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Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Robin InmanBA Psychology 2011

Personal Statement

Robin InmanPersonal Statement My undergraduate studies at

Argosy University have geared me toward my life long desire to help children overcome obstacles that are affecting their psychological development and well-being. Taking courses such as Effective Parenting, Paraprofessional Counseling, Physiological Psychology, Children and Violence, and Counseling Theories has given me the tools necessary to achieve my personal and educational goals. Helping children succeed in life is a desire of mine that I have always had burning inside me and through the education that Argosy has given me I have been able to strengthen that desire and discover a specific path to fulfill this destiny through becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Throughout my childhood I was never encouraged to become somebody, I had little to no love or guidance to help me make the right decisions. I was not inspired to become a better person, and I made many wrong choices and did not realize the consequences until early adulthood. At 29 and a half I suddenly found myself feeling unfulfilled in my life, all of a sudden my life as a single mother, waitressing my way through existence, did not seem like enough. I was close to turning thirty and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, although, I knew I was passionate toward helping children.

I decided I was going to go back to school and become somebody. I had realized that I had a lot of potential and more to offer than what I was giving myself credit for. In the beginning of my journey I decided I wanted to become a social worker and help children over-come and avoid making the wrong decisions I had made as a child. I soon enrolled in my local community college and immediately began working toward a certificate in social services, and then in no time I declared for an AA degree in social services as well. I knew from the beginning that that is what I wanted to do; soon I graduated with honors for my associate’s degree in Social Services. Being green in my profession my blinders led me to believe that working in child protective services was my only option as a social worker to help children.

I began my new career into social services working as a family advocate for a contract agency for child protective services. This position began feeding my inner desires to make a difference in children’s lives’ it allowed me to help children and their families believe in themselves and reach for things they never knew were possible, through my example. I was amazed at the aptitude I had to make a difference and even more amazed at the difference I was making in my own life. I was blossoming into the person I had always desired to be, I was fulfilling my destiny. I knew then as I know now that serving others and changing lives is what I was destined to do. I soon decided I needed more, my eyes were opened to a bigger fate, I wanted to become a licensed professional counselor and help children and their families in a therapeutic setting.

In addition to working as a family support specialist I journeyed down the path of being a family advocate for a head start program. In that environment I learned a great deal about helping the child through helping the family. I learned to help families realize their strengths and set and evaluate their short and long term goals. Throughout the school year I was able to watch not only the child but the child’s family grow and develop into a stronger more independent individual. I was able to use an empathetic approach and fill these parents and family members with hope and encouragement.

Besides working on my BA degree and taking several courses to help develop my professionalism, I have completed classes and obtained a license as a respite foster parent. I have opened up my home and welcomed these children while sharing the path that I have walked in hopes of giving them a glimpse of inspiration. Having these unfortunate children in my home has assured me that I continue the desire to obtain a higher education in order to be able to give these children the necessary tools needed to succeed in life while being able to instill them with morals and values.

In addition to foster parenting I have taken the steps necessary to become a developmentally delayed and disabled (DDD) independent provider, which allows me to learn from children that are not only struggling due to their environmental challenges but also from their physical or mental obstacles. I have learned these children’s strengths and what they have to offer me. Therefore, through my personal, educational, and occupational journey I have been reassured time after time that I have made the right choice in life to pursue a destiny and career as becoming a licensed professional counselor.

Resume

Robin Inman3937 E. Ames Ave.Kingman, AZ 86409417-693-6264robininman@myway.comSKILLS PROFILEPrioritize tasks and use effective

time-management techniquesExperience with Microsoft office

applications, and Internet toolsAll general office skillsExperience in handling confidential

paperwork and accurate documentation

Strong interpersonal skillsCommunity Outreach, Advocacy &

MarketingLife-skills counselingInteragency partnerships/ReferralsWork in a fast-paced

environment/Meet DeadlinesWork independently and as a team

player EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Eligibility Case Worker

11/2009-Current

Western Arizona Council of Governments, Kingman, AZ

Interview clients to obtain and verify information needed to determine eligibility

