Paula Chrishon
@paulachrishon
Experienced psychology educator with a focus on student success.
What I'm looking for
I am a dedicated educator with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, currently serving as a Lecturer I at Prairie View A & M University. My teaching philosophy centers on fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment, where I develop comprehensive syllabi and course materials for various psychology courses, including Black Psychology and Experimental Psychology. I am committed to student development, serving as an academic advisor and actively participating in departmental initiatives.
Throughout my career, I have taught at multiple universities, including the University of Houston Downtown and Chicago State University, where I developed innovative online courses and contributed to curriculum development. My experience extends beyond teaching; I have held leadership roles, such as Acting Director of the ExCEL Track Forensic Psychology program, where I improved student learning outcomes and maintained strong relationships with faculty. My research interests include the cognitive processes in psychodiagnostic decisions, and I have presented my findings at various national conferences.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Lecturer I
Prairie View A & M University
Aug 2022 - Present (2 years 10 months)
Developed comprehensive syllabi, lectures, and course materials for various psychology courses, including Black Psychology and Experimental Psychology. Provided academic advising to students and served on departmental committees, contributing to academic preview events and grade appeals.
Principal Investigator
Chicago State University
Investigated the cognitive processes involved in psychodiagnostic decisions, specifically focusing on African Americans and Schizophrenia. The study aimed to clarify how clinicians arrive at divergent diagnostic conclusions despite using the same diagnostic criteria.
Research Assistant
University of Oklahoma Health Science Center
Oct 1996 - Aug 1997 (10 months)
Implemented the 'Western Village Student Task Force' violence prevention program in Oklahoma City Public Schools. Assisted children in actively constructing functional approaches to end the cycle of violence within their communities.
Consortium of Universities Research Fellow
Department of Defense Education Activity
Aug 1997 - Aug 1998 (1 year)
Conducted a comprehensive literature review on Instructional Design Models to ascertain their relevance for infusing technology into the classroom. Contributed to President Bill Clinton's Presidential Technology Initiative by assessing technology integration strategies.
Clinical Counseling Intern
Afro-American Counseling Psychotherapy Institute, Inc.
May 1998 - Sep 1998 (4 months)
Conducted individual, family, and couples therapy with mandated and voluntary clients, utilizing cognitive, solution-oriented, and brief therapy techniques. Co-facilitated anger management and conflict resolution groups for children and adolescents, and assisted in developing professional seminars.
Graduate Assistant
Howard University
Oct 1998 - Oct 1999 (1 year)
Conducted an extensive literature review for the Psychology of African American Women Project, developing an annotated bibliography of relevant articles and books. Supervised undergraduate research assistants, guiding their contributions to the project.
Counseling Psychology Practicum Student
Michigan State University Counseling Center
Aug 2000 - May 2001 (9 months)
Conducted psychological testing consultations with integrated report writing under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. Provided individual counseling and psychotherapy to clients with cognitive and emotional impairments, utilizing cognitive behavioral and short-term psychodynamic therapy interventions.
Instructor
Michigan State University
Sep 1999 - May 2002 (2 years 8 months)
Developed syllabi, lectures, and course materials for Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education programs. Taught courses such as Substance Abuse and Human Diversity, Power and Opportunity in Social Institutions.
Counseling Psychology Advanced Practicum Student
Community Mental Health of Eaton County
Jan 2002 - Jul 2002 (6 months)
Performed structured clinical interviews and mental status exams for clients presenting with a broad variety of anxiety, affective, and addictive spectrum disorders. Conducted weekly individual and couples short-term psychotherapy utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy interventions.
Research Assistant
Michigan State University
Jan 2001 - Aug 2002 (1 year 7 months)
Assisted the Attachment Research Team in refining research questions, developing interview protocols, and designing and piloting interview questionnaires. Conducted interviews and analyzed data to contribute to the research findings.
Ethnographer
Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene
Sep 2002 - Feb 2003 (5 months)
Collected, recorded, and analyzed qualitative data for the Peer Support Project, focusing on the utility of peer support programs for individuals post-initial crisis treatment. Investigated issues and concerns related to first psychotic breaks and comorbid substance-related disorders.
Project Coordinator and Research Assistant
Columbia University
Feb 2003 - Jul 2003 (5 months)
Coordinated a research study focused on understanding the social and psychological effects of urban decay and gentrification. Supervised research assistants, managed project planning meetings, and prepared progress and implementation reports.
