Melinda Furer is a clinical psychologist with nearly a decade of experience supporting college students in therapeutic and academic settings. She earned undergraduate degrees in Cognitive Science, Economics and Psychology from Case Western Reserve University, and Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University. Currently an Assistant Professor at Penn State Altoona, Melinda has vast experience working with students in the classroom and as an academic advisor to meet their goals. She has previously worked as a clinician at Penn State’s counseling centers, and is able to provide in-depth knowledge about succeeding at PSU. Melinda’s approach to helping students achieve success is centered on: 1) Building a holistic, individualized understanding of each students’ strengths and growth edges, and needs, 2) An emphasis on modeling and practicing skills together during sessions to enhance engagement and learning, and 3) A commitment to building flexible “tool kits” with a wide range of evidence-based skills, approaches and practices Melinda’s knowledge around mental health and executive dysfunction, history with PSU systems, and dedication to building strong connections with students allow her to guide students to not only reach their academic goals, but to develop lifelong skills they can use to “be their own coach.”

Random Fact: Melinda has swum with penguins in Ecuador.