Act as a liaison between clients, organizations, and agencies

Create and update computer database and client files

Determine clients needs and provide referrals

Interview contractors and community outreach

Home visits to clients who are disadvantaged/disabled

Provide counseling and maintenance materials to clients

 Family Advocate 6/2008-6/2009 Ozark Area Community Action

Corporation, Springfield, MOHelp families recognize strengths

and achieve obtainable goalsHelp families find and utilize

community resourcesEducate families on child-abuse,

neglect, effective parenting techniques, and stress management

Meet with families bi-monthly to develop and review family strengths assessments

Track enrolled children’s attendance and health screenings

Meet deadlines and prepare documentation in a timely manner

Transport children and family members as needed

 Family Support Specialist

1/2006-9/2007

AmeriPsych/Rescare., Kingman, AZDemonstrate effective parenting

skills during supervised visit to client

Teach client parenting and life skills in a 1:1 and group setting

Assist client with transportation, employment opportunities & available community resources

Attend court hearings, staff meetings, and Child & Family Team (CFT) meetings

Prepare client monthly reports for courts and Child Protective Services

Document strengths and limitations during supervised visits

 Food Server

7/1995-1/2006

 J.B.’s Restaurant, Kingman, AZ Take customers orders and enter in

to a POS system in a timely manner

Run cash register, make change, process credit card

Train new servers Prioritize tasks and use time

effectivelyAnticipate guests needsKeep restaurant clean and

environmentally safeKeep a professional and polite

demeanorStock supplies EDUCATION BA Degree

Psychology/Concentration Criminal Justice 8/2011

Argosy University, Phoenix, AZ

AAS Degree Social Work 6/2006

Mohave Community College, Kingman, AZ

 ADDITIONAL TRAININGCurrent DPS Fingerprint Clearance

CardCurrent Respite Foster Care License Current Developmentally Delayed &

Disabled (DDD) Independent Provider License

Current CPR/First Aid CertificationCar Seat safety TrainingCustomer Service TrainingChild & Family Team (CFT) TrainingPartnering for Safety &

Permanence- Model Approach to Partnerships and Parenting (PS-MAPP) Training

 REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON

REQUEST  \

Reflection

Reflection of my academic tenure at Argosy University:

In the last three and a half years I have personally and academically blossomed from my valuable time spent completing my BA program in Psychology at Argosy University. I have learned that any obtainable goal can be set and reached with a lot of dedication and hard work. I began my journey to complete my BA degree in Psychology with a concentration in Criminal Justice, hoping to continue my education for my MA in Forensic Psychology in order to seek a profession as a professional in child custody battles. When I began my voyage I had a good generalization of what I wanted to accomplish and where I planned to go after completing my adventure.

Now today, three plus years later I have discovered what exactly it is that I am destined to do. I learned that my destiny is to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and work with troubled children. Thanks to my recently acquired educational goal I have obtained a position with Southwest Behavioral Health Services as a Children’s Case Manager and believe that I am beginning my long-term career goal. Within this organization I will be able to be part of the National Health Corporation and complete a MA in LMHC. With SBHC I will have the opportunity to complete my internship, be promoted within, and retire doing what I love, with an organization I believe in.

Thanks to the excellent curriculum at Argosy I have taken many courses that have allowed me to be a perfectly suitable candidate for my current position and organization. Interpersonal Communication has taught me to have a winning interview and the ability to pay attention to all types of communication, such as verbal, body language, and effective listening. Conflict Resolution has taught me to listen to client’s issues and find win-win solutions that help me and the client have better outcomes. Child Abuse and Neglect as well as Childhood Development have taught me to understand children according to their developmental stages ands address any obstacles that may be hindering their developmental process. I am better able to evaluate a situation and determine if a child may be experiencing any type of abuse or neglect by knowing what type of warning signs to look for. Research Methods and IO psychology have geared my to be able to employ skeptical inquiry and use a scientific approach to evaluate and address a situation. Many courses have taught me psychological applications, APA standards, ethics, and cultural diversity, which will allow me to effectively perform my job duties and advance in my career. In addition, many courses have taught me to seek empirical evidence and apply APA standards when conducting research and writing literature. Other courses have given me the knowledge to prepare and present professional documentation by teaching me how to utilize Microsoft programs such as PowerPoint or excel, how to use clarity and write in a clear and concise manner, and make a compelling argument. Every course taken has given me a portion of the puzzle that is now completed and has leaded me in the direction to complete my career goals.

