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Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Erica L. NicholsonBachelors in psychology with a

concentration on substance abuse, 2011

Personal Statement

I am an intelligent, responsible, young lady who wants to succeed at everything she does. As a child I was

severely abused and was put into foster care, which is when I realized I wanted to help people. I am the first

of my family to go this far with my education. My immediate goal as far as psychology is concerned is to

get the proper, and necessary education needed for my long term goal which is to open my own practice. My

interests in the psychology field are children, adolescents, and young adults. I hope to help children see that

they are our future and anything they want to succeed at in life will happen if and when they want it to, but

hard work is ahead of them. Children are the beginning of life and this is where I believe we as adults need

to focus and make sure safety and security is an option in our children’s lives as well as their future. Helping

children begins with helping those who are at risk for harm, (i.e. abuse, drugs, alcohol, etc.).

C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e 

Erica Lynn Nicholson1270 Hadley Cir. SE Unit 103

Palm Bay, FL. 32909Phone: (321) 914-3490

E-mail: enicholson1971@gmail.com

Professional Overview

Ambitious to succeed Deadline oriented Committed to excellency Creative thinker Analytical in concept Articulate in profession Focused on task at hand Dependable and reliable Energetic Hard-working Highly motivated Self-directed Client-oriented Dedicated to profession Experienced in hands-on with specific clientele

C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e 

Summary of Skills  Have the necessary skills needed for critical thinking Can set and implement professional and personal goals Can develop and use new learning strategies and techniques Can effectively utilize problem solving techniques Have the knowledge and capability to effectively use the appropriate writing techniques

and formats Have the ability to effectively use time management strategies Have the ability to ask for clarification and answers to questions when needed

Education

2011 Argosy University OnlineChicago, ILL.

Psychology with a concentration on Substance Abuse

C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e 

B. A. in Psychology with a concentration on Substance Abuse – Anticipated graduation date April 23, 2011

Honors in the Spring I Semester of 2010

Honors in the Fall II Semester of 2011

2005 Sullivan County Community CollegeLoch Sheldrake, NY

A. A. S. - Alcohol and drug Addictions – September, 2004 to May, 2005 Graduated with Honors

2003 Sullivan County Community CollegeLoch Sheldrake, NY

A. S. in Human Services – September 2000 to May 2003

Professional Experience

July 2006 to New Hope Community, Inc.July 2007 Loch Sheldrake, NY

Direct Support Professional

C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e 

Administered medication Attended and headed House meetings Attended staff meetings Charted administered medications, behaviors, and daily living skills Directed clients Headed weekend activities Implemented rules for staff and clients Guided clients in household chores, Daily living skills, and problems

June 2005 to Sullivan ARCJuly 2007 Monticello, NY

Direct Support Professional

Administered medication Attended and headed House meetings Attended staff meetings Charted administered medications, behaviors, and daily living skills Directed clients Headed weekend activities Implemented rules for staff and clients Guided clients in household chores, Daily living skills, and problems

C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e 

January 2005 to Day Top VillageMay 2005 Parksville, NY

Internship for Alcohol and Drug Addiction Degree Sat in on hair-cuts (reprimands by peers) Sat in on group meetings Sat in on staff meetings Sat in on individual sessions Ran some groups, group therapy, art therapy, etc.+

References

Marie Henry, Ph.DForensic Psychology1000 Leroy Rd.Loch Sheldrake, NY 12759mhenry@sullivan.edu

(845)434-5750

C u r r i c u l u m V i t a e 

Sandra Johnson, Ph.D.Child Psychology1000 Leroy Rd.Loch Sheldrake, NY 12759sjohnson@sullivan.edu

(845)434-5750

Melvin WinnerMSW in Substance Abuse and Counseling1000 Leroy Rd.Loch Sheldrake, NY 12759mwinner@sullivan.edu(845)434-5750

Reflection

• Able to choose from and appraise a wide range of psychological perspectives and theories within written and oral presentations.

• When presenting (in written work or orally), can illustrate multiple perspectives on a given topic.

• Able to analyze the complexities of a given issue.• Able to collect and arrange information from a variety of sources pertinent to the chosen

topic, integrating reasoned appraisals of such information into the work of a project in psychology.

• Able to correctly summarize the research design, statistical and other evaluative tools, and findings of the article.

• Able to use sound reasoning as a basis for criticizing the research results.• Possesses extensive ability in creating, organizing and delivering oral presentations.• Exhibits the ability to design, develop, and defend appropriate levels of organizations and

clarity of presentation, thus allowing the listener to following the line of reasoning.• Exhibits the ability to design, develop, and defend appropriate level of presentation for

audience, correct use of grammar, word choice for precise meaning.• Exhibits the ability to develop and apply appropriate levels of conciseness and clarity in

content, language use, grammar, organization using APA formatting. • Exhibits the ability to develop, apply and defend a particular stance related to psychological

concepts in written work.• Not only understands the importance of ethical guidelines and is able to identify key

elements therein, but can also analyze and apply ethical concepts and ideological frameworks to specific psychological issues.

• Claims ownership over the prescribed ethical principles for the field, and works to promote ethical decision-making and activity accordingly.

• Effectively engages in multicultural-sensitive thought and action, evidenced by the ability to articulate best-practices pertaining to case examples and/or other specific diversity issues and populations associated with the field .

Reflection

• Recognizes more subtle forms of discrimination and prejudice within and around psychology and can construct alternative

analyses and choices of behaviors.

• Claims ownership over personal biases, and works to increase awareness and respect for diverse populations.

• Exhibits the ability to analyze and apply the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, applications and

historical trends in a psychology or within a specific area of study in the field

• Provides comprehensive explanations that incorporate psychological principles, as well as, empirical data and best

practices.

• Demonstrates the ability to use psychological principles in solving problems, explaining social issues, and dealing with

everyday life situations.

• Able to consistently and effectively apply active listening communication skills in interpersonal and organizational

scenarios to establish empathetic, collegial relationships that facilitate consensus building in working toward common goals

and is appreciative of diversity and culture.

• Able to consistently analyze the importance of effective nonverbal communication skills in developing strong interpersonal

and organizational relationships that are culturally sensitive and respectful of diversity.

• Actively solicits and utilizes feedback to develop adaptable strategies of facilitating dynamic interpersonal and

organizational relationships.

• Consistently & actively demonstrates an understanding of the impact of technological advances on communication within

interpersonal and organizational relationships.

• Consistently demonstrates strong utilization of effective communication and relationship skills in order to promote the

growth of others and effect change.

My Future in Learning

Since learning is a life-long process that is exactly what I will be doing. I plan on continuing my education in psychology until I receive my Ph.D. After that I plan n getting my Ph.D. in substance abuse and then in business. After I have obtained my Masters in psychology I am going for my license to open my own practice and my husband will be my bookkeeper since he has a degree in accounting.

Contact Me

Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio.

For further information, please contact me at the e-

mail address below. enicholson1971@gmail.com