Danielle Caissie accepted into competitive program for clinical psychology

St. Thomas University graduate Danielle Caissie had a plan in mind when she came to STU—a major in Criminology followed by RCMP training in Regina. Instead she found herself on a different path to the same city.

 

Caissie graduated this year with an Honours in Psychology, and a minor in Criminology. In September she will be attending the University of Regina’s competitive Clinical Psychology program to earn her Master’s and eventually her PhD.

 

“I came to STU with the intention of studying Criminology, yet here I am four years later with a passion for Psychology and moving to Regina for 6 years of graduate school instead of 6 months for RCMP training,” said Caissie.

 

Caissie is only the second person in her family to attend post-secondary school. She said her sister, a registered nurse, helped guide her journey.

 

“Being a first-generation student does have unique challenges. I was very fortunate to have my sister, who was in her final year of study at UNB when I entered my first year at STU, to help me navigate this new territory. My parents are also incredibly supportive of my education.”

 

Her clinical psychology program will place her in Dr. Kristi Wright’s lab, which is a big reason she chose the University of Regina.

 

“I chose to apply to the University of Regina because of the research being conducted by Dr. Wright. It focuses on health related clinical psychology with children. Working with children is my passion, but in the clinical psychology world, most researchers focus on adults.”

 

Caisse was offered a financial support from the University of Regina, as well as a position as a teaching assistant, which she said makes this opportunity more accessible. She credits her acceptance into the competitive program to a combination of hard work and the experiential opportunities available at STU, which helped strengthen her résumé.