On Wednesday 6 April 2022 we were joined by alumni from the School of Psychology who discussed their careers in the sector after graduating from Kent.
The panel were from a diverse range of sectors including clinical, forensic, and educational psychology as well as University of Kent TEDX speaker.
Students who joined the virtual panel had the opportunity to gain first-hand information and practical advice on some of the exciting career paths available with a Psychology degree. Students were able to ask questions to the panel of alumni speakers in the chat throughout the event and directly at the end. The panel consisted of;
Dr Teresa Wheeler – Educational, Child and Community Psychologist who currently runs her own practice
Teresa completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Kent before training as a primary school teacher and later as a practitioner psychologist. She works primarily within schools carrying out assessments, delivering training and intervention. Educational Psychologists carry out a wide range of work including learning assessments, therapeutic interventions, supervision and staff support. Teresa is a qualified VIG practitioner and Mindfulness teacher and uses these approaches within her work.
Alexandria Olton – Sport & Exercise Psychologist and Director of Mindology, Trinidad
Alexandria is a sport and exercise psychologist (performance psychologist) and the Director of Mindology, Trinidad. She is also a full member of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Psychologists and a columnist for the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Alexandria was awarded an M.Sc. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Brunel University, London in 2016 and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Kent in 2015. Alexandria works with athletes, of all sports, competitive levels and ages, both locally and internationally, as well as with local private and public sector organisations.
Luis Crawford – Assistant Psychologist for CMHSOP at Kent and Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust
Luis is currently working towards a clinical psychology doctorate while employed in an NHS trust working in older adult services predominantly dealing with assessments, diagnosis and treatment for dementia. Luis’s interests include psychotherapy, sociology, philosophy, lifestyle interventions, social groups, trauma, addiction, yoga, mindfulness, nutrition, exercise and martial arts.
Annie Hastings – Mental Health Adviser at Bromley, Lewisham & Greenwich Mind
Having obtained a First Class Psychology degree with Honours in 2018, Annie now works as a Mental Health Adviser with Mind; in partnership with the local NHS trust. Her aim is to further her work within the mental health sector focusing on substance misuse and working within forensic units.
Sophie Lakin – Criminal Justice Mental Health Practitioner
Sophie has spent most of her career in the prison service and has experience on a psychiatric low/medium secure ward. Sophie now works as a Band 6 Criminal Justice Mental Health Practitioner, her role is to perform psychiatric assessments of detainees in Police Custody and Court. Sophie formulates reports that advise and inform the Metropolitan Police and Judiciary and when necessary, diverts those who are acutely unwell to hospital under the Mental Health Act.
Rianna Patterson – Personal Development Coach, Social Entrepreneur and Employment Support Advisor
Rianna is a Kent alumnus, social entrepreneur, global TEDx speaker and personal development coach. Rianna is also the founder of Dominica Dementia Foundation, they are a youth-led dementia charity that supports families and care homes affected by dementia. She launched this organization at 18 in memory of her grandfather who passed away with dementia in Dominica. In June 2017, she was awarded her Majesty the Queen as a Queens Young Leader for the work she does in dementia. She was also selected to speak on BBC One Show with Prince Harry during the Queens Young Leader award ceremony. She uses her platform to discuss and advocate for mental health, sustainability, and social-economic issues.