Psychology Intern
Howard University Counseling Service
Aug 2003 - Jul 2004 (11 months)
Provided individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and psychological testing, including integrated report writing. Co-instructed a graduate-level microcounseling skills lab and conducted juvenile forensic evaluations during rotations at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Post-Doctoral Fellow in Forensic Psychology
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Sep 2004 - Aug 2005 (11 months)
Conducted a range of statutory pretrial and post-adjudication forensic evaluations, including competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility, at various state hospitals and court clinics. Participated in weekly forensic seminars, mock trials, and conducted forensic research.
Forensic Clinician
Cook County Juvenile Court Clinic
Sep 2005 - Nov 2006 (1 year 2 months)
Conducted forensic evaluations on children, adolescents, and parents involved in juvenile court proceedings for juvenile justice and child protection matters. Supervised and collaborated with master's level staff to develop summaries of evaluation records.
Acting Director, ExCEL Track Forensic Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Nov 2006 - Apr 2007 (5 months)
Developed the program curriculum for the ExCEL Track Forensic Psychology program and established criteria for faculty appointments. Oversaw assessment plans to improve student learning and maintained collegial relationships with faculty to enhance program quality.
Adjunct Professor and Course Developer
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Aug 2006 - Sep 2009 (3 years 1 month)
Developed and taught on-ground and online courses for Forensic Psychology and Clinical Psychology M.A. programs, including Psychopathology and Psychology of the Lifespan. Created required web-based courses for various ExCEL Track M.A. programs, ensuring comprehensive curriculum delivery.
Assistant Professor
Chicago State University
Aug 2007 - May 2010 (2 years 9 months)
Taught a wide array of undergraduate and graduate psychology courses, including Educational Psychology and Multicultural Issues in Counseling, utilizing the Blackboard platform. Served in various service roles, such as academic advising, committee participation, and course development for online programs.
Adjunct Professor
South University
Aug 2010 - Jun 2011 (10 months)
Taught the 'Strategies for Success' course, providing students with essential skills for academic and personal development. Utilized the eCollege online platform to deliver course content and support student learning.
Adjunct Professor
Capella University
Mar 2011 - Apr 2012 (1 year 1 month)
Taught graduate-level psychology courses, including Orientation to Graduate Learning in Psychology and Counseling and Guidance in Diverse Populations. Utilized the eCollege online platform to deliver course content and facilitate student engagement.
Adjunct Professor
Xavier University of Louisiana
Aug 2010 - Dec 2012 (2 years 4 months)
Developed syllabi, lectures, and course materials for psychology courses, including Black Psychology and Introductory Psychology. Delivered engaging instruction to students, fostering a comprehensive understanding of psychological concepts.
Adjunct Professor/Course Developer
National University
Jan 2011 - Aug 2013 (2 years 7 months)
Served as an online adjunct professor, teaching courses like Introduction to Psychology and Social Psychology. Additionally, developed new online course content, including an Introduction to Forensic Psychology course, using the eCollege platform.
Adjunct Professor
University of Houston Downtown
Aug 2019 - Jun 2021 (1 year 10 months)
Instructed psychology courses, including Personality Psychology and Introduction to Psychology, in both hybrid and face-to-face formats. Utilized the Blackboard online platform to deliver course content and facilitate student learning.
Adjunct Professor
Houston Christian University
Mar 2019 - Aug 2021 (2 years 5 months)
Taught a variety of psychology courses, such as Cultural Psychology and Clinical Psychopathology, primarily through online platforms. Delivered instruction for both graduate and undergraduate levels, including courses on Dating and Intimate Relationships and Marriage and Family Counseling.
Adjunct Professor
Prairie View A&M University
Jan 2020 - Aug 2022 (2 years 7 months)
Taught a diverse range of psychology courses, such as Abnormal Psychology and Sensation and Perception, utilizing online platforms like eCourses/Moodle and Canvas. Obtained certifications in Getting Ready for Quality Matters (GRQM) and Introduction to Teaching Online (ITO) to enhance online instruction.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Oklahoma
Bachelor of Art, Psychology
Obtained a Bachelor of Art degree in Psychology, covering fundamental principles of human behavior and mental processes.
Michigan State University
Doctor of Philosophy, Counseling Psychology
Pursued advanced studies in Counseling Psychology, focusing on theoretical frameworks and practical applications in the field. Completed doctoral research and dissertation.
Howard University
Master of Education, Counseling Psychology
Completed a Master of Education program in Counseling Psychology, gaining expertise in counseling theories and intervention strategies.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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