1

Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Michele FosterForensic Psychology, 2010

Personal Statement

After 20 years, I went back to college to complete my degree in Psychology. My efforts have been very rewarding upon receiving my Bachelors in Forensic Psychology. I use my skills daily as an advocate helping those individuals affected by sexual violence.

Resume

EDUCATION•  2006 University of Phoenix Phoenix, AZ A.A. Criminal Justice• 2010 Argosy University Chicago, IL B.A. Forensic Psychology

WORK EXPERIENCEJanuary 2010-Present Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center Richardson, TXVictim Advocate / Volunteer Coordinator 2009 – 2010 Victims Outreach Dallas, TX 214-358-5173 Victim Advocate / Volunteer Coordinator

2000-2002 AirCare, Allergy and Immunology Dallas, TX 214-373-1773

 Account Billing Specialist

ACCREDITATIONS Advanced Crime Victims Compensation CertifiedPresumptive Eligibility CertifiedAddress Confidentiality Certified

Volunteer Experience

I began volunteering May 2006 with The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center of Collin County as an advocate, taking crisis phones and hospital accompaniment. I continue to volunteer after hours for The Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center as an advocate for both crisis phones and hospital accompaniment when needed.

  

Reflection

My BA Forensic Psychology degree has given me the ability to examine and understand psychological perspectives. I have an ability to collect information and crate formal academic writing including APA formatting, content clarity and sentence structure. I understand the importance of ethical guidelines and can identify key elements that are specific to psychological issues.

Table of Contents

Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy

Research SkillsCommunication Skills: Oral and WrittenEthics and Diversity AwarenessFoundations of PsychologyApplied PsychologyInterpersonal Effectiveness**Include work samples and projects with a Title Page and organized accordingly to demonstrate each of the Program Outcomes above

Cognitive Abilities

I have studied: • Dissociative Identity Disorders• Schizophrenia• Gender Identity Disorders• Depression

Research

I have acquired a compilation of self help books and have studied the affects of heredity, human development, genetics, environmental influences and how experience can alter one’s perception.

Ethics and Diversity

I have attended training on Sexual Assault of the Elderly, Male Victimization, Sexual Violence and People with Disabilities. These trainings are being applied to a certification in cultural awareness provided by the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault.

I have conducted a case study of a 45 year old African American woman with a history of childhood sexual abuse. This was a six week study using several modifications of cognitive behavioral theories.

Applied Psychology

Foundation of Psychology

Using the theories of Jean Piaget and Karen Horney, I studied the life of Ed Gein. I found that through isolation, genetic history of psychosis, repressive environment, unrealistic expectations and interpersonal manipulation, coping may result in delusional thinking.

Interpersonal Effects

I have found that my personal development has given me strengths in:•Crisis Situations•Empathy•Strong Work Ethics•Team Player

Communication Skills

I currently perform 30 hours of volunteer training four times a year. I use power point presentations, guest speakers, visual and audible media. I feel very comfortable speaking in public and enjoy interacting with different individuals. I also am capable of quickly determining different avenues of resources to reduce stress in some situations.

My Future in Learning

I will use my education to work in the field of victims services, as an advocate working with those individuals affected by sexual violence. I will continue to learn about the judicial system and more ways to improve the lives of victims and family members.

Contact Me

Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio.

For further information, please contact me at the e-

mail address below. m.foster@sbcglobal.net