Alumni Stories

Alumni of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program are transforming their communities and their workplaces around the world in a myriad of roles. They are improving the effectiveness of project teams and managers, encouraging patient self-efficacy and using positive interventions in healthcare settings, creating strategies as human resources professionals, leading educational institutions and fostering positive peacekeeping in the United Nations. Read our stories below to learn more about how the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program has helped students create fully engaging lives and careers.

Josh Howard, MAPP ’24

Chief of Staff, Baton Rouge Youth Coalition

Josh Howard has long been committed to the well-being of others in his Baton Rouge community. As a MAPP student, he put in the work to enhance his current roles and expand his goals for how he can help people thrive.

Read Josh’s story >

Lara Merriken, MAPP ’23

Founding Partner, ANTHER, ICF Certified Coach, LÄRABAR Founder

Learn how positive psychology led Lara Merriken (MAPP ’23) to start a new professional chapter—and find the narrative of her own story.

Read Lara ’s story >

Nadia Almheiri, MAPP ’21

Managing Director, Al Muatheroon Professional & Management Development

Learn how Nadia Almheiri (MAPP ’21) applies positive psychology principles to her personal well-being as well as her career as a social and emotional intelligence coach.

Read Nadia’s story >

Victoria Roebuck, MAPP ’20

Area Vice President, Customer Success, BetterUp

The MAPP program helped Victoria pivot her career and craft a personal mission statement to show up for others.

Read Victoria’s story >

Anton Ledesma, MAPP ’21

Manager of Learning and Organizational Development, NCSA College Recruiting

Discover how Anton expanded his knowledge and experience with positive psychology interventions to support his workplace, as well as other communities in need.

Read Anton’s story >

Eric Patterson, MAPP ’20

Special Agent and Threat Management Coordinator, Federal Bureau of Investigation - Philadelphia Field Office

Learn how Eric applied positive psychology principles to train law enforcement officers how to improve their own well-being in order to better protect their communities.

Read Eric’s story >

Ellen Cole, MAPP ’11

Professor of Psychology, Russell Sage College

Ellen Cole had been a counseling psychologist and professor for years when she discovered positive psychology. Now she applies her research to help adults age well.

Read Ellen’s story >

Chad Thomas, MAPP ’17

Area Vice President, West, BetterUp

The MAPP program came at the perfect time for Chad, both personally and professionally, and through his work, writing, and speaking sessions, he’s welcoming others into his positive psychology bubble.

Read Chad’s story >

Dr. Julie Haizlip, MAPP ’14

Clinical Professor, University of Virginia School of Nursing

See how positive psychology helped Julie enhance the work she was already doing in interprofessional education and collaborative practice.

Read Julie’s story >

Brianna Booth, MAPP ’11

Director of Positive Sexuality, Stanford University

Brianna turned to the MAPP program to learn how to develop a new model for sex education where sexual well-being is seen as an integral dimension of our humanity.

Read Brianna’s story >

Christina Cheuk, MAPP ’19

Director of Inclusion and Diversity, McMaster-Carr Supply Company

See what positive psychology tools and techniques Christina was able to apply in her role as Director of Inclusion and Diversity.

Read Christina’s story >

Elizabeth Weight, MAPP ’18

Director of Communications, Utah Department of Transportation

Learn how Elizabeth, a public servant with a passion for bodybuilding, applies positive psychology to promote well-being in her personal network and statewide.

Read Elizabeth’s story >

Rosalinda Ballesteros Valdes, MAPP ’15

Director of the Institute of Happiness Sciences, Universidad Tecmilenio

Explore how Rosalinda included positive psychology in high school curricula in Monterrey, Mexico.

Read Rosalinda’s story >

Nico Rose, PhD, MAPP ’14

Vice President of Employer Branding and Talent Acquisition, Bertelsmann

Learn how Nico, a leader in Europe’s largest media company, helps clients and employees manage emotions in the workplace.

Read Nico's story >

Eunbit Hwang, MAPP ’14

PhD student in management and organizations ’21—expected

Experience the MAPP program through Eunbit, a full-time international student whose research focuses on culture and well-being.

Read Eunbit's story >

John Hollway, MAPP ’18

Associate Dean and Executive Director of the Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice at the University of Pennsylvania Law School

Find out how Executive Director John Hollway used positive psychology techniques to benefit the Quattrone Center at Penn.

Read John’s story >

Joseph Glaser-Reich, MAPP ’18

Aviation Survival Technician

See how Joseph Glaser-Reich plans to apply positive psychology to support fellow maritime rescue specialists.

Read Joe’s story >

Evelina Fredriksson, MAPP ’19

Founder, Swedish Institute of Positive Psychology

Learn how Evelina champions the power of applied positive psychology in her work as a teacher and facilitator across three continents.

Read Evelina’s story >

Jenn Beatty, MAPP ’18

Psychology PhD Candidate, Washington University in St. Louis

Discover the line of inquiry that motivates Jenn to build on her master’s research and pursue a PhD in psychology.

Read Jenn’s story >

Noof Mohammed Al Jenibi, MAPP ’18

Chief Happiness and Well-being Officer, United Arab Emirates University
Head of Research Unit, Emirates Research Center for Happiness

Learn how Noof puts positive psychology into practice at United Arab Emirates University’s Center for Happiness Research.

Read Noof’s story >

Master of Applied Positive Psychology

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