PAU Stars Honored at Celebration of Achievement and Service
Associate Professor Teceta Tormala, Ph.D., presents Christine Isotalo with Outstanding Student award for the M.S. in Psychology program.
Palo Alto University’s ‘stars’ were shining bright on Friday, May 17 as student achievement and service were celebrated during a festive ceremony. Presented by Palo Alto University’s Board of Trustees, awards were given out for excellence in academics, research, clinical work, teaching, and service, as well as for contributions to student life and overall leadership. Four students were selected for ‘Outstanding Student’ awards and two staff members were honored for their contributions in supporting students.
Director of Student Services Thom Shepard was emcee for the evening and introduced President Maureen O’Connor, Ph.D., J.D., and Board of Trustees President Daniel Kostenbauder, J.D., who each spoke about the remarkable work and commitment to service PAU students are known for.
“You are the reason our Trustees serve on the Board,” said Kostenbauder, addressing the students gathered. “We are committed to your success and know that this is just the beginning of successful and service-filled careers in the fields of psychology and counseling.”
This year’s awardees represent only a small sample of the excellent work being done by PAU students across all programs, as well as the wide range of experience PAU students bring to their work.
“We have much to celebrate,” said President O’Connor. “The award winners have done remarkable work over the past year and in their time at PAU. They are, however, only a sample of PAU’s incredible students, and this event is truly intended as a celebration of all of our students.”
Following is a list of all students who were honored. In addition two staff members were recognized. The Student Veterans Organization honored Scott Hines, PAU Librarian and Director of Academic Technology for his commitment to and support of student veterans. Ana Castrillo, Director for the Office of Accessible Education and Associate Director for Student Services, received the award for Student Organization Advisor of the Year.
| Award/Name | Program |
| Outstanding Student Award | |
| Emily Kaiser | Psy.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Mercedes Palacios | Ph.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Kelly Saam | MA Counseling |
| Christine Isotalo | MS Psychology |
| Academic Excellence | |
| Aliza Goldberg | Psy.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Randi Brown | Ph.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Melissa Wyman | MA Counseling |
| Yelena Markiv | MS Psychology |
| Contributions to Diversity | |
| Kerry McBroome | Psy.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Zo Jimenez | Psy.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Kellylynn Zuni | Ph.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Excellence in Clinical Work | |
| Audrey Cortesi | Psy.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Jason Tinero | Psy.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Alli Barkin | Ph.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Stephanie Charbonneau | MA Counseling |
| Marissa Cui (Cui Yiran) | MA Counseling |
| Excellence in Research | |
| Nicole Kramer | Psy.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Charlotte Wilkie | B.S. Psychology & Social Action |
| Monique Cano | Ph.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Kate Wolovsky | MA Counseling |
| Excellence in Service | |
| Carlos Fernandez | B.S. Psychology & Social Action |
| Kristen Vescera | Ph.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Rea Rivera | MA Counseling |
| Maria Tanedo | MA Counseling |
| Excellence in Teaching | |
| Kristene Hossepian | Psy.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Bethany Young | Ph.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Fredrica Dennis | MA Counseling |
| Elton C. & Joan R. Waelde Meditation and Psychology Awards | |
| Afik Faerman | K2 Award |
| Celeste Poe | Kangchenjunga Award |
| Adriana Panting | Everest Award |
| Student Leadership Recognition | |
| Kaleen Carimbocas | Ph.D Clinical Psychology |
| Sara Markuson | Ph.D. Clinical Psychology |
| Student Organization of the Year Award | |
| Run Club | |