PSYCHOLOGIST WINS HONOR FOR WORK WITH PUPILS.Byline: Alicia Doyle Daily News Staff Writer Judi Burkhartsmeyer was 19 years old when she turned up her nose at school psychology, a field her mother suggested Burkhartsmeyer should pursue after graduating from college. ``At the time I said, no way,'' said Burkhartsmeyer, now 44. ``I just thought, how mundane (jargon) mundane - Someone outside some group that is implicit from the context, such as the computer industry or science fiction fandom. The implication is that those in the group are special and those outside are just ordinary. to work in a school system.'' But years after following her mother's advice, Burkhartsmeyer learned that mother knows best. A school psychologist psy·chol·o·gist n. A person trained and educated to perform psychological research, testing, and therapy. psychologist in Simi Valley Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. since 1987, Burkhartsmeyer was honored by the California Association of School Psychologists This list includes notable psychologists and contributors to psychology, some of whom may not have thought of themselves primarily as psychologists but are included here because of their important contributions to the discipline. with its 1996 Outstanding School Psychologist Award. One of five recipients in the state, Burkhartsmeyer was recognized for outstanding achievement in the field of school psychology, and for implementing creative programs and special activities for children throughout the school district. She was nominated nom·i·nate tr.v. nom·i·nat·ed, nom·i·nat·ing, nom·i·nates 1. To propose by name as a candidate, especially for election. 2. To designate or appoint to an office, responsibility, or honor. by eight district administrators and fellow psychologists, and the executive board of the Ventura County Association of School Psychologists. Though her mother died not long ago, Burkhartsmeyer said she knows her mom would find humor humor, according to ancient theory, any of four bodily fluids that determined man's health and temperament. Hippocrates postulated that an imbalance among the humors (blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile) resulted in pain and disease, and that good health was in the irony. ``My mom would get a big chuckle chuck·le intr.v. chuck·led, chuck·ling, chuck·les 1. To laugh quietly or to oneself. 2. To cluck or chuck, as a hen. n. A quiet laugh of mild amusement or satisfaction. about that now,'' Burkhartsmeyer said. For nearly a decade, the Newhall resident has focused on working with infant, preschool and early elementary students. Burkhartsmeyer also has been involved in coordinating the district's Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Education program, and developing counseling groups for students. Burkhartsmeyer spearheaded the district's Changing Family Support Groups, which are for children whose parents are separated, recently divorced or remarried or in other life transitions. ``I've been so lucky,'' said Burkhartsmeyer, who believes her position with the district veers away from the ``traditional'' school psychologist's job. ``I've been given lucky assignments, and allowed to pursue services that will help our children.'' Her heart originally set on pursuing clinical psychology, Burkhartsmeyer changed her career path after taking a child development class at Colorado State University Colorado State University, at Fort Collins; land-grant with state and federal support; chartered 1870, opened 1879 as an agricultural college, assumed present name in 1957. There is a veterinary teaching hospital, an agricultural campus, and a research campus. while earning her bachelor's degree. That's when she discovered she could really make a difference. ``There's so much hope when you work with children,'' Burkhartsmeyer said. CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: Judi Burkhartsmeyer, a school psychologist in Simi V alley since 1987, has focused on helping young kids. Andy Holzman/Special to the Daily News |
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