interview by Wendel Sloan

Q.  What is your official title?

TRiO SSS CSP Professional Intervention Specialist/Career Advisor

Q.  When did you begin working at ENMU?

January 9, 2017

Q.  What is the history of your positions at ENMU?

This is my first professional position at ENMU. Previously, I was an ENMU full-time student.

Q.  What does your department do and what are the main duties of your job?

The TRiO/College Success Program helps students identify educational and career goals to persist and succeed in college. In its 30 years at Eastern, the College Success Program has taken various forms. However, it originated as and remains a part of TRiO Student Support Services, a federal outreach program to ensure equal education opportunity for all students. In fact, Eastern’s CSP program is one of the oldest continuously funded TRIO programs in the United States.

As the TRiO CSP Professional Intervention Specialist/Career Advisor, it is my job to communicate regularly with students and professional staff regarding the educational, social, and personal needs of students. It is also a priority to help students to succeed in multiple areas and provide career, personality, learning styles and other assessments as necessary to guide students in their college endeavors.

The College Success Program is located in the Student Success Center, known to students as “The Alley” the bottom floor of the Campus Union Building, along with Tutoring Services and Multicultural Affairs.

Q.  What have you enjoyed most about your job, and what have been the biggest challenges?

I appreciate working with a welcoming staff. They have made my transition to ENMU enjoyable. Acclimating to a new position can be challenging but, I am learning the responsibilities of my new role quickly.

Q.  What were you doing before you came to ENMU, and what other jobs have you held outside of ENMU?

Recently, I worked at Roosevelt General Hospital-Clinic as a Behavioral Health and Substance Use CHW for the Project ECHO program from UNM. I have a passion for all aspects of psychology. I have experience in working with individuals with developmental disabilities, chronic mental health in the inpatient and outpatient settings.

Q.  What are your degrees and majors, and what activities did you participate in college?

Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology, Eastern New Mexico University

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Research, Capella University, Minneapolis, MN

Q.  Where were you born, raised, and what was your life like growing up?

I was born and raised on a ranch north of Melrose, New Mexico. Being raised in a small rural community was enriching in many ways. My family and community taught me how to work hard, help others in need and embrace new experiences.

Q.  Tell us about your own family?

I have a very supportive immediate and extended family. My parents, siblings and nieces all enrich my life tremendously.

In November 2016, I married a wonderful man, Donncha O’Donovan. He is an engineer from Cork, Ireland, working locally at Southwest Cheese.

Q.  What are your hobbies?

I enjoy traveling, reading and playing with my Irish Wolfhound, Culainn.

Q.  What is your ultimate career goal?

My ultimate career goal is to obtain my PsyD in Clinical Psychology and open my own private practice.

Q.  What gives your life meaning?  Besides career goals, what else do you hope to accomplish?

A few things that give my life meaning are; build a legacy with my husband, be self-aware/mindful and make a positive impact in the lives of others.  I have a sincere passion for traveling and hope to continue to be fortunate to travel, experience other cultures, cuisine and engage with individuals along the way.

Q.   What is your general impression of Portales, and ENMU?

I have been to a few places around the world and always love coming back home to Portales, New Mexico. There is a sense of community here that I have never experienced anywhere else. ENMU also exemplifies that characteristic.