 

Table of Contents

Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy

Research SkillsCommunication Skills: Oral and WrittenEthics and Diversity AwarenessFoundations of PsychologyApplied PsychologyInterpersonal Effectiveness

Critical Thinking

Robin InmanArgosy UniversityInstructor-Renee BostickJune 20, 2009PSY423 Psychology and Criminal

JusticePsychology Today Article-Death

Penalty Is the Death Penalty Effective or

Ineffective? There are many strong debates

over the death penalty. Is the use of the death penalty a deterrent to crime? Is the death penalty cost effective? Is the death penalty morally right or wrong? Should the execution of another be publicized? Although both sides of the debate can be argued with significant meaning, there is no hard evidence supporting or opposing the effectiveness of the use of the death penalty (Should the Death Penalty Be Allowed, 2009).

Probably the most determining factor of rather the death penalty is effective or ineffective should be rather it is a deterrent to crime. Deterring crime should be the whole reason the death penalty is used. Unfortunately there is no consistent evidence that proves that the death penalty is a deterrent to crime. Some statistics show that states that enforce the death penalty, such as Texas, actually have a higher murder rate than states that do not use the death penalty (Argosy University, 2008).

Another debatable question is whether the use of the death penalty is cost effective. It is assumed that it would cost the state and taxpayers more money to sentence a person to live in prison without parole vs. the death penalty. But research shows that a person on death row costs taxpayers millions of dollars more than a person serving LWOP. Much of the additional cost is accrued by lengthy judicial practices and appeals (Should the Death Penalty Be Allowed, 2009).

There is also the moral issue of whether it is right or wrong to take another person’s life. This is a question that causes a heated debate, while many people believe that capital punishment is justice being served. Many others believe that it is immoral to take a human life and that the death penalty is unfair and prejudice toward convicting people of lower economic status and those of a particular race (US Supreme Court, 2009).

In addition, there is the debate over whether the death penalty should be publicized. Some people believe victims should be allowed to bring closure to their victimization by watching a person being put to death. Others believe that the viewing of another’s death is dehumanizing to those who watch. If a person finds the death of another to be pleasurable then they are bringing themselves down to a similar level as the person being sentenced to death (Should the Death Penalty Be Allowed, 2009).

There are many different sides to the debate over whether the death penalty should be used. Many people even may have the same position on the subject yet make their point with different views. For instance, after an interview with classmate Jennifer G. of Argosy University, I learned that although we both are against the use of the death penalty, we arrived at our positions with completely different views.

Jennifer feels that the debate should not involve religious views and is an issue that violates constitutional rights for the person being convicted. Jennifer’s view states that emotions are allowed to control and decide the fate of an individual and that in order for criminal justice to be effective it needs to weigh only on the side of the law and forbid emotions to be involved.

My views are similar yet not as strong. Although I side with Jennifer in the position of being against the death penalty, I came to the conclusion in a different manner. My belief is that the death penalty should not be used because there are too many innocent people being sentenced to death row and there is prejudice regarding economic status and race. If it is going to be used it needs to be used fairly. I do weigh heavily on the religious and moral aspects of the debate. My concern is if the people of society are being dehumanized and filled with immorality by being exposed to a person being put to death.

Jennifer and I have similar beliefs toward the use of the death penalty being ineffective toward cost efficiency. We both agree that it costs more to sentence a person to death than it does to sentence a person to LWOP. We both also agree that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent to crime, that in fact there is a higher crime rate in states that use the death penalty. We also agree that it is immoral and should not be publicized.

After interviewing Jennifer I was surprised that we could arrive at the same conclusion by two completely different views but was not influenced by her views to change my own. My largest influence toward my opinion was during my research process. I began with the position toward the death penalty. After learning how many innocent people were sentenced to death and that it was not cost effective, rather that it cost more than LWOP, I changed my view against the death penalty (Should the Death Penalty Be Allowed, 2009).

