Faculty/Staff Members
Evelyn Kowalski
Full Time Instructor, Program Director, Psychology
MS, Counseling Psychology, Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles
BA, Sociology, Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles
Biography
I am a full-time instructor for the Psychology Department at Mount Saint Mary’s University. My primary role with the Psychology department is to serve as the Program Director for the Applied Psychology Weekend/Evening College baccalaureate degree. Before joining the faculty at MSMU, I was the Director of the Student Success Center at MSMU and assisted traditional undergraduate students enrolled in the Associates of Arts program in completing their degrees. I also have over 15 years of experience working in social service programs such as foster care, homeless outreach, adoption, family reunification, and community mental health case management.
Like a lot of my students, I was a first-generation college student and completed my undergraduate degree in a non-traditional format (proud WEC alumna!). I was also the first in my family to obtain a master’s degree. I am from Honduras, and I immigrated to the United States when I was five-years-old. As an immigrant, I understand first-hand the struggles Latin American families experience in the United States. I am also aware of the importance of our success since it is a collective effort and a representation of our resilience. I am passionate about my job because I get to support our incredible students achieve their academic and professional goals.
Research Topics of Interest
My research interests include first-generation college student development, college access and equity for underprepared students, mental health issues of undocumented college students, and anxiety disorders associated with being an undocumented minor.
Courses
Psychology 12 Child/ Human Development
Psychology 102 Issues in Human Development
Psychology 125 Basic Communication Skills
Psychology 154 Applied Psychology Practicum
Psy 167 S.T. Case Management for Diverse Populations
Psy 167 S.T. Gender, Sex, and Films
Psychology 187 Careers in Psychology
Psychology 188 Crisis Intervention
Psychology 222 Transformational Leadership
Psychology 263 Law and Ethics Among Helping Professions
Psychology 290 Immigration and Documentation