“They say, as therapists, we hold the hope for our clients, but when you’ve been in the field long enough, you also get to see that hope fulfilled,” shared Hazel Zetino, a 2016 graduate of the Wright Institute’s Counseling Psychology program. “Seeing that journey is what keeps me in the work.”
Andrea Bassman-Young, a 2011 graduate of the Wright Institute's Counseling Psychology Program, passed away unexpectedly on April 4, 2025.
"Andrea was a dreamer, she loved planning and doing big things," he obituary stated. "She enjoyed her children, revelling in the chaos they could bring, and loved talking with them about the world and their interests."
“Losing my dad was a pivotal event in my life - it was devastating and heartbreaking, but I think it also led me to become the person that I am today,” shared Dr. Thảo-Châu Trịnh, a 2022 graduate of the Wright Institute’s Clinical Psychology program. “There are a lot of aspects of my life where I feel like I had to grow up a little earlier than my friends did, but at the same time, I feel like it helped me become an empathic person who would be good at this kind of work.”
Dr. Ofer Zur, a 1984 graduate of the Wright Institute's Clinical Psychology Program, passed away after a short illness on February 19th, 2025.
"From 1990 until recently, he worked as a psychotherapist, consultant and educator. From 1995 to 2020, he offered online continuing education courses for psychologists through the Zur Institute, based in Sebastopol," his obituary states. "But mostly, he was an adventurer—both intellectually and in the real physical world."
“When it comes to thinking about the work we do, I think if we're not willing to actually be in the mess with our clients, we're doing them a disservice,” shared Dr. Allyson Troxel-Galang, an adjunct faculty member and 2019 graduate of the Wright Institute’s Clinical Psychology program. “If we come in as complete experts, acting like we know everything, we’re going to miss things.” Dr. Troxel Galang’s passion is working with adults who have suffered from trauma and she recognizes that her clients are the experts in their own experiences.
Dr. Barbara Bunn McCullough, a graduate of the Wright Institute's Clinical Psychology Program, passed away on March 2nd, 2025.
"Beginning in the late 1970s, with the founding of Karibu House in Sonoma County, now known as Community Support Networks, she devoted her life to caring for disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, with a special focus on children and families," her obituary states. "No matter the responsibility, big or small, Barbara always did her best. And her best was more than good enough for her colleagues, friends, and family."
“When I got my first master’s in library science, I told myself I was done with school. Famous last words because here I am again,” laughed Chiara Ogan, a second year student in the Wright Institute’s Counseling Psychology Program. “I’ve been so excited about my classes and what we’re learning - I haven't felt this invigorated about my work for years.”
“I envision a future where our collective efforts foster a more equitable and compassionate society, and I'm committed to being part of that change,” explained Rajika Mehra, a fourth-year student in the Wright Institute’s Clinical Psychology program. “Growing up in India and now training in the U.S., I’ve had the opportunity to work across diverse populations and systems, which has instilled in me a profound sense of cultural humility and a deep commitment to social justice.”
“It's the most rewarding thing to help someone achieve what they're capable of achieving,” shared A.J. Tyler, a second-year student in the Wright Institute’s Counseling Psychology Program. “People usually already have the tools that they need and they just need a little reminder.” Throughout A.J.'s life, the common thread has been supporting and mentoring others—whether as a big brother, manager, father, or future therapist.
“There are so many obstacles you can put in the way of a change that may be good for you,” explained Stuart Lee, a 2010 graduate of the Wright Institute’s Counseling Psychology Program. “I was coming up with every reason.” After two decades in the field of forensic science, Stuart overcame an array of obstacles and his own self-doubt and pivoted to a new and more fulfilling career in psychology.
