Shanae Nyanankpe
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Program: PsyD
Book I would recommend: The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
Favorite Quote: “Tyranny requires your fear, your silence, and your compliance. Democracy requires your courage.” -JB Pritzker
Fun Fact: Deep down, I am a poet and I know it.
Name a cause you are passionate about.
I am passionate about healthcare reform and ending the school-to-prison pipeline.
Why did you choose MSP?
MSP is the only school in Michigan with an APA-accredited PsyD program. Its small size fosters a close-knit, professional environment, which I prefer over the aloofness of a large school.
What do you want to do with your degree?
I want to leverage my degree to maintain versatility in the field, but more than that, I would like to teach at a college level and train other professionals in the field. So far, I have my own solo practice that I would like to expand eventually.
How did you first get interested in the mental health profession?
It was a slow, gradual journey. I initially studied ESL at Eastern Michigan University, but when I took courses like Educational Psychology and Psych 101, I realized I was passionate about behavioral science. I then earned a BS in Psychology, but through experience, I quickly understood that my education was far from over, and I was okay with that reality.
Even from an early age, people naturally felt comfortable coming to me to vent or seek advice. Looking back, it’s funny how long it took me to realize this was my true calling. Although I no longer give direct advice, I now focus on creating space where people can work through and cope with their “stuff.”
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