Marcella Raimondo is a third year student on a “moderated” schedule, having completed her Master’s in Public Health at the University of Michigan prior to entering CSPP’s Clinical Psychology PhD program. The moderated schedule allows Marcella to remain, part time, at her job with Kaiser Permanente where she works as regional coordinator for baseline (meeting consistency standards for insurance groups) and for domestic violence. It was through Kaiser that Marcella came to CSPP. When Marcella was considering  PhD programs, she spoke with her colleagues at Kaiser Permanente who put her in touch with some CSPP alumni who also worked at Kaiser.

“They all had great things to say,” says Marcella. “Its focus on research, developing competencies in various areas, I like that combination. CSPP also values multiculturalism, and that’s something I value too.”

Marcella began her first practicum at Alameda Family Services this fall. Marcella came to CSPP with several research experiences but this will be her first experience in a clinical setting. As a research assistant at the University of Michigan’s School of Nursing, she worked on an eating disorder study that focused on personality schemas in freshmen women as potential risk factors for eating disorders. She also conducted clinical interviews with women who had recently given birth for a study on the quality or prenatal care programs for Kaiser Permanente, where she is currently researching eating disorder programs for a study entitled "Exploring Meal Time Therapy."

“I have always had a love for the grassroots work, community work, taking medical knowledge and imparting it to people so that it makes sense to them, that is at a level and a modality that fits.” Marcella maintains a strong interest in health psychology and multiculturalism. She is passionate about public health, as well. “I’ve wanted to combine social issues, behaviors and psychopathology and look at the public health aspect.”

Like many PhD students who maintain employment, Marcella initially expected to form little or no connection to her program, its professors or fellow students, but she was surprised by the close-knit community. “I thought I was going to just show up, go to classes, and leave. It was the opposite. We are helping each other through the program and saying 'its okay, we're all going to get through this.’”

Meeting her classmates has been one of Marcella’s most meaningful CSPP experiences. “I feel like I’ve been blessed with my cohort. They are such bright, outstanding, caring people and I am very impressed with what people have to offer.” She also finds comfort and support in shared experiences and stories. “I think this takes a certain type of dedication. You have to look at your life and realize the sacrifices you’re making and know why you want to go in to such a demanding field. I feel honored to be around such a great group of people, many of which have become great friends.”

She also enjoys the support of her professors. One of her favorite classes was Intercultural Awareness Development, taught by Dr. Bloom and Dr. Arias, both of whom she considers mentors. She also receives research methodology and professional perspectives from her faculty advisor, Dr. Davis Ja.

Marcella has presented on the topic of eating disorders, media and body image at UCSF, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz Children's Hospital and Kaiser Permanente's National Diversity Conference. She is Media Literacy Consultant for about-face.org, a non-profit organization that combats negative and distorted images of women in the media.