HSS​A
Mission Statement
This is a Palo Alto University student group with the goal of furthering the conversation about how spirituality, psychology, healing and social action intersect in ways crucial to the future of psychology.
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We create events, promote conversations and share studies and news about the intersection of spirituality, psychology, healing and social action. With an eye on compassion as an important and overlooked aspect of the human experience, we hope to illuminate how psychology and human wellness can benefit and grow from the wisdom of the diversity of world spiritual traditions, and a commitment to social action that promotes equality and wholeness for all people.
Leadership
President
My name is Hannah Toyama. I am currently a second year Ph.D student at Palo Alto University. My area of interest is in pediatrics, children and adolescents with chronic illness, cancer, and mood disorders. My research interests include psychosocial adjustment in children with cancer. I have personal interests in spirituality, meditation, yoga, and hiking as outlets to manage stress. As I have seen how spiritual practices, mindfulness, and meditation has been effective interventions for patients, I want to bring awareness and incorporate mindfulness and meditation into future practices, as deemed necessary.
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Vice President
Carolyn Bradley is a second-year Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student at Palo Alto University. She is originally from the New York Metropolitan area. She is pursuing a program emphasis in meditation and psychology and is interested in the study of spirituality, mindfulness, and mind-body interventions for mental health disorders. Through the HSSA, she intends to spread awareness about the importance of spirituality in both achieving and maintaining overall wellbeing.
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Secretary
Gabrielle Swisher is a 1st year PhD student coming from a B.A in Psychology from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. She spent two years working on the Research Grants team for The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, as well as working as an academic coach with adolescents for a private practice in Manhattan. She is 200/hr Certified Yoga teacher and also has certificates in Basic and Advanced Pranic Healing.
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Treasurer
Hi, Everyone! My name's Alexander Valdes. I find that I fit in quite well with HSSA. For about 8 years now, I have been practicing Arhatic Yoga and Pranic Healing. I have been facilitating meditations for several years throughout South Florida, Phoenix, and now currently in the Bay Area. Additionally, I have given presentations and lectures on energy healing and meditation at wellness expos and festivals. I am a firm believer of bringing spirituality into everyday life for individuals, as it will greatly facilitate the overall healing process. In my spare time, I enjoy creativity, cooking, being in nature. I also have been Fire Dancing for over 10 years.
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Public Relations
Greetings! My name is Beth Laskosky. I am currently a Senior in the Psychology and Social Hybrid program. I have adapted various ideologies of spirituality into my personal spiritual practice over the years, and am focused on meditation and crystal sound healing currently. My professional goals include using a blend of psychodynamic therapy and spirituality & higher consciousness experiences to help others heal past traumas and encourage the realization of personal power. As the Public Relations Officer, I want to bring our students opportunities to engage in open-minded and genuine dialogue about the healing qualities of spiritual beliefs.
More Information
Want more info? Send us an email on the Contact page of the site or click here to find us on Facebook!
