As COVID-19 takes its toll on the mental health of seniors living in isolation in retirement communities, a team of Palo Alto University psychology students are providing essential mental health services to older adults residing in independent living facilities in Daly City, Portola Valley, and Palo Alto. In doing so, the team of budding psychologists have learned to sharpen their digital mental health skills and gain valuable clinical experience while overcoming the language barriers and technology challenges of communicating with the residents.

A new suicide prevention training program developed by a team from Palo Alto University and the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department aims to better prevent suicide by being more culturally aware of the populations it serves.     “Be Sensitive, Be Brave” includes a set of workshops offered by a team of community trainers.

Palo Alto University (PAU) faculty members, students and alumni were invited to present posters at this year's 128th annual American Psychology Association (APA) Virtual Convention in August. Here is a selection of posters from the Convention.

Update: The Foster 5K, held on September 13th, welcomed nearly 400 participants and raised more than $32,000. Participants checked in from California, Montana, Michigan, and New Jersey. Also, PAU Team Knowledge captain Nicole Khauli submitted the winning photo for the Most Festive Award (photo below).    On Sunday, September 13th, hundreds of individuals will run, walk, or bike the “Foster 5K” to raise funds for Child Advocates of Silicon Valley.

PAU alumnus, trustee, and faculty member Jorge Wong, Ph.D., will receive the 2020 Outstanding Psychologist Award from Division 31 (State, Provincial and Territorial Psychological Association Affairs) of the American Psychological Association. “I was thrilled to learn that Dr. Wong will receive the Outstanding Psychologist Award from Division 31. His commitment to the field of psychology is extraordinary, from his advocacy work on the state and local levels to his role as a community mental health leader and educator," said PAU President Maureen O’Connor.

We spoke with three members of the PAU class of 2020 to learn about their journey to and through PAU - and to see what the future might hold for each of them!   Sheila Park, Class of 2020, B.S. in Psychology and Social Action Why PAU? When I took my first psychology class in community college, it really resonated with me. Psychology encompassed an empathetic understanding of helping others and it had scientific appeal.

As in year's past, Palo Alto University (PAU) faculty members, students and alumni have again been invited to participate in this year's 128th annual American Psychology Association (APA) Virtual Convention taking place August 6-8, 2020. This annual event is the largest gathering of psychologists and psychology students in the world from all areas of specialization in psychology and from research, practice, education and policy. The convention provides a platform for sharing information on a wide variety of critical and timely topics.

Summer reading lists conjure up visions of lounging poolside or on the beach with a good book in one hand and a cool drink in the other. With a month of summer to go – and hoping you’ll find time to relax with a good book - we reached out to PAU faculty and staff for suggestions. The results are both reflective of current events, as well as a distraction from them. Many also recommended some interesting podcast series and digital reads. We hope you find something that piques your interest!  

Palo Alto University welcomes three new members to the Board of Trustees. They bring experience in human resources, nonprofit management, cybersecurity, the law, and the tech industry to the governing body of the University.   Cynthia James advises Fortune 500 companies on cybersecurity strategy on behalf of Microsoft.