Congratulations to APHD's Class of 2026!
Congratulations to the APHD Class of 2026!
This June, 262 Applied Psychology and Human Development graduates are celebrating convocation and officially joining the OISE alumni community. We are so proud of them and wish them all the best as they begin this exciting new chapter.
To celebrate, we caught up with some of our graduates to reflect on their time at APHD, share what’s next for them, and answer one question: looking back, what’s one thing they wish they had known?
Graduates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Ban Alqadhi
Counselling Psychology (CP), MEd '26
Favourite APHD Memory
A highlight of my time in the program was the full-year practicum course, where students brought clinical case experiences into the classroom for discussion and consultation. I enjoyed sharing experiences with peers, discussing our work, and learning from one another. Hearing different perspectives and approaches helped me grow as a future therapist, while our professor’s guidance added valuable insight. The experience taught me the importance of collaboration and showed that some of the most meaningful learning happens through connection with others.
What’s Next
After graduation, I look forward to continuing my involvement in research through psychology labs at the University of Toronto while beginning my work as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in a community setting. I’m excited to continue learning, growing as a clinician, and contributing to both research and practice as I begin this next chapter.
Advice to Your First-Year Self
Looking back, one thing I would share with incoming students is the importance of making the most of both the formal and informal learning opportunities throughout the program. This includes taking advantage of the resources, events, and supports offered by OISE, as well as seeking out additional opportunities beyond the classroom when possible. I also found it valuable to connect with professors outside of class and learn from their experiences and perspectives, which added depth to my learning. Alongside this, maintaining a strong support system and prioritizing self-care throughout the program can make a meaningful difference in the graduate school experience.
Azadeh Attar
Child Study & Education (CSE), MA '26
Favourite APHD Memory
There were so many big and small moments of learning and growth I had during the MA CSE program, but one highlight would be the chance to work with one of my colleagues on a presentation looking at the impacts of screen use in schools. We presented this as an interactive workshop in our Adaptive Instruction course, and our professors and classmates were so engaged with it that they suggested we present to a wider audience. We decided to submit our proposal to the CEC Conference, and we were lucky enough to be accepted and to present our workshop to educators in December. They, like our student teacher peers, were also thinking about this key question and how to mitigate excessive screen use in schools while ensuring children were getting the physical activity and movement that they need per expert guidance. The experience gave me an even greater appreciation for peer and professional learning.
What’s Next
I'm so excited to step into a classroom where I can teach children in primary/junior, ideally in our public school system. I am passionate about ensuring strong and equitable public education for all children. I believe that a strong democracy and a just society where every person can thrive is founded on excellent public education for all.
Advice to Your First-Year Self
After spending many years in my first career, I enrolled in the MA CSE program at OISE to become a teacher. It can be humbling to enter a completely different field after being so well-versed in another, and in a way, to start over in the middle of your life. But there is a lot of wisdom and expertise that you have that is completely transferable. So if you're thinking about making a change later in life, it is possible, and you will be more than ok. You don't ever have to stop learning.
Sara Azarshahi
Counselling Psychology (CP), EdD '26
Favourite APHD Memory
A highlight from my time in the program was the combination of mentorship, community, and clinical experience. I valued the opportunity to learn alongside peers and faculty, who helped shape my growth, both personally and professionally. I also appreciated the focus on research, and being afforded the opportunity to develop a comprehensive dissertation on a topic that I am passionate about. Moreover, I was able to integrate my clinical interests with my research project, which was deeply meaningful.
What’s Next
After graduation, I look forward to continuing my work as a clinician, researcher, and educator. I plan to develop articles from parts of my dissertation and submit them to academic journals, continue my clinical work in a hospital setting, grow my private practice, and apply for sessional lecturer positions where I can continue contributing to teaching and mentorship.
Advice to Your First-Year Self
One thing I wish I knew when I first started was the importance of trusting the process. Graduate work can feel daunting, but each course, placement, and research experience contributes to your growth in ways that may only become clear later on. My advice would be to lean into the areas that genuinely interest you, remain open to unexpected opportunities, and remember that the time goes by quickly!
Rebecca Dashford
Counselling Psychology (CP), MEd '26
Favourite APHD Memory
Meeting everyone in my program, learning, laughing, and growing alongside them, and encouraging and supporting each other these past few years - they are amazing people and I will cherish our friendships and time together for my whole life!
What’s Next
I’m continuing with private practice, walking alongside folks in my community, and looking for more experiences in my field.
Advice to Your First-Year Self
How fast the time goes! It really does go by fast, so taking time to enjoy the little moments will help deepen your experience at OISE.
Hanyao Huang
Developmental Psychology & Education (DPE), MEd '26
Favourite APHD Memory
As an international student, I remember how overwhelming it felt to start a new chapter in a new country. Being able to help in orientation as a volunteer create welcoming and meaningful experiences for other students was especially rewarding. Looking back, the relationships I built with classmates, faculty, mentors, and students across OISE are what made my experience truly memorable.
What’s Next
One thing graduate school taught me is that growth rarely follows a straight line. As I transition from student life to the next chapter, I am keeping an open mind about where my path may lead. I am excited to explore opportunities where I can combine my interests in education, psychology, communication, and community engagement. While I do not have every step mapped out yet, I am looking forward to continuing to learn, meeting new people, and discovering unexpected opportunities along the way.
