Her Story
About Isabelle
Isabelle Miller is an aspiring school psychologist based in Colonia, New Jersey, who is building a strong foundation in psychology, education, and student support. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at The University of Alabama, with an expected graduation date of May 2027, and plans to continue her education by earning a Ph.D. in School Psychology. Her passion for helping children has been shaped through hands-on experience as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education and ESS, as well as a Special Education Paraeducator with the Woodbridge Township School District. Certified to teach in both New Jersey and Alabama, Miller has worked with middle school students in New Jersey and elementary special education classrooms in Alabama, developing the adaptability, empathy, and leadership skills essential to supporting diverse learners in inclusive educational environments.
Although she initially explored career paths in physical therapy, human resources, and consulting, Miller discovered that her greatest sense of purpose came from working directly with children in the classroom. Her substitute teaching experiences solidified her commitment to school psychology, where she hopes to make a lasting impact on students' academic, emotional, and behavioral well-being. In addition to her educational roles, she has expanded her professional experience through positions in social media management and digital operations, strengthening her communication, organizational, and analytical abilities. At the University of Alabama, she serves in leadership positions within Sigma Kappa as Banner Chair and Health & Wellness Chair, while earning recognition on the Dean's List for her academic achievement. Earlier in her academic journey, she was honored with a Music Honor Society Award for her participation in choir, reflecting her well-rounded interests and commitment to excellence.
Miller attributes much of her career outlook to the guidance of her father, whose transition from military service to becoming a vice principal demonstrated the importance of resilience and remaining open to new opportunities when one path closes. That advice has encouraged her to embrace change and confidently pursue a career that aligns with her strengths and passion for helping others. She encourages young women entering education and psychology to avoid limiting themselves to predetermined career paths, emphasizing that exploring diverse interests can ultimately lead to a more fulfilling profession. Recognizing the ongoing need for qualified school psychologists despite broader job market uncertainties, Miller is committed to becoming an advocate for students' mental health, learning success, and overall well-being while making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Isabelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the guidance and encouragement I've received from my father. After serving in the military, he built a successful career in education as a vice principal, and his advice has had a lasting impact on the way I approach my own career. He has always reminded me that when one door closes, I should focus on discovering what new opportunity is opening rather than dwelling on setbacks. That mindset has helped me remain adaptable and open to unexpected paths. Although I never envisioned myself working in schools, my experience as a substitute teacher showed me how rewarding it is to work with children, ultimately leading me to pursue a career in school psychology where I know I can make a meaningful difference.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that if one door closes, take the time to discover what new opportunity is opening. I've learned not to become too attached to a single career path because circumstances and goals can change, often leading to something even better than I originally envisioned. Keeping an open mind, embracing change, and remaining adaptable have helped me recognize opportunities I might have otherwise overlooked, ultimately guiding me toward a career that is a better fit for my passions and strengths.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is not to feel pressured to fit into a predetermined career path. I explored several different career options, including physical therapy, human resources, and consulting, before discovering where I truly belonged. It was through my experience as a substitute teacher that I found my passion for school psychology and realized it was the right fit for my strengths and interests. Be open to exploring new opportunities, trust the journey, and allow your experiences to guide you toward a career that is both meaningful and fulfilling rather than trying to meet someone else's expectations.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the competitive nature of graduate school admissions, as gaining acceptance into a school psychology program requires strong academic preparation and relevant experience. Additionally, the current job market can be challenging across many professions. However, I see a significant opportunity in school psychology because there is a consistent and growing demand for qualified professionals. That ongoing need reinforces my confidence that pursuing this career path will allow me to make a meaningful difference while building a stable and rewarding profession dedicated to supporting students' academic, emotional, and behavioral success.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me in both my professional and personal life are finding purpose and fulfillment in what I do every day. I believe that when I genuinely enjoy my work, I am able to give my best, remain motivated, and make a meaningful impact on those around me. For me, pursuing a career that aligns with my passions allows me to grow continuously, contribute positively to others, and maintain a strong sense of balance and satisfaction in both my work and personal life.
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