Hi, I am Allison. I am a doctoral candidate in Counseling Psychology at the University of Iowa, and I work with the Iowa Sciences Academy supporting students in their educational and career development.

Prior to pursuing my PhD, I earned my B.A. in Sociology and Gender Studies from the University of Dubuque, where I was part of the pre-law program. My academic path has been anything but traditional. I have held many different positions before pursuing my doctorate – from working as a birth and postpartum doula to helping parents navigate the juvenile court system as a paralegal and social work case manager. These lived experiences have deeply shaped how I show up in my work: with compassion, openness, and a commitment to honoring the whole person.

I am particularly passionate about supporting students that may feel out of place or like they’re navigating systems that weren’t built with them in mind. I believe that career development is more than making a plan; it is about discovering who you are, what matters to you, and how your strengths, values, and experiences can come together to shape a meaningful future. 

College can be a time of deep reflection and transition. Whether you are questioning your path, exploring your identity, or trying to figure out your next step, you are not alone. I’m here to hold space for all of it. You don’t need to have a clear plan to start the conversation. I look forward to connecting with you.