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.
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.
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
Congrats. You’ve made MorneRachette proud
Congrats cuz…. So proud of you…
Congrats Shani ooops Dr. Coming from fellow MSU student and long time friend from the Northeast. Much needed in DA. Proud of you.
Congrats Shani! Hard work paid off
Congratulation Shani, Well Done!!!!! from your fellow MSU Alumni. Great Work.
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
Way to go Shani,congrats,I am proud of you.
Something GOOD coming from the ITSS.
A standing ovation to Dr. Shillingford!! Congratulations!!
Congratulations! You need to come down and run the Dominica State College! We really need you!
Fantastic!!! That siimply wonderful!!
Congratulations Shani, I am very proud of your accomplishments.MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN JESUS NAME.
Congrats Shani
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!
wow
Congratulations Dr. Shillingford. You haqve made yourself, your parents and all of Dominica proud. Go for the professorship. It is within you
congratulation great job done
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!!!
Garcon ou pas feb……lmao @ giving Dad eye sweat…..lol!
Congrats . We need those skills here in Dominica urgently.
congratulations and all the best.
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!
Congrats shans on your acheivements.
well done Dr shillingford all the hard work sleepless nights has paid off all the best.
Congratulations Shani.I rejoice with you on your achievement. Allow the Lord to lead you continuously.
CONGRATULATIONS SHANI, A PAST CLASS MATE OF ISAIAH THOMAS SECONDARY SCHOOL…. MJ.
Congrats Shans – I am sooooooo proud of you!!
from Shan
Congrats Dr. Shillingford! Glad to hear that you plan to contribute to D/a’s development.
Congrats cuz. Perseverance pays. Job well done.
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)
Too bad you don’t have to be able to spell Wellfare to receive it!
it’s Welfare
Too bad you don’t have to be able to spell welfare to make fun of another person’s spelling!!
COngrats Shan…very proud of you!
Congrats Shani…from a fellow MSU alum.
Phenomenal achievement!
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
Congrats my dear friend and Dr. …..hard work, prayers and determination does pay off! You have made us proud!….
Congratulations Shani. You’ve made your family and friends proud.
Hey shani
I reserve highest honor and respect in your name.
Maximum respect is due to you.
Congrats Cuz. Job well done!!
Congratulations Shani, I am very proud of your accomplishments. Let God be praised.
congrats great job keep on striving and always put God first