her dissertation, which she successfully defended a few weeks ago, carries the formidible title of "Amygdaloid Modulation of mesopontine peribrachial(PB) neuronal activity:Implications for arousal." Amy has also presented her research findings at a recent(1995) annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in San Diego. She has been awarded a post-doctoral appointment at the University of Pennsylvania beginning in June. It goes without saying--but we'll say it anyway--that we are very proud of her accomplishments. Amy is shown in the photograph in a psychology lab at UVM. [ 16-Apr-97 ]

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The Psychology Pages were created and are maintained by, Dr. Anthony A. Walsh. They first went on-line in early January, 1996. Contact him directly if you have comments or questions at: walsh@salve.edu---100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island USA 02840 | 401-847-6650x3120--- Revised: September 22, 1999[ Cybercuriosities ]