Learn more about COE School Psychology program alumni Sara Whitcomb, PhD, '09, through our Alumni Spotlight series 

"Reflect on your strengths and growth edges and start to envision a career path that will inspire you."  – Sara Whitcomb

Meet Sara, a graduate in School Psychology (SPSY), who has committed her career to advancing mental health in schools. She specializes in social-emotional learning, focusing on empowering youth through her research and teaching. Her academic journey in the SPSY program strengthened her passion for mental health and wellness, while fostering collaborative relationships and data-driven approaches to education and prevention. 

Sara is a longtime faculty member in the school psychology program at UMass Amherst, and is now serving as a staff psychologist and associate director of research and evaluation at Boston Children’s Hospital Neighborhood Partnerships Program.

What has your career path looked like?

I spent 15 years as a faculty member in school psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I served as program director and director of clinical training for 8 of my years there. I made a big job change last year and, I am now staff psychologist and associate director of research and evaluation at Boston Children’s Hospital Neighborhood Partnerships Program. I am member of the faculty at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the BIRCH (Behavioral health Integrated Resources for Children) Center at UMass Boston. Throughout all of my positions I have enjoyed researching and supporting the implementation of comprehensive models of behavioral health support, social and emotional learning, and data-driven intervention protocols.

How did the University of Oregon School Psychology program prepare you for your career?

I came to SPSY with a background in public and therapeutic school teaching, and my doctoral program provided me with a deeper understanding of teaching and learning related to academics, behavior, and mental health. I felt a particular strength of SPSY was its focus on prevention, organizational change methods, and data-driven decision-making. My interest in mental health and wellness was bolstered by Dr. Ken Merrell’s research team, the Oregon Resilience Project (ORP), which helped me to consider an academic career where I could focus on teaching, mentoring, and research.  My advanced practicum at the Child and Family Center also helped me to see myself as a future psychologist. My cohort taught be how to lean on others and build collaborative relationships.

Do you have any advice for current students?

Graduate school is hard. If you can, try to stress and less and absorb more. Spend time with your cohort. Listen to your mentors. Reflect on your strengths and growth edges and start to envision a career path that will inspire you.