Advice to Your First-Year Self
Graduate school is not just for knowledge. It is also about building relationships, finding community, and giving yourself permission to grow. Many of the opportunities that shaped my journey came from conversations with peers, faculty members, and staff. I wish I could be more curious, say yes to opportunities that interest me, and trust that growth often happens in ways that I do not expect. The connections one can build may become just as important as the knowledge one can gain.
Anna Khouzam
Child Study & Education (CSE), MA '26
Favourite APHD Memory
I would have to say that completing my 2nd year internship at the Toronto Island School was a highlight. The island is one of Toronto's best public gems, and being able to support children as they learn and have access to beautiful parkland is something I am very grateful for. Much appreciation for the people with whom I worked with for their kindness and mentoring. My coursework with Dr. Jody Chong, and all the resources she provided us on teaching children how to read, will stick with me. I also now know that my name has a schwa. Both Dr. Chong's and Dr. Laurie Faith's courses in 1st year provided my friends and me in the class the opportunity to present at the CEC about the impact of screens on young people. Many thanks to Dr. Hawes and Dr. Comay for their professional insights and mentorship over the program. Every member of the faculty taught with care and the intention to better us as future teachers. In a pivotal time for education, I am really appreciative to have been in a cohort where people brought their passion, intellect, stamina, and ideas to the table, and the profession will be better for having them in whatever respect they choose to engage with children and youth.
What’s Next
I plan to work as an Occasional Teacher in the Toronto public board, dabble in research, and continue to find ways to support my local and extended communities. I plan to advocate for the public education system and the current and future children who attend it. I hope to extend my knowledge of how children learn to read, develop more skills in outdoor education, and collaborate with educators, politicians, parents, and children, to work on finding and expanding supports for students who experience difficulty in accessing social, educational, emotional, physical, and situational supports necessary to fully participate in and thrive in school.
Advice to Your First-Year Self
I would say you should visit (and study in) a different U of T library every week! Explore the campus and all the student-centred activities it offers (varsity blues games, dance lessons, etc.). When else in your life will you be free on a random Tuesday at 2:30 in the afternoon? Don't hesitate to make plans, because you won't regret going. Don't underestimate the importance of building in social/academic community events (outside of class time) with the people you're in class with. Also, whether you're an old or new Torontonian, visit the Island, the incredible view of the city, and proximity to the water might just be what you need.
Yihan Li
Developmental Psychology & Education (DPE), MEd '26
Favourite APHD Memory
One of the highlights of my time in the program was my practicum experience, where I had the opportunity to apply what I learned in the classroom to real-world projects. It helped me develop practical research and evaluation skills while working with diverse stakeholders, and it gave me a clearer sense of the career path I want to pursue.
What’s Next
I’m planning to gain additional research and professional experience while preparing for future graduate studies. I’m currently exploring opportunities related to psychology and research, and I hope to pursue either a second master’s degree or a PhD in the future.
Advice to Your First-Year Self
I wish I had known that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Some of the most valuable opportunities came from being open to new experiences and learning as I went.
Paul Oberoi
Child Study & Education (CSE), EdD '26
Favourite APHD Memory
My highlight was getting to know my fellow cohort. They were a great support as I went through the EdD process.
What’s Next
I am continuing my role as a Vice Principal with the DDSB, with my focus on Mattering continuing as I go through administration. My eventual goal is to become a Principal with the DDSB.
Advice to Your First-Year Self
The EdD process for me started smoothly, and then it hit a bump. What matters is the way you move forward in your doctorate journey when not everything goes exactly as how you planned it to go.
Jerry Barfi Owusu-Agyemang
Developmental Psychology & Education (DPE), MEd '26
Favourite APHD Memory
One of the highlights of my time in the program was the opportunity to explore how developmental psychology can be applied to real educational challenges. Through coursework, research projects, and engaging discussions with faculty and peers, I developed a deeper understanding of child development, learning, resilience, and educational equity. I particularly enjoyed participating in research and data analysis projects, which strengthened my ability to apply evidence-based approaches to understanding and supporting children and youth. I also valued the supportive learning community within APHD, where I built meaningful connections with classmates and mentors from diverse backgrounds whose perspectives enriched both my academic and personal growth.
What’s Next
After graduation, I plan to continue building my career in education while applying the knowledge and skills I gained through the program. I am particularly interested in supporting teaching and learning through evidence-based practices, educational technology, assistive technology, and student-centred approaches. I also look forward to exploring opportunities for research, professional growth, and contributing to educational initiatives that promote equitable and inclusive learning experiences for all students. My goal is to continue supporting learners and educational communities while remaining engaged in research and lifelong learning.
Advice to Your First-Year Self
Looking back, I wish I had known that it is impossible to learn everything, and that is perfectly okay. Graduate studies are not just about mastering content but also about developing critical thinking, building relationships, and growing as a scholar and professional. My advice to incoming students is to stay curious, ask questions, seek support when needed, and be open to opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. The connections you build with faculty, mentors, and classmates can be just as valuable as the knowledge you gain, and those relationships often become some of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
Katharine Smith
Developmental Psychology & Education (DPE), MEd '26
Favourite APHD Memory
Enhancing my knowledge in an area I am passionate about - supporting children in all areas, academically and emotionally
What’s Next
Further research in the area of neurodiversity and create ways to support children and their parents
Advice to Your First-Year Self
Be more organized to keep all the articles and readings that each course has within it for reference
