Interns
Grace McElderry, Master’s Level Intern
Grace McElderry, Master’s Level Intern
Grace McElderry brings a well-rounded background in psychology, education, and caregiving to her work with children, families, and students. A junior majoring in psychology with a minor in linguistics and education at Rutgers University, Grace has cultivated a strong academic foundation, complementing her hands-on experience in teaching and mentoring.
Grace has worked extensively as a nanny and teacher’s aide, demonstrating her ability to provide nurturing care and developmental support to children of varying ages. She has also served as a medical licensing assistant, where she further strengthened her interpersonal and organizational skills, as she managed confidential data and ensured compliance with regulatory requirements.
Her leadership roles, including President of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, highlight her ability to foster inclusive communities, manage events, and promote collaborative work and organizational engagement. Additionally, Grace’s volunteer work as a Teen VIP at St. Barnabas Medical Center showcases her commitment to supporting pediatric health and well-being.
With a passion for psychology, education, and clinical services, Grace is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves. Her skills in communication, organization, emotional intelligence, and time management make her a valued team member at Navesink Psychological Services.
Education
B.A. Psychology: Rutgers University
M.A. Psychology (Pending): Rutgers University
Amber Kurland
Amber Kurland
Amber Kurland is an undergraduate student at Rutgers University’s Honors College, where she is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Journalism & Media Studies. With this dual-focus she brings a well-rounded background in storytelling with a passion for caregiving and advocacy.
Amber currently serves as a Research Assistant in the Social-Emotional Character Development Lab at Rutgers. In this role, she serves as the editor for research papers evaluating the dissemination of social-emotional skills across digital landscapes while collaborating with outreach teams to make evidence-based tools/practices accessible to the public. Complementing her research, her hands-on experience in child development includes working directly with young children at the Rutgers Psychology Child Development Daycare Center, where she assists with classroom management and developmental tracking.
An experienced peer mentor and strategic communicator, Amber is a Scarlet Ambassador Captain for the Rutgers Office of Admissions, managing a team of ambassadors, working to ensure a positive experience for guests, highlighting her ability to communicate effectively and empathetically and promote collaborative work.
Deeply committed to community-based advocacy, Amber serves as an Assistant Director for the Rutgers University Dance Marathon. In this position, she acts as a liaison to the patient families and children supported by the Embrace Kids Foundation. She also volunteers her time with For Goodness Cakes, baking personalized baked goods for youth in foster care and agency systems to celebrate major personal milestones. Ultimately, Amber intends to leverage her foundational background in social-emotional research, child observation, and family relations to pursue a master's program and build a career as a licensed therapist.
Education
B.A. Psychology (Pending): Rutgers University
