Meet the Staff - Kelly Shaw
Tell us a little bit about yourself
With the exception of living a few years in Denmark in my early 20’s, I grew up in Southern California where I completed a B.S. in Organizational Leadership. For the last 4+ years, I have been slowly making my way to the east coast, a part of the country I’d always hoped to live in. I moved to Chicago for graduate school in 2008 where I was earned an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and am now less than one year shy of finishing my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, a five-year I will be most glad to have behind me after I complete my one-year position at the Counseling Center as a Predoctoral Psychology Intern. To relax and have fun, I love to take my camera and car, and drive down dusty roads in hopes of finding something quirky and interesting to photograph. I take almost any opportunity to travel, both in and outside the U.S.A., and love learning new languages, reading, and watching silly reality television shows.
What has been your most embarrassing moment (either at work or play)?
I have a confession to make: I have previously been accused of being a bit of a klutz. Thus, there are many embarrassing moments to choose from throughout my life. However, one not too long ago, stands out. At a friend’s wedding, the bride and I were tearing it up on the dance floor, drawing attention from the crowd and her videographer. While demonstrating our smooth moves, I pulled a not-so-smooth move and got my shoe’s heel caught in the skirt of her satin wedding gown. Down to the floor I went, my clothes askew, in full view of the videographer and guests! (At this time, the videographer gave me a thumbs-up; apparently he wanted to reassure me he got it all on tape, in case I was worried he had missed it.) What prolonged this already embarrassing situation more so was the kindness intended by several people who grabbed hold of my arms to help me stand up. What they didn’t realize, and the loud music made difficult to communicate, was that my shoe’s heel was still stuck in my friend’s wedding dress. Every attempt made to hoist me up only led to my becoming more entangled (in a not-so-modest sprawl). Eventually, I was able to rebuff all efforts to help and stand up on my own, after which time I happily spent the rest of the evening *off* the dance floor
What is your favorite comfort food?
I am unashamed to admit that my favorite comfort food has remained unchanged since childhood. To this day, there is almost nothing better than a bowl of Kraft Original ‘The Cheesiest!’ Macaroni & Cheese.
If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Travel has always been a large part of my life and I take every opportunity to get out and explore new areas. There are two dream trips I have in mind, that I cannot wait to experience: 1.) Visit Antarctica (this desolate place has always fascinated me), and 2.) Rent a private yacht and sail the Greek islands.
Your favorite quote…
“Wherever you go, you take yourself with you.” Neil Gaiman, Author
Role in center
As a Predoctoral Intern at the UMaine Counseling Center, I will work primarily with students in Individual, Group and Couples therapy, and participate in campus-wide Wellness efforts to support students in various ways, including suicide prevention work with Touchstone, collaboration with GLBT ‘Allies’ and other student groups.
Areas of interest
I mostly operate from a Systems Therapy (Bowenian, Solution-Focused) perspective to assist students with a variety of issues, including: Family of Origin, Transition to College, Relationship Concerns, Identity Development, Depression and Anxiety, and Stress Management. I believe that positive change is possible when a person is given an environment in which they can be honest about their struggles, and find compassion and support to find the courage to make healthy changes.
Degrees awarded
In Progress: Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (expected graduation, 2013)
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 2010
B.S. in Organizational Leadership, Azusa Pacific University, 2007