Caroline Callaway, PsyD (’24) is an adjunct faculty member teaching a section of Assessment II in the MA program this semester.
Where did you grow up?
Atlanta, Georgia—aka ATL! (Cue the Outkast.)
What or who influenced you to study psychology?
Before psychology, I was working as a licensed music therapist in in-patient psychiatric hospitals for about 5 years. But while making music with clients, I realized I wanted to dive deeper into what was happening on a mental and behavioral level. I still weave in creative arts and music therapy with college students at EMU.
What are your research and/or clinical interests?
I’m all about identity development, especially within QTPOC communities. I also focus on minority stress, racial trauma, and racial battle fatigue. I incorporate my creative arts background into all of my work.
What appeals to you most about teaching at MSP?
MSP was a major growth period for me, largely thanks to the stellar professors who helped shape my path. Now, I want to pay it forward and give back to the community that gave me so much.
What is your favorite non-academic book, and why?
This changes with the wind because I read a ton, but right now it’s Sure I’ll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere by Maria Bamford. It’s a quirky deep dive into how far people will go to feel connected—a theme I connect with deeply, especially in my work with college students who are navigating their own journeys to find where they fit in.
What advice would you like to share with current students?
Keep pushing. On the tough days, when you’re ready to throw in the towel, take a beat and remember your “why.” You got this!
