Dominican receives PHD in Educational Psychology

Shillingford

Shani Shillingford graduated with a PhD in Educational Psychology and a minor in Applied Statistics and Research Methods from the University of Northern Colorado December 9, 2011.

Dr. Shilingford is the daughter of Bellot and Euella Shillingford of Morne Rachette and attributes her success to her parents for being forward thinkers and advocating education throughout her childhood.

Dr. Shillingford attended the Coulibistrie Primary School and the St Joseph Secondary School, now the Isaiah Thomas Secondary School, where the foundation for her success was established.  In August 2001, Dr. Shillingford enrolled at Midwestern State University (MSU) to pursue a degree in Psychology.

She graduated in May 2004 with a Bachelors’ of Science degree in Psychology and English, and continued at MSU to obtain a Master of Arts in Clinical and Counseling Psychology in December 2006.

After working for a year at a mental health care facility in the U.S, she returned to the Caribbean and took up a position as a Child Psychologist before returning to the US to continue her studies.  Dr. Shillingford was awarded a two-year scholarship from the OAS to pursue a doctoral degree, which normally takes three to four years to complete.  Filled with determination to utilize her scholarship, she completed her degree within that time frame.

During her studies, Dr. Shillingford made significant contributions to her field of study, presenting her research at conferences and has an article in press; while two others are currently under review.  Her dissertation focused on teachers’ knowledge of emotional and behavioral disorders.

Dr. Shillingford is thankful to her parents, family, friends and community, who have supported her through the years.  She hopes that the youth will be encouraged by her success and that they will believe that it doesn’t matter where you come from, but with hard work, determination, faith, and a strong support system, you can fulfill your dreams.

Dr. Shillingford is looking forward to utilize her skills and experience to make a positive contribution to her beloved Dominica.

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43 Comments

  1. October 30, 2014

    Belated congratulations Dr. Shillingford!

    The same dedication and hard work that has brought you this far will take you to goals further along. May God make you a blessing to your people. They need what you have to offer.

    Dominicans can be proud of the nation their country is becoming. Young people like yourself are revealing the potential the beautiful island nation.

    Two types of people reach for success. One is asking “What can I get from this?” The other is saying “How can I best serve?” The words of Christ come to mind. “He who would be the greatest among you let him become the servant of all.”

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

  2. Marjorie
    November 28, 2013

    Better late than never. Just drowsing and came across your achievement in the field of clinical psychology etc and I am very impressed. UU must be very proud. We now have two psychologists in our family. My nephew Craig has just qualified. My regards to your mum. Marjorie

  3. watchette
    December 14, 2011

    Congrats. You’ve made MorneRachette proud

  4. Cutty
    December 14, 2011

    Congrats cuz…. So proud of you… 8)

  5. LCM
    December 14, 2011

    Congrats Shani ooops Dr. Coming from fellow MSU student and long time friend from the Northeast. Much needed in DA. Proud of you.

  6. Jacqueline
    December 14, 2011

    Congrats Shani! Hard work paid off

  7. bb
    December 13, 2011

    Congratulation Shani, Well Done!!!!! from your fellow MSU Alumni. Great Work. 8)

  8. sharon
    December 13, 2011

    I knew you had it in you!!!!Now the sky is the limit don’t forget to look up to take what is yours(not to say plane bring cake or me)lol

  9. December 13, 2011

    Way to go Shani,congrats,I am proud of you.
    Something GOOD coming from the ITSS.

  10. Sout Man
    December 13, 2011

    A standing ovation to Dr. Shillingford!! Congratulations!!

  11. :-)
    December 13, 2011

    Congratulations! You need to come down and run the Dominica State College! We really need you!

  12. MewMew
    December 13, 2011

    Fantastic!!! That siimply wonderful!!

  13. BERT PAUL
    December 13, 2011

    Congratulations Shani, I am very proud of your accomplishments.MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN JESUS NAME.

