Education
Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology June 2016
Antioch University, Seattle, WA
Master of Psychology August 2014 en passant
Antioch University, Seattle, WA
Master of Public Administration June 2001 University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Evans School of Public Affairs, Concentration in Nonprofit Management
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration cum laude December 1997
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
School of Business Administration, Concentration in Human Resource Management
Dissertation
Title: Experiencing the Death of a Formerly Abusive Parent Defended May 2016
Committee: William Heusler Psy.D., Chair, Laura S. Brown Ph.D., Mary Wieneke Ph.D.
Method: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
License
Psychologist, Washington State: #PY60704294
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, Washington State: # MC60512436 (2014-2017)
Private Practice Experience
01/2018 - present Psychological Associate with Spectrum Psychological Associates, Seattle, WA
Private Practice therapist providing psychological services to children, adolescents, and adults with a broad range of clinical concerns, including: developmental issues/identity development, interpersonal difficulties and relationship issues, mood disorders, anxiety-related disorders, interpersonal trauma, life transitions and grief and loss. Psychological services and interventions are broad and draw from crisis therapy, relational and feminist approaches to therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and other modalities.09/2016 – present Private practitioner with Eastside Psychological Associates, Issaquah, WA
Private Practice therapist providing psychological services to children, adolescents, and adults with a broad range of clinical concerns, including: developmental issues/identity development, interpersonal difficulties and relationship issues, mood disorders, anxiety-related disorders, interpersonal trauma, life transitions and grief and loss. Psychological services and interventions are broad and draw from crisis therapy, relational and feminist approaches to therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and other modalities.
Doctoral Training Experience
08/2015 – 07/2016 Cleveland State University Counseling Center, Cleveland, OH
Psychology Intern, APPIC Approved Site
Provided culturally sensitive and evidence-based psychological individual therapy using a variety of modalities for diverse groups of university students, with average caseload of 25 clients per week. Developed and co-facilitate multiple therapeutic groups, including a new support group for transgender students. Conducted assessments and provide therapeutic feedback for students. Conducted intake assessments, diagnosis, and crisis intervention, including voluntary and involuntary hospitalization. Consulted and collaborated with psychiatric services on diagnosis, medication management, and service coordination. Supervised doctoral-level practicum student. Participated fully in other office services, including providing psychoeducational services, outreach presentations, campus consultations, and staff meetings. Participated as full member of campus committees, including the CSU Suicide Task Force. Minimum 2000 hours (500 in direct service) for 12-month appointment.
09/2014 – 07/2015 Youth & Family Services, Therapeutic Health Services, Seattle, WA
Student Therapist, Clinical Preinternship
Provided culturally sensitive and evidence-based psychological individual and group therapy for diverse, underserved adolescents, children, and adults who are heavily funded by Medicaid and DSHS services. Provided assessment, psychoeducation, chemical dependency treatment, school-based treatment, crisis and outreach services. Developed and implemented social skills therapy groups for children with behavioral challenges aged kindergarten to third grade. Collaborated and consulted with health providers, psychiatry staff, educational providers, and families to plan and coordinate treatment. Participated fully in didactic training and staff meetings.
01/2013 – June 2015 Antioch Community Counseling Clinic, Seattle, WA
Student Therapist & Assessment, Clinical Practicum
Provided psychological/diagnostic assessments, clinical interviews, report writing and treatment planning. Provided appropriate feedback to clients. Trained as student therapist to work with diverse, adult clients, using a variety of therapeutic modalities, including: Interpersonal/relational, cognitive behavioral, ACT, and other integrated interventions.
