From growing up in Romania to pursuing her passion for psychology, Notre Dame de Namur University alumna Daniela Visan shares how her life experiences, dedicated faculty, and hands-on clinical training helped shape her path toward becoming a mental health professional.
For Daniela Visan, the journey to becoming a mental health professional began long before she enrolled in Notre Dame de Namur University's (NDNU) School of Psychology. It began with a childhood shaped by resilience, a fascination with human behavior, and a lifelong desire to understand why people think, feel, and act the way they do.
After navigating personal challenges, immigrating to the United States, and eventually finding the courage to pursue her passion for psychology, Daniela graduated from NDNU's Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program in May 2026.
Today, as a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), she reflects on the experiences, relationships, and education that helped prepare her for the next chapter of her professional journey.
A Childhood That Inspired a Lifelong Curiosity
Daniela grew up in Romania during the communist and socialist years as the youngest of seven children. Her father worked in a factory while also serving as a pastor, building a church under a restrictive political regime. Her mother balanced factory work, raising seven children, and supporting the family's church community.
Growing up surrounded by challenges, Daniela developed an early curiosity about human experiences and the ways people respond to adversity.
One childhood memory stands out.
At age ten, her father brought home a copy of The Life of Socrates and offered a hundred dollars to whichever child finished reading it first. Daniela was the only one who read the entire book.
"I was the only one who read it cover to cover, in one single breath: It fascinated me, almost like it put a spell on me."
That experience sparked something that would stay with her throughout her life.
"That book opened a lifelong habit of questioning everything, and I'm still super curious today about the human being and how the mind works."
Her family's journey eventually brought them to the United States in 1990, after spending fifteen years waiting for permission to emigrate.
The experiences of her childhood, immigration, and adulthood continued to shape her understanding of resilience and the human condition.
"That move—and everything that came before it—continues to shape who I am today."
Finding Her Path to NDNU's School of Psychology
Although Daniela's interest in philosophy and psychology began early, pursuing a career in clinical psychology was not always a straightforward decision.
Financial challenges, personal circumstances, and questions about whether she could successfully enter the profession sometimes made her dream feel out of reach.
Over time, with encouragement and support from her husband, Daniela decided to pursue the education she had long envisioned.
"When I finally had both financial and emotional support from my husband, I went for it and never looked back."
As she explored graduate programs, one conversation made a particularly strong impression.
"I applied and began the interviewing process with a couple of universities, but once I interviewed with Dr. Marlo, I knew Notre Dame de Namur University's MS in Clinical Psychology program was the right place for me."
That meeting with Helen Marlo, Ph.D., Dean of NDNU's School of Psychology, marked the beginning of an educational experience that would deepen Daniela's understanding of clinical practice and herself.
Learning from Faculty Who Bring Psychology to Life
For Daniela, one of the most meaningful aspects of NDNU's School of Psychology was the opportunity to learn from faculty who connected psychological theories with real-world clinical experiences.
Her coursework explored trauma, psychodynamic theory, positive psychology, mindfulness, family systems, psychopathology, couples therapy, cross-cultural issues, and group therapy.
"What stands out most about my time at NDNU is the depth of the training and the people who delivered it."
Daniela especially valued how her professors encouraged students to move beyond memorizing theories and instead develop a deeper understanding of human experiences.
Dr. Helen Marlo: Looking Beyond the Surface
Daniela remembers Dr. Marlo's teaching as an invitation to explore the deeper meaning behind psychological experiences, particularly through concepts associated with Carl Jung, including dreams, symbols, archetypes, and synchronicity.
"Dr. Marlo's stories invited us to look beyond the literal, to notice connections, and to remain open to those moments of synchronicity that can feel almost like magic."
Rather than simply presenting answers, Dr. Marlo encouraged students to question assumptions, reflect on their experiences, and remain open to new interpretations.
"What stayed with me was that she wasn't simply giving us answers. She was giving us experiences to think with; experiences that made us pause, wonder, and question what we thought we knew."
For Daniela, this approach helped cultivate a deeper sense of curiosity and openness that she hopes to carry into her clinical work.
Dr. Buccheri: Discovering a Passion for Family Therapy
Another influential experience came through Dr. Buccheri's teaching of family systems and therapeutic approaches.
Before taking her classes, Daniela had felt uncertain about working with families. Through exposure to the work of influential theorists and clinicians, she began to see family therapy in an entirely new light.
"Dr. Buccheri opened up for me both the desire and the possibility of working with families."
Daniela credits her professor's enthusiasm with helping her appreciate the complexity of family relationships.
"I began to see families not as something to be intimidated by, but as systems full of complexity, meaning, and possibility."
Dr. Astin: Understanding the Power of Mindfulness
Daniela also recalls a breakthrough during Dr. Astin's class, where she explored mindfulness and the importance of being present.
