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A huge congratulations goes out to Dr. Lana Stermac and Dr. Mary Caravias as they mark their retirement from the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development (APHD). Both have been instrumental in shaping what APHD is today and we are honoured to have had them be a part of our APHD family. 

This past June we celebrated both faculty members and all of their accomplishments and contributions to the department. We also connected with each of them to learn more about their journey in academia, their words of wisdom and what they look forward to during retirement.

One on one with Dr. Lana Stermac...

When did you join APHD?
Our department has gone through a number of iterations and name changes. I first joined the Department of Applied Psychology in 1992 and, with the exception of a few years of program shifting, am now retiring from the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development. This has been my home over all these years.

Tell us a bit about your journey to APHD/OISE:
My journey within APHD/OISE and the university included opportunities to work with wonderful students, staff and colleagues as both a faculty member and an administrator. Although my teaching and research career was very rewarding, I think the relationships and collaborations that I was able to develop were the most fulfilling.

What are some key accomplishments from your career at APHD?
In my career I hope my work contributed to the increasing awareness and the prevention of gendered violence and its effects both within the university and the community. As well I hope I contributed to the development and careers of new generations of scholars and outstanding clinical and research psychologists and psychotherapists.

What are some words of wisdom you have for faculty early in their careers?
The early career faculty that I have met in recent years are truly amazing and need little input from me. If I were to say anything to these incredibly hard-working and productive colleagues, it would be about maintaining a work-life balance as they navigate the early years of their academic careers. After all, it is unlikely that you will want to be remembered only for the size of your CV!

What are some words of wisdom for APHD students?
I would encourage students to enjoy this unique and wonderful time in graduate school where they can be curious, creative and innovative.  While programs are demanding and can be absorbing, it is important to build a network of support with peers, mentors and future colleagues.

What are your plans for retirement/looking forward to the most?
I will continue my research and clinical involvement with a number of community agencies that focus on health. As well I love the outdoors and being active and look forward to doing more of this with my family and friends.

One on one with Dr. Mary Caravias...

When did you join APHD?
I joined APHD in 2005 when I became acting DCT for SCCP.

Tell us a bit about your journey to APHD/OISE:
After receiving my doctorate from the University of Toronto (OISE) I became a supervisor for SCCP students who were carrying out their school practica.   At that time, I was working as a school psychologist in one of the legacy school boards and also as a clinical psychologist in private practice. Providing clinical supervision to SCCP students soon led me to my interest in clinical training.   My commitment to providing best practices to clients seeking psychological services matched perfectly with my becoming the Director of Clinical Training and the Clinic Director for the OISE Psychology Clinic for the SCCP program.  Training future child and school psychologists to practice using not only evidence-based measures and approaches but within a framework that highlights cultural humility, unbiased approaches and intersectionality was a pathway for improving the delivery of psychological services to many clients.   As challenging and as demanding as the jobs were, I was constantly rewarded with the outcomes of the work and the relationships that developed with APHD students, support staff and faculty. 

What are some key accomplishments from your career at APHD?
When reflecting on my key accomplishments during my years in APHD I first have to note that I am very grateful to have worked with remarkable students, colleagues and staff in the department and also outside of the department and OISE.  From April 2019 until the spring of 2022, I was one of eight psychologists selected to be a member of the Standards Review Committee (SRC) for the 6^th Revision of the Canadian Psychological Association Accreditation Standards.  One of the goals of the revision was to reflect the significant work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada. As part of this committee, I worked on a small subcommittee that focused on the commitment to reconciliation between the field of psychology and Indigenous Peoples. I played an important role in helping introduce a new foundational competency, Indigenous Interculturalism, in the training and education of new psychologists.

Another major accomplishment that I have been pleased with is my work in developing a model of vertical peer supervision that is used in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program.  The model stresses the integration of theory, experiential learning, reflective practices, and a collaborative approach.  Through this model and training of clinical supervision, students learn to become knowledgeable, effective and competent clinical supervisors who are trained to explore the relationships between supervisors and supervisees and to overcome barriers.

In the early years of my work in APHD I developed a model of teaching essential psychotherapeutic skills to SCCP students that continues to be used today.  In this model, classes are carried out in the OISE Psychology Clinic where students observe actual psychotherapy carried out by experienced psychologists.  Live observation is then followed by discussion of the sessions, follow-up research related to the cases, on-going forum discussions, and teaching of writing case (process) notes. 

What are some words of wisdom you have for faculty early in their careers?
Strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance and collaborate.  

What are some words of wisdom for APHD students?
In the midst of all the educational, experiential and research opportunities offered to you in APHD, remember to take time to practice self-care.  Self-care starts by talking about it.  For clinical students, I would like to stress the importance of self-reflection as being key in the process of self-awareness which is essential for effective psychotherapy.

What are your plans for retirement/looking forward to the most?
I look forward to my move out west, to hiking and enjoying the beauty of the Pacific coast and continuing to practice part-time in the field of psychology.