UNH Human Development and Family Studies Department

The Human Development and Family Studies program at UNH may be small, but it is mighty. Through research, teaching, and community partnerships, our faculty drive meaningful change — shaping policies, strengthening families, and preparing future leaders. #unhhdfs #hdfsfaculty #FacultyExcellence

With this series we continue to showcase some of our incredible seniors. Today we are proud to introduce Melody White?and share her experience in the program and some advice for future students. Thank you, Melody! ?? Where are you from? "Haverhill, Massachusetts" What do you love most about majoring in HDFS? "I love learning about the diverse range of families both in the U.S. and globally, and how the interaction between human biology, psychological factors, and social environment influence them in a multitude of ways." What are your career goals? "My career goal is to be a Marriage and Family Therapist, which I found a passion for through majoring in HDFS and being exposed to the graduate program that we have at UNH." What advice would you give to future HDFS students? "For future HDFS students, my advice would be to explore career options early on by doing things like internships, volunteering and reading that will guide you to topics or specific age groups that spark your interest. Secondly, engage in class discussions and activities with as much effort as possible. In my experience, I’ve learned just as much through discussions as I have from coursework. Since HDFS focuses on real-life people and issues, reflecting with peers can deepen your understanding and broaden your perspective." #unhhdfs #hdfsstudents #unhwildcats

Today we would like to highlight the amazing work Maeve Gallagher, HDFS intern, is doing in the community as part of her community internship. Internship Site: Greengard Center for Autism What is your internship? "The Greengard Center for Autism is a non-profit organization in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, dedicated to supporting autistic individuals. Its program provides opportunities to build on existing strengths, develop new skills, and engage in meaningful experiences tailored to each individual's interests, needs, and abilities." What is your favorite part of your internship? "My favorite part of interning at Greengard has been the opportunity I've had to build unique and meaningful connections with autistic individuals. Being part of their daily experiences the past few months has given me knowledge and awareness into their strengths, challenges, and incredible personal growth. I have been able to see firsthand how each client thrives in a supportive environment, whether through social interactions, skill-building activities, or community engagement. Seeing their confidence grow as they work with committed and passionate staff members has been incredibly rewarding. The relationships I’ve formed and the progress I’ve observed has grown my appreciation for individualized support and reinforced my passion for working in the health and human services field." Maeve and other HDFS interns work closely with Dr. Tyler Jamison, PhD, CFLE, our Faculty Internship Coordinator, who guides students through the placement process, start to finish. #hdfsinternship #unhhdfs #HumanServices #communityinternship #hdfsstudents

We were thrilled to have President Chilton visit the @unh_csdc this week and see how they blend early childhood care and education with academic programming. The CSDC offers @unhchhs human development and family studies students hands-on experience, preparing them to fill roles in critical need. The qualified, compassionate caregivers who participate in this program go on to support families in New Hampshire and beyond.

HDFS Department would like you to meet some of our incredible seniors of 2025. As they approach graduation, we are proud to highlight their achievements, experiences, and share some advice for future students. Today we are introducing Kayla Hart. Concentration within HDFS: Child Development What are your career goals? "I plan to become an elementary school teacher, focusing on creating inclusive and engaging learning environments. I am passionate about integrating diverse perspectives into the curriculum and fostering a love of learning in young students." What advice would you give to future HDFS students?? "Take advantage of hands-on learning opportunities! Whether it’s student teaching, volunteering, or research projects, real-world experiences will shape your understanding and prepare you for your career. Also, build relationships with your professors and peers—HDFS is such a supportive community!" #unhhdfs #hdfsstudents #unhwildcats

