Human Development - Graduate Student Profiles
Roosevelt Boone
I am originally from Washington, D.C. I began my undergraduate studies at the U of Maine in 2007, following a three-year tenure at the Christchurch School, a private boarding school in Saluda, Virginia. I received my Bachelor’s degree in May of 2011 in Kinesiology and Physical Education (teaching/coaching). I was a four-year member of the University of Maine football team. I currently serve as the Founder and Athletic Program Director for Strong Mind-Strong Body, Inc. I aspire to implement my non-profit organization at various colleges and universities worldwide. A Master’s degree in Human Development will help me better understand the audience I plan to work with.
Melinda Croft
I am originally from Maryland, but moved to Maine in 2010. I earned a B.S. degree from Frostburg State University in Sociology. I also recently graduated from University of Maine at Augusta with a B.S. in Mental Health and Human Services. I originally went to college to become a teacher, but then changed my mind. Sociology was a broad degree that I felt that I could do anything with. I moved to Maine and started working at Kidspeace. This experience solidified my desire to work with children who had developmental disabilities. I have also worked with a wide range of other populations in the mental health field. I chose to pursue a Master’s degree in Human Development because I’d like to become a Program Manager or Director at a mental health agency.
Gemma Douglas
I am from Cambridge, England and for my undergraduate degree I studied Ancient History and History at the University of Leicester, graduating in 2012. From my undergraduate studies I found that I had a passion for studying human sexuality with a focus on what was and still is viewed as sexually deviant. I chose to pursue a Master’s in Human Development as, having done research on society’s perceptions of sexual deviance from a historical, religious and cultural perspective, I am keen to continue and expand on this work. My intention is to work with UNESCO looking at issues associated with sexuality and gender education. I have worked with children of all ages. I spent time in a preschool looking at early childhood education, as well as with pubescent teenagers where issues of sexuality can be found in their daily lives.
Jeff Falvey
I was born and raised in Syracuse, NY. I received an athletic scholarship to play football here at the University of Maine. In my four years as an undergraduate, I balanced playing Division I football and completing my Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations. I am currently Dr. Sandy Caron’s graduate assistant. I am also the Gradate Student Coordinator for the peer education group Athletes for Sexual Responsibility, which I was a member of while an undergraduate. I am our department’s representative to the Graduate Student Government. My scholarship interest centers on male athletes as positive role models. After graduate school, I would like to continue my work with training collegiate or professional male athletes in community outreach.
Alicia Greenlaw
I am originally from the small town, Island Falls, Maine. I graduated with my B.S. in Early Childhood Education from The University of Maine in Farmington in 2008. I am currently the Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher at the UMaine Children Center’s Infant Program. I also worked part time for the company United Cerebral Palsy as a Behavioral Health Professional from last September up until this past June. Both positions have allowed me to work with a wide range of different types of families which lead me to choosing Human Development as my graduate major. I am anxious to continue my work with different types of families from various backgrounds because it is such a rewarding position.
Joel Martin
I am from Lewiston, Maine. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Maine with my Bachelor’s in Studio Art and New Media. While an undergraduate, I was involved in my fraternity Beta Theta Pi, Team Maine, and the President of the Class of 2011 Council. I decided to continue my education at the University of Maine in the Human Development program because it fits with my personal career goals. I plan to work with older adolescents in the college setting. I currently serve as the Graduate Assistant in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. I am also the Graduate Student Coordinator for the Greek Peer Education Program.
Meagan McCready
I am from Hermon, Maine and recently graduated with a degree in Abnormal/Social Psychology and Spanish. I’m an active member in the Central American Service Association at UMaine, Assistant Editor for the Journal of Family Theory & Review and Graduate Assistant at the Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism. I plan to use my experience in this program to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals, families and communities.
Jessica Meisner
I grew up in Brunswick, Maine and attended Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts. I received my undergraduate degree in 2009 in Psychology with minors in Education and English. After graduating, I spent a year teaching preschool and living in Boston until I decided that I was ready to return home to Maine. For the past three summers I’ve worked as the Summer Program Coordinator at Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center, part of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Seeing young people learn about themselves and their connections to the world has fueled my interest in pursuing my Master’s degree in Human Development. I am most excited about working with under-served Maine youth. I currently work for Child and Family Opportunities Inc. as the Center Coordinator at the Bucksport Early Care and Education Center.
Ruby Moore
I am originally from Weaverville, North Carolina but moved to Princeton, Maine when I was fifteen. I recently graduated from the University of Maine Orono with my Bachelors degree in Abnormal/Social Psychology. After completing my Bachelor’s degree I found myself wanting to be in a more specialized field of study. I have always wanted to work with families or teens. I have a strong desire to help those in need and to make a difference in the world. When I read up on the Master’s program for Human Development it seemed to be just what I was looking for. I am currently working for UCP’s The Bridges Program. I have a very busy, and sometimes hectic, life going to school full time and being a married mother of two small children. My children are what drive me to better myself and continue to strive towards a better education.
Alexander Whitney
I’m from Maine, born and raised in the Greater Portland area. My main area of focus, both in education and employment, has been with children. I’ve worked with children in one professional sense or another since I was 14 years old. Over the past ten years I’ve served as a counselor in training, junior counselor, afterschool program mentor, youth coach, tutor, camp counselor, assistant camp director, and most recently a Behavioral Health Professional with Sequel in Brewer. This wealth of experience played a key role in why I chose to graduate from UMaine in May 2010 with a BA in developmental psychology and a minor in child development and family relations! I’m now enrolled as a graduate student at UMaine in the human development program, where I hope to further the understanding I gained as an undergraduate and prepare myself for the challenges of my prospective career path: constructing and implementing programs for youth with social/emotional/and or behavioral challenges.
Ling Zhang
I am from Shanghai, China. I spent my first two semesters since my arrival at the University of Maine studying English. My undergraduate major was law. I studied in China. I choose to pursue a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies for many reasons. First, I like working with children. It is so funny to talk with them. Second, there are many connections between law and human development. Through this Master’s degree I hope to increase my knowledge in both law and human development. Thirdly, I am interested in helping others through by gaining a greater knowledge of family issues.
