School Psychology at WIU

Posting and sharing this for GEP students here in one of our graduate programs in Psychology, we are on a time crunch due to a change in the WIU survey platform so please help and share!

Hello, my name is Owen Kibbe, and I am a graduate student in the Department of Psychology at Western Illinois University. I am currently working on my master’s thesis under the supervision of Dr. Leigh Ann Fisler. I am reaching out to request your assistance in recruiting participants for a research study that has received IRB approval from the Western Illinois University Institutional Review Board.

This study investigates how a brief, fully online activity influences social confidence and social anxiety in autistic college students. It is designed using a neurodiversity-affirming framework and is intended to support the social experiences of autistic individuals. Participation is open to currently enrolled college students between the ages of 18 and 24, including those who self-identify as autistic.

Participation in the study requires approximately 10-12 minutes and is completed entirely online via Qualtrics. The study involves reading a short, written scenario, completing a brief rating activity, and responding to two short questionnaires. Participation in this study is entirely voluntary, and all responses will be kept anonymous.

Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

Last Friday’s Spring Professional Development Conference was a success! We’re so grateful to our incredible speakers for sharing their knowledge, to everyone who attended and engaged so thoughtfully, and to the many people who worked behind the scenes to make it all happen. Your time, energy, and collaboration made the day truly meaningful. Thank you all for being part of it!

*UPDATED!
Parking is available free for our event in the 'Q' lot, which is next to Western Hall in the first two rows (Faculty/staff section).

-Visitor permits are not valid in residence hall lots or at parking meters.

Tomorrow is the day! Introducing our final two speakers:

Dr. Kim McClure, a professor at Western Illinois University, will be sharing her expertise on de-escalation and the power of interpersonal skills in real-world situations. She brings a ton of experience connecting research to practice and helping professionals respond effectively under pressure.

We'll also hear from Haley Humes, a school psychologist and WIU faculty member, who brings hands-on experience working with students, supporting mental health, and leading within schools.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

Meet Alyssa Loman. Alyssa is a trauma-informed counselor, educator, and co-founder who’s passionate about making mental health care more accessible, inclusive, and work for real people. From ADHD and neurodiversity to crisis support and professional training, she brings real-world insight and a down-to-earth approach.

On Thursday, May 7th from 1-3PM EST, Division 16 is hosting a free live webinar with Dr. Geremy Grant titled, "Culturally Responsive Strategies to Assess Su***de Risk in Black Youth”. Division 16 members can receive 2.0 CEU for attending as a membership benefit. Non-members can also receive CEUs for a $35 fee (a PayPal link for payment will be sent after the event to non-members). If you are not a member of Division 16, please consider joining or renewing here (https://apadivision16.org/membership/)

To attend the webinar, please register here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXsJfxRczfVCkF0z0EoLBtrdY-pI40b8Ct4OTiWER8_xYu0g/viewform?usp=dialog&urp=gmail_link) and a calendar invitation with a Zoom link will be sent to you prior to the event. Reach out to [email protected] with questions.

Current intern Addison Fletcher has accepted a position at Mississippi Bend AEA for the 26/27 school year. Congratulations, Addison! 💜💛

Current intern Kinsley Barnard has accepted a position at Mississippi Bend AEA for the 26/27 school year. Congratulations, Kinsley! 💜💛

Reminder to register!