Save the Date! New Hampshire Toy Library Network is hosting Dr. Tyler Jamison, PhD, CFLE for a webinar presentation "Staying Partners When you Become Parents: Navigating New Roles & Family Dynamics". When: February 25, 7 pm ET Where: Zoom Register Here: https://lnkd.in/eiaHVMC7 New Hampshire Toy Library Network (https://www.nhtoy.org/) was started by a UNH Child Development student, and grew to include four more UNH students & several NHTI students in just the first few months. As an interdisciplinary, multi-institution, youth-serving network, they hope to provide fun learning opportunities for children, families, and college students across the Granite State. #unhhdfs #hdfsfaculty #Parenting #ChildDevelopment

Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches! Whether you're in a committed relationship, exploring the dating scene, or taking a break, navigating love in today's world can be complex. Our very own experts — Dr. Lauren Harris, Dr. Tyler Jamison, PhD, CFLE, and Dr. Marissa A. Mosley, Ph.D. LMFT — offer insights on identifying your partner’s passion, creating a dating approach that works for you at any age and leveraging technology to build meaningful connections. Read the full press release for all the Valentine's Day tips from HDFS experts:?https://lnkd.in/eP5_-3Zr #unhhdfs #hdfsfaculty #Research #Relationships

Today we would like to introduce another HDFS intern, Kiley Hill, who's currently making a difference through HDFS Community Internship! Kiley and other interns work closely with Dr. Tyler Jamison, PhD, CFLE, HDFS Internship Coordinator, who guides students through the placement process, start to finish. Internship Site: Residence at Silver Square What is your internship? "At my internship I am a part of the engagement team which plans and conducts different activities for the residents. The engagements are planned out based on the resident's needs and wants. The engagement team also follows the S.H.I.E.L.D. program that allows there to be a guideline to follow for keeping up the resident's health." What is your favorite part of your internship? "My favorite part of my internship is the connections I make and relationships that I am able to build. By building different connections with the residents makes it feel like I am with my second family. Knowing that I am always looking out for them and knowing that they are always looking out for me. There is never a dull moment!" In the photo: "There is something called Signature Series at Silver Square where they host an activity that allows the residents to engage with other people outside the community who may be visiting because they are thinking about becoming a part of the Silver Square community. One of the signature series was designing gingerbread houses. As an intern I had the opportunity to make this activity happen by gluing the houses together and getting ready for the residents to start designing the houses with frosting and other delicious ingredients." #hdfsinternship #unhhdfs #HumanServices #communityinternship

HDFS Alumna, Shannon Dean, joined the Introduction to Child Life class to share her inspiring journey in the child life profession to Graduate School at Wheelock/Boston University to currently being a Certified Child Life Specialist for Care Dimensions in their Palliative Care Program. During her visit, Shannon shared a variety of therapeutic tools that she uses in her work with families. The presentation sparked thoughtful questions and engaging conversation from our students. Thank you, Shannon, for your time and for inspiring the next generation of child life professionals! #ChildLife #CCLS #unhhdfs #hdfsalum

Another huge shout-out to our amazing HDFS intern, Olivia Ferreira, who is making a difference through our Community Internship Program. Olivia is currently interning at Greengard Center for Autism, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to important work that supports individuals and families. Keep up the great work, Olivia! We would also like to thank Dr. Tyler Jamison, PhD, CFLE, HDFS Faculty Internship Coordinator, for expertly guiding students through every step of the placement process, from start to finish. What is your internship? "Greengard Center for Autism, located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a specialized non-profit organization that provides support and services for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. The center focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with autism by offering tailored programming that enhances social, educational, and life skills. Greengard Center for Autism is committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where individuals can thrive." What is your favorite part of your internship? "Working at Greengard has given me the opportunity to make a positive impact on autistic individuals. One of the many highlights that I have is participating in specific outings that interest each individual client, such as, cross-fit, plays, or their jobs they have in the community. I enjoy working with each client and collaborating with their dedicated and supportive staff to help meet the needs of each individual. Being able to see firsthand how the positive impact of the work being done at Greengard has been very rewarding." ? #hdfsinternship #unhhdfs #HumanServices #communityinternship #hdfsstudents