Psychology major Autumnelaine Denault is entering the PsyD program in counseling psychology at Springfield College this fall. “My professors’ support and experience I gained though a counseling internship helped me to get into the doctoral program,” she says.
Autumnelaine is currently interning at the YWCA in New Britain as a Connecticut state-certified sexual assault crisis counselor and advocate where she works with survivors of sexual violence by answering hotline calls and going on hospital and police accompaniments. She also completed an honors literature synthesis with her faculty advisor, Janell Carroll, visiting assistant professor of psychology, on sexual violence against bisexual women.
The contacts Autumnelaine made throughout UHart have contributed to her success. “Through a summer position with the Center for Student Success, I made connections with professional staff and co-workers that encouraged me to expand my horizon," she says. "I soon began working as a customer service representative, peer tutor, and peer support workshop leader for the Center of Student Success, as well as a resident assistant, and then senior resident assistant and customer service representative for the Office of Residential Life.”
In addition, Autumnelaine was the community outreach chair for the Hartford Events and Activities Team under the Office of Student Engagement and Inclusion and, most recently, served as its president. She also was treasurer for the Queer Student Union before becoming president of that organization.
“My favorite thing about UHart is the staff and faculty that supported me,” she says. “The Psychology Department is incredible, and the staff are always kind and very supportive.”