Graduates of the UW–Madison School of Education are enjoying successful careers in fields across the arts, health, and education — and we are excited to share what they are doing today.
Following is a Q&A with Kirsten Storhoff, who graduated in 2021 with a BS in Rehabilitation Psychology.
How did you get interested in this field/major?
I was originally going to school for Occupational Therapy (OT). I wanted to work with special education in an OT atmosphere. I have a sister who had strokes when she was younger, and she’s had an occupational therapist her entire life. I saw the progress she made and realized that was what I wanted to do. I saw what they did for her and I wanted to be that person and support other kids. Rehabilitation Psychology allowed me to also have options regarding special education and counseling, two things I am very passionate about.
How did you decide that UW–Madison was the right place to pursue this degree?
First, Rehab Psych is not a degree that is offered in a ton of places. As I mentioned, it allowed me to have options to be in the world of special education and disabilities, but also options for counseling since mental health is something I am also interested in. On top of that, Madison has some of the most highly ranked professors in the nation. They make you feel valued, always have open doors for personal and professional needs, and really support you in finding your career. These all helped me decide Madison was the best location to work towards this degree.
What are you doing today (professionally, or where are you pursuing further education)?
I recently graduated with a master’s degree in Special Education (from UW–Madison). I currently teach special education at an elementary level and I am halfway through my fourth year of teaching.
What class or professor had the greatest impact on you, and why?
I think one of my most memorable classes was an introductory RPSE class, specifically Intro to Disabilities. I had Dr. Kimber Wilkerson as my professor. She didn’t teach this class regularly and I am so glad I was in one of the few classes she taught! This was where I learned a foundation for education on disabilities. Since a majority of my college (years were) impacted by COVID, this class stood out to me because it was one of the last RPSE classes I had in-person. The amount of knowledge she has and the support she gave made me so passionate about this field. I wanted to be exactly like her! Not only was she an excellent professor, but three years later when I saw her in the School of Education while pursuing my master’s, she remembered me. Coming from a class of 80+ students, for a professor to remember you years later stands out and makes an impact!
How, if at all, has the Rehabilitation Psychology program at UW–Madison helped you get to where you are today?
Madison really employs the best professors that are able to support you as people, learners, and professionals. Entering the world of Rehabilitation Psychology, no matter which direction (counseling, special education, mentoring, etc.), can be exhausting and tolling. Having professionals supporting me through the educational and career side is why I have been able to get where I am today. I have felt supported because I received a high-level educational experience and learned from accomplished people in the field. Also because in this present-day, I know I have some of those same people I can reach out to for assistance. I was given a surplus of knowledge through my degree and now have mentors and professionals still able to support me.
Can you tell us about a time when an academic advisor helped you?
Kayla Armstrong Alfstad is one of the best “advisors” out there! She technically isn’t an advisor, but her ability to support me through Rehabilitation Psychology undergraduate and Special Education graduate programs were unmatched! She was able to offer resources for whatever I needed, supported me in choosing classes, and walked me through changing majors! She is exactly the person you want to go to when you need honesty and support. I changed my major to Rehabilitation Psychology after a month of college as I decided I wanted to teach instead of doing OT. She talked me through the options and eventually helped me land on finishing my undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Psychology because of the options it would leave me with. She took the time to get to know me and help me select a path that best fit me and my needs. She was beyond helpful!
Is there anything else that’s important to you about yourself or your studies you’d like to share?
UW–Madison’s Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education are the reason I am where I am. They employ some of the best professors, but also some of the most caring and supportive people. Going through school isn’t always the easiest, but the professors allowed us to be human, learn as people, and further our education. I have (gained) so much knowledge from professors, but I also feel so supported and cared for after leaving UW–Madison and entering the workforce! I would recommend Rehab Psych to anyone willing to listen!