  ReferencesArgosy University (2008) PSY 423:

Psychology and criminal Justice. Module 6: Death Penalty: Online Lectures. Retrieved June 15, 2008, from http://myeclassonline.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3433329&Survey=1&47=4117180&ClientNodeID=404511&coursenav=2&bhcp=1

 Answers.com (2009) US Supreme

Court Capital Punishment. Retrieved June 18, 2009, form http://www.answers.com/topic/capital-punishment

 ProCon.org (2009) Should the Death

Penalty be Allowed. Retrieved June 18, 2009, form http://deathpenalty.procon.org/viewtopic.asp

Memorandum To: State Prison Chief

PsychologistFrom: Robin InmanDate: March 15, 2009Subject: Investigation for Civil

Commitment Re: Inmate John Q. ID# W56209

  The purpose of civil commitment

is to ensure the safety of an Alleged Mentally Ill Person (AMIP) and the safety of the community. A civil commitment hearing is conducted to determine if such a person should be referred to a state mental hospital until their competency is considered to be restored (Civil Commitment, n.d.).

After a civil commitment has been filed an investigator from a community mental health program (CMHP) will conduct an investigation to determine if there is a need for the individual at question to be civilly committed to a mental hospital. After conducting an investigation the CMHP will submit their findings to the court and a judge will make the determining factor of whether the person at question will or will not be civilly committed. This process can take place with or without a hearing. If a hearing is conducted the person will have an attorney and witnesses to testify in their behalf (Civil Commitment, n.d.).

After conducting a thorough investigation regarding the mental state of Inmate John Q. ID: W56209 over the past ten years while incarcerated, the recommendation to the court is that the named person be civilly committed upon his release date as evidenced by:

The inmate has been diagnosed as schizophrenia-paranoid type.

The inmates long history of non-compliance with anti-psychotic medication.

The inmates frequent outbursts of psychotic and unmanageable behavior.

The inmates pattern of verbal and physical assault on prison staff and other inmates

The inmate’s commitment to a state mental facility on 15 separate occasions for an average of six months per visit, over the past ten years.

The inmate occurred 80 disciplinary reports in the form of citations for inappropriate behaviors including:

Physically assaulting prison staff: (25)

Possession of weapons: (10)Physically assaulting other inmates:

(10)Obscene language toward staff: (10)Disobeying a direct order: (25)  The state government should

have the right to civically commit inmates as they complete their sentences because it is the laws responsibility to serve and protect. What is referred to as police power is the states responsibility to protect the public from the dangers of releasing an inmate that may cause harm on the community (Bartol & Bartol, 2008).

Inmate John Q. W56209 has clearly been deemed as a danger to society as evidenced by his diagnosis of having a major mental illness, his consistent behavioral pattern displaying his continuous acts of verbally and physically assaulting others, and the proof that he has been committed to a mental institution more than twice over the past three years (Civil Commitment, n.d.).

Although this inmate has been reported medication compliant and psychiatrically stable since his last release from the state mental hospital, there has not been enough time for a proper evaluation since he was last committed, therefore it is recommended that he remain in a state hospital for the next six months following his release date for further evaluation (Argosy University, 2008).

 References:Argosy University (2008) Forensic

Psychology 422 XD: M2: Civil Commitment. Retrieved March 15, 2009 from http://myeclassonline.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3340091&Survey=1&47=4117180&ClientNodeID=404511&coursenav=2&bhcp=1

 Bartol, C.R. & Anne M. Bartol, A.M.,

(2008). Psychology and Law (3rd ed.) California: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning Publishers

Civil Commitment (n.d.) What is civil commitment? Who can be committed? Retrieved March 15, 2009 from http://www.oregoncounseling.org/LawsRights/CivilCommit.htm

Psychological EvaluationArgosy Psychology Department Robin Inman

Date of evaluation: 6/21/09Case Number: 238674

6/22/09Building Number: 17Admission Date: 6/10/09

Date of Report: 6/23/09 Purpose for Evaluation: The purpose

for this evaluation is to provide the courts with recommendations regarding the best interest of minor child William (Billy) Kramer in the child custody case Kramer vs. Kramer (Kramer, 1979).

