Three-time Dragon serves as school psychologist at West Fargo High School

Danielle Salmon credits Minnesota State Moorhead as an inclusive academic environment that set her up to become the successful West Fargo Public High School psychologist that she is today.

She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies in 2011, Master of Science in School Psychology in 2012, and Specialist in School Psychology in 2014.

The school psychology program was what brought Danielle back to Moorhead for her graduate studies. She heard amazing things about the school psychology program and interacted with some of the grad students and graduate professors during her undergrad years, so it felt very accessible.

“With Moorhead being a smaller school, you get so much more attention from faculty,” Danielle says, “And the professors come with such a cool, wide background in different areas and are still involved in research and their field of work.”

She was able to assist a professor in research, learning about literature review and background. “My research experience was much easier to obtain at a smaller university because I did not have to compete with 100 students,” says Danielle.

One of Danielle’s favorite experiences at Moorhead was being a member of the honors program. “It allowed deep critical thinking conversations and served as a community within a larger one,” Danielle says, “We went on a trip to Italy, led by two of the honors program professors, and it was a pivotal capstone experience.”

Danielle was a part of many different clubs and organizations that gave her skills to bring into her career. This included Campus Free Thinkers’ Association as well as College Democrats. She had opportunities to speak in formal settings while navigating conflict.

Danielle’s Moorhead practicum experiences put her in schools around the Fargo-Moorhead area, helping her transition into the job she holds today.

The majority of Danielle’s current role is evaluations for special education, giving extra support, and making recommendations for the special education teachers and guardians. She works at West Fargo High School full time, so she forms strong relationships with students.

In order to set them up for success, support systems are vital. Danielle says, “I make sure that parents and guardians are feeling like we’re all around the same table and we’re all here to help that student, even if it takes a little extra time. It is important to make parents feel comfortable and communicate that I want the best for their student.”

Danielle’s goal is for students to be their own advocate and understand what learning styles and resources work best for them to be successful in the classroom. “My work has a lot of indirect impact on steering students in the right direction,” she says. “So, winning the award for NDASP School Psychologist of the Year was so meaningful to me.”

Reflecting on her education at Moorhead, Danielle says, “I want to express my gratitude for the professors and everyone in the school psychology program and the undergrad program. The cohort in the grad school program was a bond I had never experienced before, and I look back on those years fondly.”