NAME: Jaime L. Benson

E-MAIL: jlb205@lehigh.edu

UNDERGRAD DEGREE(S):
B.A.: Psychology & Sociology, Syracuse University

RESEARCH INTERESTS: Medication management and adherence, academic and behavioral interventions for children with EBD.

2007-2008 PLACEMENTS:
Upper Darby School District
Westbrook Park, Senkow, and Primus Elementary Schools

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Division of Oncology and Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Center

WHY INTERESTED IN THE PROJECT:
I am interested in specializing in pediatric school psychology because I believe there is a clear need for highly trained professionals to address the additional challenges associated with serving the academic, behavioral, and psychological needs of child with healthcare needs. Specifically, I believe that school psychologists ' training in consultation and behavior principles provides them with the essential skills to work as a liaison across the healthcare, education, and psychological systems that interact to serve children with healthcare needs and who are at-risk for emotional and behavioral disorders. Further, I believe it is essential to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies in order to not only improve academic and behavioral outcomes and quality of life of children but also ease access to these services.