 Billy is at the mercy of the court in

deciding which of his biological parents would be most fitting to support him and bring him into adulthood. Billy is a minor child (7 years old) who currently resides with his paternal father Ted Kramer in the home he was raised in. Billy’s maternal mother Joanna Kramer left the home in the middle of the night when Billy was 5 ½ years old to pursue her needs. Ted Kramer learned to adjust to balancing his career and raising his son during the 18 month period Mrs. Kramer was absent from the home and Billy’s life (Kramer, 1979).

 After 18 months Joanna Kramer

returned to New York City to re-gain custody of her biological son Billy. Joanna claimed that at the time of her absence she was not mentally or financially stable enough to take Billy with her but after 18 months of therapy and soul searching she became both mentally and financially stable and should be allowed the right of raising her son (Kramer, 1979).

 Ted Kramer argued that Billy and he

had well adjusted to Joanna being out of the home and Billy should be allowed to stay in his home with his paternal father that had physically and financially taken care of him during the absence of his mother. Ted argues that subjecting Billy to more emotional trauma of being taken out of his home and away from his father and friends would be detrimental to Billy’s well being (Kramer, 1979).

 The recommendation to the court is

to follow the best interest of the child standard and rather than presume either parent has a superior right to the child it is necessary to explore the many factors that are important in making the custody determination, such as:

 The wishes of the child (to some

extent)The length of time the child has

been in the present custody situation

Abandonment of the childStability of both parentsAmount of care and affection that

both parents show toward childThe atmosphere of both parents

homesThe parental ability of each parentThe availability of each parent The morality of each parentThe child’s future educational

possibilitiesHow a custodial change would

affect the childParents financial stabilityParents past behaviorsWhether one parent would refuse or

limit visitation rightsWhether one parent would be prone

to encourage or promote visitationThe likelihood that one parent

would relocate with out permission of the court

Whether one parent would make false accusations of child abuse (Brandes, 1999).

 The evaluation process included

conducting several interviews, with the child alone, with each parent alone, with the parents alone with out child, with the child and both parents, and with the child and each individual parent. In addition to interviews the psychological evaluations included observational procedures that included five general characteristics, such as:

 The ability of each parent to provide

a steadily safe environmentHow each parent behaves toward

the childThe parents capabilities to teach

and train the childThe ability the parent has to control

the childThe quantity and value of child-

initiated behavior (Argosy University, 2008).

 Yet another test that was performed

during the evaluation was the paper test the MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) which is a 567 item true-false questionnaire to assess personality characteristics. This test was administered to Joanna to determine the existence or non-existence of any mental illness due to her history of depression and therapy (Argosy University, 2008).

 The psychological recommendation

to the court regarding the custody of William (Billy) Kramer would be that Ted and Joanna Kramer be awarded joint custody for their minor child. That each parent be given the equal rights to their minor child and that both parents equally share the financial responsibilities of raising their son. The guidelines for this evaluation were determined solely on the basis of the best interest of the child standard. The findings were that it would be in the best interest of Billy to have an equal amount of time spent with both parents. Ted and Joanne are equally fitting parents and both display a large amount of caring and affection toward Billy. Both parents are financially secure to provide Billy with his needs (Argosy University, 2008).

  References Argosy University (2008) PSY 423

Psychology and Criminal Justice M7: Child Custody. Retrieved June 24, 2009, 2009, from http://myeclassonline.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3433329&Survey=1&47=4117180&ClientNodeID=404511&coursenav=2&bhcp=1

Brandes, J. R. (1999) Judging “The Best Interest of the Child”. Retrieved June 24, 2009, from http://www.brandeslaw.com/child_custody/judging_best_interest.htm

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979). Dir. Robert Benton. Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep. New York:Columbia Pictures.

      

    

My Future in Learning

Learning is a lifelong process. I envision my future as a lifelong learner by allowing myself to learn from others, to always learn and grow from mistakes, to strive for excellence, to set and achieve goals, to try new things, to know that it’s okay to fail as long as I keep trying, to know that it’s never too late, and to know that there’s always room to grow.

Contact Me

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For further information, please contact me at the e-

mail address below. robininman@myway.com