Blake Bailey

Associate of Science, Applied Psychology / Human Services
Minnesota North – Itasca

“I googled “Best Psychology Community Colleges” and Itasca came up. I wasn’t totally sure but I came on tour and met with Jackie. Jackie’s super cool! I liked that I could get both the Associate of Arts and the Associate of Science in Applied Psychology/Human Services in two years. One of the main reasons I came here was to be outdoors. I was able to go on a bog walk during Orientation on the trails right here on campus.

I’m part of the Psych Club, and that’s been a great way to meet people. We always have really good conversations together. The Psych Club has a lounge where I can keep my backpack and hang out with other students, it’s nice to have a space on campus. I’m so excited to go with them to the Minnesota Psychological Association Annual Conference, where I’ll be able to network and learn.

I love my schedule. Every instructor teaches differently. Marlo brought her dog into class and I really enjoyed it. I didn’t know what to expect at a community college, but I wasn’t expecting such a high level of experience, knowledge, and expertise that Jenny, Jackie, and Marlo have. They’re so smart and so good at teaching. I feel 100% prepared to transfer to a university when I’m done at Itasca.

It’s much more affordable than private colleges. The small class sizes are perfect. I know all of my teachers really well. They know my name. I say hi to them in the hallways. It’s personal. I’m really excited for the practicum where I can get real-life experience. You take a lot of Psych classes right away. I’ll also be qualified as Mental Health Practitioner which will be really helpful in getting a job.”

It’s much more affordable than private colleges. The small class sizes are perfect. I know all of my teachers really well. They know my name. I say hi to them in the hallways. It’s personal. I’m really excited for the practicum where I can get real-life experience. You take a lot of Psych classes right away. I’ll also be qualified as Mental Health Practitioner which will be really helpful in getting a job.”

Tyler Fentem

Associate of Science, Applied Psychology / Human Services
Minnesota North – Itasca

Degrees from Itasca
Associate of Science, Applied Psychology / Human Services (Honors)
Associate of Arts (Honors)

Practicum Experience
Grace House Homeless Shelter
120 hours | 3 credits

Additional Relevant Experience
Maple Woods Assisted Living | Cohasset, Minnesota
Personal Care Attendant (2018)

Additional Experience
Bemidji State University
Bachelor of Science, Psychology

• Minors: Behavioral Addictions, Criminal Justice
• Awards: McNair Scholars program recipient

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
M.A. in Counseling & Psychological Services (current student)

Campus Involvement
Philosophy Club, MPA

Favorite Memories of Itasca
My favorite memories at Itasca were my practicum experiences, my attendance at MPA, and presenting my learning and cognition project and Applied Science portfolio to the psych department.

I also enjoyed hanging out with my peers and building off each other in the psychology lounge, discussing philosophical issues in the philosophy club along, and spending time with the dean when he was available.

Alumnus Quote
“​I chose Itasca and chose to return to college in general because I had in interest in higher education. I wanted to live a different life than I had been living– a better one. I had and still have ambitions to attain a doctorate in my field, and I am continuing down that path after building a strong foundation during my first 2 years at Itasca.”

Haven Hafar

Associate of Arts Degree
Minnesota North – Itasca

“Haven Hafar was a full-time PSEO student at Itasca, who graduated with an Associate of Arts degree. During her time at Itasca, she was involved in the Psychology Club which provided her with opportunities to further learn, grow, and explore her interests in an especially compassionate community of like-minded students and faculty. With other members of the Psychology Club, she attended a Minnesota Psychological Association conference– which was easily her favorite Itasca experience!

After attending Itasca, Haven graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Hamline University. Since earning her BA, she has been working full time in the Cognition and Brain (CAB) in Psychopathology Lab at the Minneapolis Veteran Affairs Medical Center and the University of Minnesota, Department of Psychiatry. In this role, she coordinates studies that are focused on understanding more about genes and brain mechanisms involved in the development of psychotic disorders. She loves conducting clinical interviews with research participants, and wants to continue working with families affected by severe and persistent mental illness.

Haven is currently a part-time student in the Master of Social Work program, with a concentration in clinical mental health, at the University of Minnesota.