Sarah Steinmetz

Education:

Candidate for M.A. in Clinical Psychology
Expected graduation date: May 2010, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Thesis: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Web-based Empowerment Program for Trauma Survivors (Advisor: Charles Benight, Ph.D.)

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Graduated May 2007, University of Colorado at Boulder
Graduated Summa cum Laude with distinction
Honors Thesis: Trauma and Relationship Satisfaction (Advisor: Mark Whisman, Ph.D.)

Research Experience:

Research Assistant
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

• Assisting in the development of a web-based empowerment program for trauma survivors under the supervision of Dr. Charles Benight.
• Organizing and conducting a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy and feasibility of a web-based empowerment program for populations recovering from disaster.

Research Assistant
University of Colorado at Boulder

• Assisted Dr. Charles Judd with research regarding impression formation. Contacted and organized participants, conducted study sessions, and coded and input data into Microsoft Excel.
• Conducted study sessions for research regarding close personal relationships and well-being under the supervision of Dr. Mark Whisman.

Clinical Experience:

Practicum Position Therapist
University Counseling Center at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

• Conduct intake interviews, conceptualize cases, and implement treatment plans through individual therapy sessions with clients (under the supervision of Z. Benek Altayli, Psy.D).

Case Manager/Mental Health Worker
The Mental Health Center - Halcyon Middle/High School

• Built therapeutic relationships with adolescents placed in day treatment for emotional/behavioral mental health diagnoses.
• Met with therapists to discuss students’ diagnoses, and implemented student’s therapeutic plans in the classroom.

On-Call Shelter Relief Staff Member
Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence

• Developed clinical skills while advocating on behalf of women in domestic violence situations. Answered crisis line, responded to emergencies in the shelter, and conducted intake interviews with new clients.
• Completed 50-hour paraprofessional training to gain a comprehensive overview of violence against women, ethical communication skills, anti-racism/anti-oppression training, and skills for personal action to end social injustice.
• Mentored new volunteers, and facilitated a consciousness-raising group during volunteer training.

Teaching Experience:

Teacher Assistant for General Psychology
University of Colorado at Boulder

• Taught recitation to 30 undergraduates, which complemented Dr. Diane Martichuski's lecture.

Presentations:

Perceptions of a Web-based Trauma Intervention: A Virginia Tech Focus Group Study; presented at The Continental Divide Disaster Behavioral Health Conference In July 2009.

Awards:

Becker Scholarship - awarded by the Psychology Department at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in summer 2009.

Membership in Professional Societies:

International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Student Affiliate.
American Psychological Association. Student Affiliate