Our Students. Their Stories.
They are bound by a shared belief that everyone has a voice that should be heard. They work in courtrooms, classrooms, in clinical settings and beyond, using their training on the complexities of the human mind to better the world around them.
Though their roles may differ, graduates of our PsyD program share the same goal – to help those they encounter push through challenges, discover their intrinsic value, and find the strength, and the hope, that lies within themselves. Here are their stories.
‘I was able to leave home because I had such a strong support system’
PsyD student Rachel Karat journeyed 8,000 miles from India to attend George Fox, embracing the unknown with faith and determination. Her willingness to take risks began early, when she attended boarding school. It was there the support of friends in the midst of her homesickness revealed the power of listening and inspired her to pursue psychology.
After earning undergraduate and master’s degrees in clinical psychology in India and working with Beautiful Minds, helping children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, Rachel accepted George Fox’s invitation to enroll, trusting the timing and finding a strong support system in her cohort.
Her training has deepened her understanding of integrating faith and clinical care. Rachel hopes to advance culturally responsive mental healthcare and create compassionate spaces where individuals feel understood, supported and empowered.
‘We all have to beat the odds’
Grace Witt’s path to becoming a forensic psychologist began with a career in family law, where she worked her way from legal assistant to paralegal. While handling divorce cases, she witnessed the emotional toll on families – especially children – which inspired her to help parents communicate and co-parent more effectively.
Her own experience with divorce and early interest in psychology deepened her empathy and motivated her to pursue a new career focused on counseling rather than litigation. Today, her passion to advocate for children and help families navigate conflict with compassion and objectivity makes her work as a forensic psychologist meaningful and fulfilling.
‘We need to care for every aspect of a person’
Manesha Ram’s path to psychology began when she helped a friend in an abusive relationship simply by listening without judgment. Her friend later told her that her presence may have saved her life, revealing the profound impact compassionate listening can have.
The experience shifted Manesha’s career goal from nursing to psychology and inspired her to pursue a helping profession focused on emotional and spiritual care. That calling was further solidified when, during clinical rotations as a student, she worked with elementary students struggling after the pandemic. She witnessed both deep pain and meaningful growth, and her ability to help affirmed her decision to change career paths.
Manesha plans to practice and teach psychology, creating safe spaces where people feel fully seen, valued and empowered to heal.
‘I’ve always enjoyed listening to other people’s stories’
Nathan Higa’s journey to becoming a counselor began with a simple but profound realization: He was called to listen. When he first arrived at George Fox as an undergraduate, he planned to become a medical doctor and majored in biology. But he soon discovered his true passion in psychology, drawn by a desire to help people through empathy and counseling.
Inspired by the support he received from school counselors growing up, Nathan felt called to offer that same compassion to others. At George Fox, supportive professors invested in him personally and professionally, while the PsyD program’s mentorship and cohort model fostered deep relationships and meaningful learning.
Now a counselor, Nathan continues to serve others with compassion. Grateful for those who mentored him, he hopes to one day teach and invest in future psychology students.