May Student/Alumni Spotlight – Kimia Grigoriev

When I began my academic journey at Harvard Extension School (HES), I couldn’t have predicted how profoundly it would shape both my professional path and personal growth. As a longtime STEM educator, licensed nurse, and Behavioral Interventionist, I had already spent years working with neurodivergent children and underserved communities. But it was at HES—through immersive coursework and an incredibly supportive academic community—that I gained the clarity and confidence to take the next step: pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

I was fortunate to be accepted as a Joint Degree Candidate at HES, which allowed me to begin my master’s degree coursework immediately after graduating cum laude with my bachelor’s in psychology. That seamless transition helped me maintain momentum and stay deeply engaged in research and academic work. For those interested in the Joint Degree pathway, here are the basic requirements: you must be an admitted degree candidate in the Bachelor of Liberal Arts program, have completed at least 96 credits with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and not already possess a bachelor’s degree. It’s an invaluable opportunity for students eager to continue their education without interruption.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned at HES is the power of connection. Building relationships with classmates, faculty, and mentors can open the door to extraordinary opportunities—from research to professional development. Harvard offers a wealth of resources, including access to the Harvard Innovation Lab and cross-disciplinary collaborations that are truly world-class. My advice to current and future students: take full advantage. Reach out, get involved, and explore every corner of this incredible academic community.

A major highlight of my HES experience has been founding the Harvard Extension School Psychology Student Club. What began as a small initiative to bring together like-minded students has grown into a dynamic, supportive community where we’ve hosted expert speakers, launched a podcast, and created a platform for shared learning and advocacy. It has been one of the greatest honors of my academic journey. I’m especially grateful to our outstanding club advisor, Dr. Max Krasnow, and to the Harvard Extension Student Association (HESA), whose encouragement and support have been instrumental in helping our club grow into what it is today.

When it came time to apply for doctoral programs, I sought a school that aligned with both my academic goals and my passion for inclusive mental health. Several HES alumni and one of my professors recommended The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Known for its strong clinical training and flexible formats—including in-person, hybrid, and fully online options—it offers paths that suit many HES students regardless of location. I chose their in-person Clinical Psychology PsyD program, but I also know peers who are thriving in their fully online PhD tracks.

One essential takeaway from the application process is the importance of selecting a program that is APA-accredited and has a strong APPIC match rate. The APPIC match process is a competitive, year-long clinical internship placement required for licensure in psychology. A high match rate is a strong indicator that a program prepares its students well for real-world practice. Accreditation by the American Psychological Association is also critical, as many clinical sites and employers require it. These are vital factors for anyone seriously considering a PsyD or PhD in Clinical Psychology.

In addition to my academic work, I’ve been developing a capstone project that combines research, storytelling, and education. At its core is a children’s book I wrote, titled Zippy Finds a Fit, which will be released soon. It’s more than a story—it’s a message. A message for neurodivergent children: you are not flawed—you are whole, worthy, and needed just as you are. The book is also designed to foster empathy and understanding among neurotypical children, creating a bridge toward more inclusive, compassionate communities. Zippy Finds a Fit is part of a broader initiative I created—Nurturing Neurodiversity: Creating Inclusive Resources for Autistic Children and Their Families—which supports children, families, and educators through workshops, hands-on activities, and evidence-based resources.

This initiative lives on through LearnWithKim.com, a nonprofit platform I founded to share inclusive educational materials, reduce stigma, and empower communities through research-informed advocacy.

My journey—from healthcare and STEM education to psychology and public engagement—has been driven by a commitment to inclusion, empathy, and evidence-based support for those too often misunderstood or overlooked. HES gave me not only the academic foundation to pursue that mission but also the relationships and inspiration to carry it forward.

To those still discovering their path: don’t underestimate where HES can take you. Stay curious, stay connected, and trust in the value of your lived experience—it matters more than you know.

✨Nominate Now!We are seeking nominations to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of HES students and alumni in the field of psychology. Whether you know someone making a difference or want to share your own achievements, we encourage you to submit—self-nominations are welcome!🔗 Click Here to Nominate