  14. Theatrics!
    December 13, 2011

    Congrats Shani

  15. Anonymous
    December 13, 2011

    Congratulations Ms. Shillingford. I do not know you but you have done tremendously well for yourself and I do want to congratulate you because you forged a way out a path less traveled by those Dominicans reaching your destination.

    You an inspiration to those who travel the same path they too know that even from one of the less recognized school any thing is possible for you. They must grab opportunities with both hands and work hard. BEST for the future to you!

  16. nueva
    December 13, 2011

    wow

  17. Dominican
    December 13, 2011

    Congratulations Dr. Shillingford. You haqve made yourself, your parents and all of Dominica proud. Go for the professorship. It is within you

  18. new jersey
    December 13, 2011

    congratulation great job done

  19. Jah Knows
    December 13, 2011

    I would like to Extend my DEEPEST CONGRATULATIONS to you sis (Dr. Shillingford).. you have made us PROUD here @ home and Morne Rachette.
    u gave Dad eye sweats.. lol. Good Stuff!!!

    • countrybookie
      December 13, 2011

      Garcon ou pas feb……lmao @ giving Dad eye sweat…..lol!

  20. Colbert Pinard
    December 13, 2011

    Congrats . We need those skills here in Dominica urgently.

  21. C.T.
    December 13, 2011

    congratulations and all the best.

  22. Tee
    December 13, 2011

    Congrats Shani, my dear friend and former students! You’ve always been God-fearing and hard-working, two important qualities that when combined with your glowing personality, will open many doors for you. All the best my dear! Way to go!

  23. nadine
    December 13, 2011

    Congrats shans on your acheivements.

  24. fatty batty
    December 13, 2011

    well done Dr shillingford all the hard work sleepless nights has paid off all the best.

  25. believer
    December 13, 2011

    Congratulations Shani.I rejoice with you on your achievement. Allow the Lord to lead you continuously.

  26. Anonymous
    December 13, 2011

    CONGRATULATIONS SHANI, A PAST CLASS MATE OF ISAIAH THOMAS SECONDARY SCHOOL…. MJ.

  27. sisserou
    December 13, 2011

    Congrats Shans – I am sooooooo proud of you!!
    from Shan

  28. mindme
    December 13, 2011

    Congrats Dr. Shillingford! Glad to hear that you plan to contribute to D/a’s development.

  29. Rabbit Ears
    December 13, 2011

    Congrats cuz. Perseverance pays. Job well done.

  30. joe
    December 13, 2011

    i just love it when dominican come here to the usa and achieve.i wish my children who are all born here would do likewise instead of following the so called american dreams.(all american on wellfair anyway)

    • Anonymous
      December 13, 2011

      Too bad you don’t have to be able to spell Wellfare to receive it!

      • chupes
        December 13, 2011

        it’s Welfare

      • Sout Man
        December 13, 2011

        Too bad you don’t have to be able to spell welfare to make fun of another person’s spelling!!

  31. NikRox
    December 13, 2011

    COngrats Shan…very proud of you!

  32. Cool
    December 13, 2011

    Congrats Shani…from a fellow MSU alum.

    Phenomenal achievement!

  33. nina
    December 13, 2011

    Congratz shanz u made not only ur parentz proud but we at morne rachette and u motivated me even more to press on God u are indeed great and we thank u for shanz sucess

  34. put them straight
    December 13, 2011

    Congrats my dear friend and Dr. :-D …..hard work, prayers and determination does pay off! You have made us proud!….

  35. My2Sense
    December 13, 2011

    Congratulations Shani. You’ve made your family and friends proud.

  36. college possie
    December 13, 2011

    Hey shani

    I reserve highest honor and respect in your name.

    Maximum respect is due to you.

  37. Fred
    December 13, 2011

    Congrats Cuz. Job well done!!

  38. Cathy Aubrey
    December 13, 2011

    Congratulations Shani, I am very proud of your accomplishments. Let God be praised.

  39. IZ DAT U HERE WII
    December 13, 2011

    congrats great job keep on striving and always put God first

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