"My advice to Walden students is to go outside of your comfort zone while completing your program. Whether you’re uncomfortable with a certain technology or asking for help, go beyond any fears you have and try new things along the way."
Research Interests: imposter phenomenon; first-generation college students; peer support programs in higher education
Social Change Interests: Animal protection; equal pay
Location: Pennsylvania
Joined Walden: 2014
About Christy: At Walden, I enjoy supporting doctoral students in multiple ways, as both the Coordinator of the doctoral peer mentor program and in my contributing faculty role in the Academic Skills Center. I have a PhD in General Psychology (Educational Track) and MS in Psychology, both from Walden University. I have experience teaching psychology courses face-to-face and online and have supported online learners as a writing and learning specialist. Outside of Walden, I enjoy hiking, painting ceramics, and spending time with my family and many pets.
Feeling like you don’t belong? You’re not alone!
Finding Balance by Saying “No”
5 Tips for Getting (and Staying) Motivated
Allwright, J., Fraenza, C., Rye, T. (2019). Holistic customer care in the Academic Skills Center: How supporting student well-being impacts students and faculty. Session presented at the Innovative Teaching Practices Showcase at Walden’s Winter National Faculty Meeting.
What I do in my role as Manager of Peer Mentoring
In my role, I connect newly enrolled doctoral students with a peer mentor. I also get to create resources, support a team of fantastic peer mentors, and carry-out other administrative-focused tasks like compiling data for the program.
My favorite project
I get to work on many different projects that I enjoy, but one of my favorites was getting to build the content in our Doctoral Peer Mentor Program Canvas Classroom.
I started my journey with Walden back in 2007 when I entered the PhD program in General Psychology (Educational Track) with only my bachelor’s degree. I earned my master’s degree in 2010, and then my PhD in 2014. While in my program, I got the chance to serve as a graduate assistant within the Academic Skills Center.
After graduation, I jumped at the chance to return to Walden, first as a contributing faculty member for the Doctoral Writing Workshops and then as full-time staff in my current role. I have enjoyed all of my experiences so much at Walden that I’m currently pursuing another master’s degree, this time in higher education.
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All the Skills You Need to Succeed.
Dr. Christy Fraenza on Staying Connected to WaldenU, the Doctoral Peer Mentors, & Imposter Syndrome (Podcast)