College of Behavioral and Social Sciences honors collaborative agencies
Riverside, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2020) – The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California Baptist University hosted a practicum luncheon to honor 40 agencies located in Southern California on Feb 21. CBU honored school districts, government programs and nonprofits for their collaboration and support of the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program on Feb 21.
The event also gave counseling psychology students at CBU a chance to network with the agencies’ representatives. Counseling psychology students at CBU are required to obtain at least 400 practicum hours.
“The event is a way to thank our wonderful agencies and supervisors and to introduce our fabulous students to our community partners,” Dr. Mischa Routon, associate dean of graduate programs in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, told the audience in attendance. “It is a hurting world. I’m reminded daily of how much our service is needed. Thank you for helping train our students. Students, thank you for taking so seriously this next part of your journey.”
Barbara Windeknecht, a graduate student in the counseling psychology program, said the event was beneficial since it provided a group of agencies interested in having students work for them.
“I want to work with a broad spectrum instead of a specific population. That way once I’m done with practicum, I’ll really know where I want to go next,” Windeknecht said.
Kenesha Mitchell, a graduate student in the counseling psychology program, said she was interested in working with children.
“The practicum will help give me the tools because I am more of a hands-on learner,” Mitchell said. “Learning everything from behind the scenes in the books is helpful, but I can’t wait to get hands-on and actually do it and apply what we’ve been learning.”
Bonnie Monfils (’14), an education related mental health services therapist, attended the event for Perris Union High School District. She said after starting her career, she was told the quality of the education at CBU and internships showed in the workplace.
“When we were thinking of getting interns, I thought ‘We’re going back to CBU,’” Monfils said. “I know that they’re educated, I know that they’re supported, I know that they’ll be good with staff and parents.”