Thursday, Jul 17, 2025
Fernanda Martinez hopes to make an impact as a future bilingual school psychologist
by Rachel Stengel '14, '20
Rider graduate student Fernanda Martinez is one of only five recipients of a prestigious nationwide scholarship from the National Association of School Psychologists Education Research Trust Minority Scholarship Program (NASP-ERT MSP).
In addition to the financial support the scholarship provides, Martinez will receive a one-year membership to NASP, funding to attend the association’s annual conference, where she will be honored for her award, and access to previous scholarship winners for professional mentorship opportunities.
“This scholarship means a great deal to me, especially as someone from a first-generation, single-parent household,” says Martinez, crediting her mother’s hard work and support for helping her reach her goals. “I never imagined I would have the opportunities I do now. This scholarship reminds me that I am paving the way for others like me, inspiring them to believe that no matter where you come from, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”
This scholarship reminds me that I am paving the way for others like me."
Martinez was nominated for the award by two of her faculty members — Dr. Stefan Dombrowski, director of Rider’s graduate school psychology program, and Dr. Karen Gischlar, professor in the Department of Graduate Education, Leadership and Counseling. Martinez initially applied to Rider because of its nationally ranked, NASP-accredited program and strong Praxis pass rate, but she ultimately chose to attend because of the program’s supportive faculty.
“[Dr. Dombrowski’s and Dr. Gischlar’s] passion and expertise truly stood out and became the deciding factor,” she says. “I’m grateful to be part of a community that prioritizes both professional excellence and personal growth.”
Throughout her studies, she has focused her research on the prevalence of autism in urban areas and various contributing factors. In practice, she intends to use strategies to work with students through a neurodivergent-affirming lens.
“As someone who plans to work in an urban school as a school psychologist, I believe it is crucial to be well-versed in this topic, as it will undoubtedly be relevant in my professional practice,” Martinez says. “Rather than trying to change these individuals or force them to conform to what is considered ‘normal,’ I believe we should focus on understanding their experiences and seeing the world from their perspective.”