Member Spotlight: April Lamanno, PhD

Name:  April Lamanno, PhD

License #: 3712

Bio: I have been working in the field of psychology in some capacity for almost thirty years. I have worked in the correctional environment, the school system and community health. My husband and I have two children. We recently took a trip to Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. We enjoy getting outdoors when we can to hike and bike. I am a NC native and graduated from the same high school my paternal grandparents attended. I attended a wonderful conference this spring in Chicago sponsored by RUSH Medical on Older Adults and Mental Health.

Enjoy travelling and trying new restaurants. We are fortunate to have lived in some great “foodie” areas including Charleston, SC, Black Mtn, NC and State College, PA. Recently read the book Lessons in Chemistry and You’re Not Listening. My interest in psychology started as a young child growing up with a younger brother who had an Intellectual Disability, Cerebral Palsy and Autism. While an undergrad at NCSU I took an Abnormal Psych class and had an opportunity to work as a job coach for individuals who had suffered traumatic brain injury. 

1)      What attracted you to the field of psychology? “I grew up with a younger brother with multiple issues like cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and symptoms of autism. This was in the 1970s when we had less understanding of all these issues. I was fascinated by his challenges, what came easy to him, what was hard for him, and the impact it had on our family. My interest in all of this got peaked at an early age and I continue to be intrigued by the complexities of the mind. Then in college as an undergrad, I took abnormal psychology, and had an opportunity to work in a clinic for people who had experienced TBI. I knew I wanted to learn more.”

2)      What do you enjoy most about your work? “Working in family medicine I get to see a wide range of clients. Currently on my caseload I have clients as young as six and some in their 80s. I find it interesting to see the different challenges that people have across the process of aging. There are patients experiencing their first break-ups, and others dealing with serious medical conditions. I think the variety of ages and the different problems that people have, and the skills that they need to navigate various problems is interesting, and probably prevents burnout for me. And although I'm the only psychologist in this office, I have the opportunity to regularly connect with other psychologists and have a form of peer consultation. I feel like I get the best of both worlds; the benefits of being in private practice but also feeling like I'm part of a group practice.”

3)      What advice would you give someone who is considering getting a degree in the psychology? “Getting as much real-world experience as possible. Interviewing practitioners in order to have a better idea of the specific area you want to study.  I know that's hard in our field, but I think the more real-world experience you can get before you start graduate school can really help shape how and where you want to go.”

4)      When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing? “I’m a working mom. I enjoy time with my family, bike riding, hiking, and traveling with them. A lot of our recent travel has revolved around college campuses as my daughter starts to think about where she wants to go for undergrad.”

5)      What is something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? “In my hometown of Salisbury, my aunt painted a mural that contains several members of my family, including me and my daughter. (https://www.facebook.com/VisitRowanCountyNC/videos/1457147127752704/)

I am on the corner getting ready to cross the street near the lamppost. Wearing a blue/teal dress (small). I’m standing in front and my cousin is to my left.”

6)      If were not a psychologist, what would you do? “Something in the medical field. I might have been an occupational therapist or a physical therapist. I went to NC State for undergrad and initially thought I wanted to be a veterinarian. So, I think even if I had gone that route, it would have been health care just for animals versus people. Also had the opportunity to teach a graduate course at Penn State and enjoyed that. I think if I were to teach, I want to do it in a more intimate seminar type setting.”

7)      What is the next place on your travel bucket list? “Going out West again. Maybe the Grand Canyon with my children. Utah; I’ve never been there. I love the National Parks, and I've been to a few but there's many more I'd like to visit.”

8)      What are you currently reading or listening to? “The End of Mental Illness by Daniel G. Amen, MD.”

9)      What is your favorite word and why? “ ‘Transcendence.’ I think because we just did a survey on individual and team character strengths at work (www.viacharacter.org). On both a personal and professional level it suggests optimism, strength, overcoming adversity, and it really reflects on the type of work we do as psychologists. Transcendence links people together regardless of religious differences.”

10)  What is your least favorite word and why? “ ‘Retarded.’ I hate to even say it out loud. We don't use it professionally, but people still do and it's offensive, even if for example teenagers use it when joking around. It's terrible to put limitations on a group of people by stereotyping them and referring to them in that way.”