Katlynd Reinberger

• Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Specialization in Health and a Minor in Neuroscience & Mental Health (2023)

Katlynd earned her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in June 2023, with a specialization in Health and a minor in Neuroscience and Mental Health. She is currently working with Vista Centre Brain Injury Services in multiple roles, as well as serving as a Residential Worker with Ottawa Salus, supporting individuals with diverse mental health and rehabilitation needs.

Brief description of what I do!

At Vista Centre, I work closely with individuals with acquired brain injuries, supporting their cognitive, emotional and social functioning through individualized strategies that encourage confidence, independence, and overall well-being. At Ottawa Salus, I work within a housing first model, promoting stability, independence, and community integration.

Pursuing Graduate Studies or other Education? 

Hopefully will be accepted into graduate school for 2027.

What inspired your career path after graduation?

I’ve always known I wanted to work in a role where I could help and support people, even though I wasn’t always sure what that would look like in practice. After graduation, I was very fortunate to start working at Vista Centre through a placement opportunity during school, which really helped shape my path and confirmed that I was in the right field. From there, I was given the opportunity to work at Ottawa Salus through a connection with my supervisor at Vista Centre, and both experiences have been really meaningful in my growth. Overall, they’ve helped solidify for me that I’m on the right path, and they’ve also inspired me to pursue graduate studies in either social work or counselling psychology so I can continue developing my skills and deepen my ability to support and serve diverse populations.

How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?

My experience in the psychology program provided me with a strong foundation in critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving, and it also exposed me to a variety of perspectives on human behaviour and mental health, which helped broaden my understanding of different potential career paths. However, it was my placement that really helped shape my interests. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone and gave me the opportunity to apply what I had learned in a real-world setting, which ultimately helped clarify the direction I wanted to pursue.

What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?

Stepping outside of my comfort zone was one of the most valuable parts of my experience. It strengthened both my personal and professional growth, made the transition into post-graduate work smoother, and exposed me to opportunities and experiences I may not have otherwise considered or enjoyed.

Are there specific Psychology courses, professors, or experiences that stood out during your time at Carleton?

One experience that really stood out during my time at Carleton was my final project course (PSYC4910F) with Kavita Prakash. It really pushed me outside of my comfort zone and challenged me academically in a way I hadn’t experienced before. Although it was tough at times, it was very rewarding. I developed strong research and writing skills, learned how to give a well-organized oral presentation, and had the chance to explore a topic I was genuinely interested in more deeply, which made the experience really meaningful for me.

What has been a highlight or proud moment in your career so far?

One of the biggest highlights in my career so far has been seeing how much I’ve grown in confidence over time. Stepping outside of my comfort zone during school helped me become more adaptable and open to new experiences, which made transitioning into the workforce feel far less overwhelming. It has been especially rewarding to realize that the skills and mindset I developed in school translated well into real-world environments. I also find it incredibly meaningful to make a difference in someone’s life, even in small ways, and those moments continue to be some of the most rewarding parts of my career.