Psychology student empowers youth with culturally responsive mental health care

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Simone Warren, a third-year student majoring in psychology with a minor in neuroscience, is using her time at Penn State to bridge research, leadership and advocacy in pursuit of more inclusive mental health care for historically underrepresented communities.

The Bowie, Maryland, native said she pursued psychology to be able to learn more about helping people through mental health challenges, like those faced by her family members.

“Growing up, it was difficult to see them fighting these battles but not really understanding what they’re dealing with and how to help them best,” Warren said. “I wanted to support them, but some things were simply beyond my reach.”

In her predominantly African American community, Warren noticed a lack of mental health resources, access to care and diversity in the field. These factors, she said, guided her path toward “ensuring that every person can get the help they need” while improving mental health outcomes in historically underrepresented communities.

Shortly after arriving at Penn State, Warren was inspired by Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology Amie Skattebo, her "PSYCH 100: Introduction to Psychology" instructor, whose enthusiasm left her wanting to learn more after each class and ultimately led her to fall in love with the subject. Through the engaging classes and Skattebo’s visible passion, Warren decided to change her academic path from advertising to psychology during the fall semester of her first year.

“She even invited me to TA for her class the next year,” Warren said. “It became such a full-circle experience for me.”

In recognition of her academic achievement and potential, Warren received the Simpson-Marcher-Petersen Scholarship, an academic scholarship offered through the College of the Liberal Arts.

"The Simpson-Marcher-Petersen Scholarship has opened so many doors for me," Warren said. "I have been able to fully immerse myself into everything Penn State has offer, especially in the College of the Liberal Arts. This assistance has been invaluable throughout my studies thus far. My family and I are deeply appreciative of the scholarship. It has helped remove such a heavy load, achieve my goals and reach new levels in my academic pursuits."

Warren has learned a lot outside of her psychology classes, too, she said. As an undergraduate research assistant for the Parent-Child Dynamics Lab and the Dismantling Racial inEquities Around Mental Health (DREAM) Lab, Warren aims to set herself up for success in graduate school.

“I have learned just how much goes into research that I could not learn in a classroom,” she said. “Becoming an undergraduate research assistant has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my undergraduate career.”

Despite being new to the Parent-Child Dynamics Lab, Warren said she is very excited to learn more about research, add to her skills and continue working with children.

In the DREAM Lab, Warren has gained a community within the Department of Psychology.

“The graduate students, lab coordinator Blanca García Rodríguez and principal investigator Dr. Chardée Galán have cultivated such a supportive community, professionally and personally,” Warren said. “My favorite part of working here has been meeting with adolescents, as well as the relationships I have made with the research team.”

By working on a project examining how discrimination and other cultural stressors impact the mental health of Black and Hispanic youth, Warren gained hands-on experience and valuable skills that have strengthened her passion for pursuing research roles.

Warren said she is most excited about the research projects that will help historically underrepresented populations, as well as those that benefit people from all backgrounds. These experiences have reinforced her desire to work with underserved populations, children, youth and families.

Outside of the lab, Warren channels her passion for helping others into leadership and mentorship roles across campus, serving as both a Liberal Arts Ambassador and vice president of the Multicultural Women’s Forum.

As a Liberal Arts Ambassador, Warren said she sees herself as a representative for the College of the Liberal Arts and is committed to helping prospective, admitted and current students by sharing her experiences to allow them to better understand what the college offers. Among other duties, she participates in recruitment events, speaks to students at all levels and attends professional workshops.

With the Multicultural Women’s Forum, Warren strives to foster a better sense of belonging among women students from diverse backgrounds. As vice president, she works closely with the president to ensure the executive board feels supported and comfortable in their roles so that the forum runs efficiently.

“During my first year, the Multicultural Women’s Forum was a club that made me feel comfortable and helped me to find my own community on campus,” Warren said. “A personal goal of mine is to help new students feel the same thing that I felt during my first year.”

By providing opportunities for women to develop professionally and personally, the forum creates a safe space for women of all backgrounds to come together and find community. Its main goal is to ensure people feel comfortable and empowered during their college experience and to help them find their space on campus.

Although her most meaningful experiences have come from her extracurriculars, Warren said it’s crucial to find balance between those and her academics. Self-care helps her maintain that balance, she said.

“Outside of school, I try to go on runs when I can because they bring me joy and help me to de-stress,” Warren said. “I try to do little things like this to keep my energy up for all my involvements and academics.”

This, along with a strong support system of friends and family and her parents’ inspiration, is what helps keep her going. Warren said her parents have taught her the importance of hard work, strength and putting your best foot forward in everything you do.

Modeling her father’s determination and perseverance and her mother’s graceful leadership and fortitude, Warren said she feels confident about becoming her best self and achieving her future goals, which include conducting research in neurological disorders and trauma, earning a doctorate in clinical psychology and becoming a child clinical psychologist.

The supportive faculty and staff in the College of the Liberal Arts have helped Warren feel confident and comfortable in her progress, she said. Still, her biggest piece of advice for her fellow students is to practice persistence and keep putting yourself out there.

“Throughout my time here, I have applied to various types of positions, jobs, internships and other out-of-classroom opportunities,” Warren said. “There were so many times I got denied or told that I was not fit for the position or role, but persistence and patience are key to growth.”