Doctoral student receives scholarship from psychology association

Anna Goodbread, a third-year doctoral student in the department of educational psychology, will receive the annual Dr. Louise McBee scholarship from the Athens Area Psychological Association (AAPA) at the organization's legislative breakfast this December.

AAPA is a non-profit, professional organization of licensed psychologists focused on delivering psychological services to the larger community. In addition to serving as an advocate for area professionals, the organization strives to promote professional development through a variety of continuing education programs.

Established in honor of Dr. Louise McBee for her service in numerous roles at the University of Georgia, the scholarship—given in her namesake—is awarded each year to the top female graduate student in one of the three counseling preparation programs at UGA, which include counseling, school and clinical psychology.

In addition to her 25-year tenure at UGA, McBee also worked as a psychologist and served six terms in the Georgia House of Representatives.

"Thanks to this scholarship, I will be able to present at local and national conferences to hopefully share important research findings and implications for practice with other educators and school psychologists," said Goodbread, who is currently completing her pre-doctoral internship in South Carolina's Aiken County Public School District.

As a doctoral student in school psychology, Goodbread spends a majority of her time in a Title I elementary school where there is a great need for social and emotional learning as well as academic and behavioral support.

She is currently studying student engagement in early elementary school students and hopes that by working closely with teachers and administrators, she can help shape a new approach to working with struggling students.

"I've always had an interest in early childhood research because I feel strongly that changes that impact this age group can lead to important outcomes later in life—academically, socially, emotionally and behaviorally," said Goodbread. "I strive daily to make meaningful connections with the parents of the students I serve."

Moving forward, Goodbread hopes to continue bridging the research and practice worlds so that students can receive the best school experience possible.