08/2013 – 06/2014 Children’s Institute for Learning Differences, Mercer Island, WA
Student Therapist, Clinical Preinternship
Provided evidence-based and culturally sensitive treatment planning, individual, and group therapy to a diverse group of children with complex physical and mental health needs, using a variety of therapeutic modalities, including: Child-Centered Play Therapy, art therapy, and interpersonal/relational therapy. Provide psycho- education and ancillary support to school staff, including: teachers, families, and prevention staff, both individually and with mental health team. Partnered with families and healthcare providers to support children in their functioning at school and home. Assisted with crisis intervention and conducted assessments on an as-needed basis. Advocated for children’s needs during individualized educational plan meetings and parent/teacher conferences. Participated actively in weekly didactic training opportunities.
03/2013 – 08/2013 University of Washington, Career Center, Seattle, WA
Student Intern, Clinical Practicum
Provided individual and group career counseling meetings to assist students in all aspects of career exploration, planning, and preparation. Prepared and facilitated educational workshops for groups of students. Participated actively in weekly didactic opportunities.
11/2011 – 06/2012 Jubilee Women’s Center, Seattle, WA
Social Justice Clinical Practicum
Assisted potential residents and community members in exploring and accessing program services. Provided appropriate referrals to a variety of social service agencies. Revised volunteer training manual and staffed front desk.
Additional Professional Experience
9/2006 – 01/2014 University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Academic Counselor – Lead, Undergraduate Advising
Lead health professions adviser for over 3000 students, including the areas of premedical, predental, preveterinary medicine, etc. Coached students in career and academic exploration, goal-setting, and implementation of action plans, including assisting with departmental and University of Washington admissions and graduation. Connected students with appropriate services to succeed both academically and personally, including appropriate mental health services. Developed, implemented and assessed student programming, including: information sessions, web-based learning tools, prehealth podcasts, workshops, and career services programming. Acted as adviser and mentor for prehealth student organizations, including Alpha Epsilon Delta and Health Care Alternative Spring Break. Participated in and lead team collaborations with the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity, Career Center, Admissions Office, University of Washington departments and local institutions to provide best practice services for students. Represented Undergraduate Advising on various committees and work groups, both on campus and off.
8/2001 – 8/2006 University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Academic Counselor - Senior, Department of Economics
Academically advised over 900 University of Washington and potential UW students. Evaluated departmental programs through graduating senior survey and advocate for needed student services both in the department and in the campus community. Counseled students in career and academic exploration, including assisting with departmental and University of Washington admissions and graduation. Participated in student outreach, including programming geared towards underserved students. Maintained departmental databases and compiled statistical information. Developed and maintained departmental website. Represented department at various conferences, workshops, panels, fairs and committees. Managed and evaluated student employees and graduate student assistants. Nominated for 2002 and 2005 University of Washington Distinguished Staff Award. Recipient of Recognition of Service and Outstanding Contribution award 2002 and 2003.
Professional Affiliations
2014 – 2015 Washington State Psychological Association of Graduation Students,
President
2012 – Present Washington State Psychological Association, Student Member
2011 – Present American Psychological Association, Student Member
2007 – 2014 Western/National Association of Advisors in the Health Professions, Board Member at Large
9/2006 – 06/2011 Phi Beta Kappa, Washington Alpha Chapter, Secretary of the Board
8/2001 – 9/2012 Association of Professional Advisers and Counselors
2004 – 2010 National Academic Advising Association
Community Service
9/2004 – 9/2006 Seattle Education Access, Advocate & Mentor
2/2002 Junior Achievement, Workplace Host Guide
5/2000 – 5/2001 YWCA – Leaders in Progress, Personal Coach & Mentor
Presentations and Publications
Ermann, K., Ponsford, M., Spence, H., & Wright, S. (2014). The discourse of benevolent paternalism in the introduction to The Baby Book. Feminism & Psychology. 24(4), 542-549.
Ermann, K., Ponsford, M., Spence, H., & Wright, S. (2013, September). The discourse of benevolent paternalism in the introduction to The Baby Book. Poster presented at the Washington State Psychological Association Fall 2013 Convention, Seattle, WA.
Spence, H. (2001). Extracurricular participation: Effects on educational achievement. Degree project presented at the 43rd Annual Western Social Science Association Conference, Reno, NV.