MASTER OF ARTS IN COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY

MEGHAN N. FLYNN '19, M.A.
College of Arts and Sciences

Meghan Flynn ’19 has two passions in the field of psychology — policy and advocacy work — and found that the area of community psychology brings those two passions together seamlessly. The program that helped her pursue them? The University’s M.A. in Community in Psychology, with a concentration in Program Development. “I was immediately drawn to the program because of its commitment to establishing strong community connections through applied research opportunities,” she explained.

“The training in the Community Psychology program propelled me into countless opportunities to further my professional development,” she said. “I worked as a research assistant at the Yale School of Medicine’s Consultation Center and as an intern for the Child Health and Development Institute (CDDI). During my second year in the program, I completed a master’s thesis, which consisted of a mixed-methods needs assessment focused on understanding and addressing the barriers that transgender and gender-diverse individuals face when seeking gynecological care.”

Currently, Flynn is a Ph.D. candidate in the Community Psychology program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Her research seeks to understand the systemic and individual barriers that impact access to quality healthcare.” I am interested in expanding trauma-informed approaches to gynecological care for survivors of sexual assault,” she added. “I believe that for research to be truly effective and enact long-term, sustained change, its efforts should focus on changing the systems in which communities operate.”

Flynn credits the graduate Psychology Department and the greater New Haven community for her success. “I would not be the community psychologist I am today without their support and the resources they provided,” she declared.

Meghan earned her Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and now works for the child health and development institute.

RICHARD C. CONCEPCION, M.A.C.P., '22 M.A. 

Since 2024, I have worked for Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance (GPCA) which is a non-profit organization that focuses on minimizing generational poverty by providing the support & services to bridge the gap with our Philadelphia families. I am the Director of our Family Empowerment Services (FES) which is a 90-day prevention program that supports families before they enter the child welfare system with financial assistance, as well as mental health, housing, education, and other resources. We host a Parenting Collaborative group as well to support these efforts to educate our parents on skills to improve their parenting techniques.

During my time at the University, I gained valuable experiences that have continued to shape both my professional career and personal goals. While completing my M.A. in Community Psychology, I had the opportunity to serve as President of the Community Psychology/CMHC Club for a year, where I strengthened my leadership skills and helped build community among students. I also developed a mentorship program that provided students with opportunities to connect, learn from one another, and grow professionally. My experiences outside of the classroom were equally influential. I interned with the Bridgeport Juvenile Review Board, an experience that ultimately helped me obtain a position after graduate school as a Program Coordinator for the Stamford Juvenile Review Board [...] and I served as a Graduate Assistant at the Tow Youth Justice Institute, where I developed my skills in consultation, training development, and program evaluation while supporting professionals in implementing youth-focused best practices. Collectively, these experiences helped me develop into a more effective family services professional, leader, and advocate for families and the teams I support.

Today, I work with a team of more than 20 case managers, supervisors, and system partners, where I continue to apply the principles of Community Psychology to prevention, diversion, program development, and family services. Over the past year, I have helped improve our city audit scores by more than 30 points, and I recognize that I would not have been able to accomplish this without the knowledge, skills, and perspective I gained through my experiences at UNH.

I am incredibly grateful to the University of New Haven and the Community Psychology program for the opportunities, relationships, and experiences that have contributed to who I am today. UNH gave me more than an education. It gave me a professional foundation, a community, mentors who continue to influence me, and a framework for understanding how I can contribute to meaningful change.

I am starting my second year in the M.A. in Community Psychology program with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. My biological science background, familial experience with mental health struggles, and interest in justice system engagement fuel my interest areas. I aim to improve the surrounding community and foster more informed practices for trauma treatment.

Being a part of the Community Psychology program has allowed me to build new connections, deepen my understanding of psychology, and find new research areas to explore. That was especially true when I had the chance to be a presenter at the annual Eastern Psychological Association (EPA) conference. Collaborating with peers and discussing thought-provoking questions prompted deep discussions about how we can collectively heal through our lived traumas. It was a fantastic experience and one that I would do again.

Professors with years of field experience, like Dr. Whitson and Dr. Cassidy, have greatly influenced my professional journey. They bring real-world scenarios and ventures into the classroom and offer guidance and insight into my professional development. Thanks to this exposure — and my interest in the persistent issues present in our communities — my focus has narrowed to victim advocacy. I want to help bridge the gap between helpful resources and the community's access to them, providing the psycho-legal supports victims may need.

This semester, I will begin my internship at National Latin@ Network, where we will focus on the research and evaluation of domestic violence and sexual assault to promote social justice.

Being a first-generation college graduate, continuing my education and giving back is a priority. In my role as a graduate assistant and student mentor, I hope to continue to be an example of what is possible and provide the guidance that students may need in pursuing their dreams.

Rasheeda is now a Health Science Specialist for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

KRISTA GRAJO '22 M.A.
College of Arts and Sciences

I’m a second-year Community Psychology student with a concentration in Community-Clinical Services. I love the content and engaging discussion in my classes as well as the flexibility in choosing interesting electives. The faculty are extremely supportive, both in the classroom and outside of it. From research opportunities with culturally specific national organizations to co-presenting conferences, there are plenty of opportunities to grow in professional development, participate in applied research, and make genuine connections with folks in the program. As part of the Community Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Club Executive Board, we look forward to establishing a mentorship program and sharing resources and community with current students and alumni. In general, the skills, tools, and perspectives gained from my experiences with the program directly inform my internship, work, and other meaningful community involvements as I continue my education.

Krista is now a Research & Evaluation Coordinator, for the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence.

Azza Hussein ’23 M.A.
College of Arts and Sciences
Community Psychology, M.A.

A candidate in the University’s graduate program in community psychology, Azza Hussein ’23 M.A. has focused her research and volunteer work on empowering and supporting immigrants and refugees. During her time as a Charger, she has discovered her own passion for research and the impact she hopes to continue to have in ensuring that others have a voice.

Azza is now a Program Evaluator for the American Psychiatric Association.

HUNTER CLARK ‘23
Community Psychology

For Hunter Clark ’24 M.A., the University’s forensic psychology concentration offered as part of its master’s degree in community psychology has been a perfect fit. Inspired by the myriad possibilities to make an impact in the field, she’s exploring possible career options, including pursuing her doctorate.

Hunter is now a Ph.D. student at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.