After years of struggling to connect with traditional meditation practices, something finally clicked.
"Dr. Astin was teaching us how to stay in the NOW, in the present moment. For once, I was able to connect with myself, stay in the present moment, and understand that that was it."
This experience offered Daniela a new understanding of mindfulness, both as a personal practice and as a concept relevant to clinical psychology.
Dr. Drexler: Learning to Listen Before Interpreting
In Dr. Drexler's class, Daniela was introduced to psychological assessment tools, including the Rorschach, Thematic Apperception Test, and other projective methods.
What stood out was not simply learning how assessments worked, but understanding the importance of listening to the individual behind the responses.
"My role was not simply to analyze the test or look for the 'right' interpretation, but to listen to the client's own interpretation—to enter their experience, explore what it meant to them, and then begin to understand it together."
That lesson reinforced a principle that Daniela encountered throughout her NDNU education: effective clinical work requires curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to understand each person's unique perspective.
Finding Community and Support Along the Way
Beyond the classroom, Daniela found encouragement through relationships with fellow students and faculty.
She remembers learning alongside classmates at different stages of their academic journeys, sharing perspectives, navigating disagreements, and growing together.
"Sometimes having different ideas, sometimes not being on the same page, sometimes not feeling the same, sometimes experiencing the magic, sometimes being in awe, but nonetheless, always thriving to finding the middle ground and work together as a team."
Like many graduate students balancing education with personal responsibilities, Daniela faced unexpected obstacles during her studies, including medical challenges that interrupted her academic timeline.
Through those experiences, she found support within the NDNU community.
"Faculty and my cohort created a supportive environment that made the demanding work sustainable."
For Daniela, that sense of community became an important part of her educational experience, helping her navigate challenges while continuing toward her professional goals.
Putting Psychology into Practice at Crestwood Behavioral Health
One of the most transformative parts of Daniela's graduate education came through her yearlong clinical internship at Crestwood Behavioral Health, a residential facility in Redwood City serving individuals living with severe mental illness.
The experience allowed her to apply classroom knowledge in a demanding clinical environment while working directly with clients and experienced professionals.
"The setting was intense, direct, and deeply supportive."
During her internship, Daniela developed practical experience in clinical assessment, documentation, and working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The experience strengthened her confidence and deepened her understanding of the responsibilities involved in providing mental health care.
"I gained hands-on experience in assessment, documentation, and working with diverse clients under real clinical pressure."
She continued working at Crestwood after completing her internship, further building on the skills she developed during her training.
Looking back, Daniela sees the connection between her coursework and clinical experience as essential to her professional preparation.
"The combination of rigorous coursework, close supervision, and that practicum prepared me for clinical work far more effectively than classroom learning alone ever could."
From NDNU Graduate to the Next Chapter in Clinical Psychology
After graduating from NDNU in May 2026, Daniela received her Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) registration numbers from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
These milestones represent important steps toward her professional goals in mental health care.
Currently recovering from foot surgery, Daniela is looking forward to returning to clinical work and pursuing opportunities where she can continue learning, contributing, and supporting individuals and families.
Her interests include working with community mental health organizations and agencies that provide opportunities for continued professional development.
Although her journey has included challenges and unexpected detours, Daniela remains deeply committed to the field that first captured her curiosity as a child.
"NDNU gave me the foundation, the skills, and the confidence for this next chapter."
A Lifelong Commitment to Learning and Understanding Others
From reading The Life of Socrates as a child in Romania to completing her graduate education in clinical psychology, Daniela's story is one of perseverance, curiosity, and personal growth.
Her experiences reflect the value of combining academic knowledge, meaningful faculty mentorship, supportive learning communities, and practical clinical training.
For Daniela, earning her degree was not simply about reaching a professional milestone. It was about developing the tools and understanding to continue exploring the questions that have guided her throughout her life.
"I have a deep thirst for learning and a gigantic curiosity level which NDNU continued to enhance—I want to know more of everything."
As she prepares for the next chapter, Daniela carries forward the same passion for understanding people that inspired her earliest interest in psychology.
"Once healed I will be out in the field, learning alongside my clients and continuing to explore the same hard questions that first drew me to this work."
Her journey serves as a reminder that the path to a meaningful career does not always follow a straight line—and that personal experiences, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning can become powerful foundations for helping others.
Explore NDNU's School of Psychology
Inspired by Daniela's journey?
Notre Dame de Namur University's School of Psychology offers graduate programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers in mental health through comprehensive coursework, experienced faculty, and opportunities for hands-on clinical training.
Whether you're beginning your journey in psychology or pursuing a new professional direction, NDNU provides an educational environment that encourages personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and professional development.
Learn more about NDNU's School of Psychology: https://www.ndnu.edu/psychology/