Gonzalez earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and a minor in sociology in just three years by taking extra classes. She then completed UHart’s Master’s in School Psychology program and earned her Sixth-Year Certificate in school psychology. Gonzalez says her UHart courses and internship placements helped her tremendously. “We were taught the importance of comprehensive evaluations, and I’m always grateful to UHart whenever I get compliments on my thorough and well written evals,” she says.
A few years ago, Gonzalez received a fully funded “Donors Choose” project that enabled her to purchase children’s books to build a Social Emotional Learning library in both English and Spanish. The project was featured on a local news station which then led to her visit with a parent who lost a son in the Sandy Hook tragedy. “We talked about the importance of social emotional learning,” she says. “I credit the University for helping me to see the value in teaching students about emotions and coping tools. UHart helped me understand the value and importance of social emotional learning, rapport building, and collaborating with the parents and community to build a home-school connection,” says Gonzalez.
She also says Professor Tony Crespi had a profound impact on her UHart education and career. Gonzalez says Crespi inspired her to step outside of her comfort zone and develop a more positive mindset. “Thanks to him, I learned what it means to challenge myself, have confidence, and overcome fears. He encouraged me in so many ways and I’m forever grateful. He was always just an email or phone call away, and his office door was always open to students.” She says Crespi also knew how much her Puerto Rican heritage meant to her and explained how important and unique that was.
When Puerto Rico suffered the devastating earthquakes late last year, Gonzalez helped organize a dress-down event at her school to raise money for those affected by the disaster. “UHart instilled in me a purpose to go into the workforce as a school psychologist and work toward making a difference in my community and the lives of children. For that I will always be grateful.”
Amanda Gonzalez, BA Psychology, MS School Psychology, 6th-Year Certificate,I loved my time at UHart and in East Hall. Especially during my graduate degree with Dr. Politkos, Dr. Segool, and Dr. Crespi! They truly made a life long impact on me, not just professionally but on a personal level as well.