Name: Jessica Oram

Location: San Diego, CA

Mentor Profile:

My name is Jessica Oram. I am originally from and currently live in Chula Vista, California.

Education: I attended college at San Diego State University, graduating in the winter of 2010 with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Psychology and a Human Biology minor. I participated in a research laboratory during my free time, where I studied autism using cognitive neuroscience and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analysis. I believe this experience contributed to my interest in abnormal development along with my aunt with Down syndrome.

Experience: Eventually, I plan to attain a PhD in Clinical Psychology and focus my studies on child and adolescent psychology and abnormal development. Clinical Psychology appeals to me because I strongly believe that early clinical intervention makes a major positive impact in terms of cognitive development and developing social skills. I have experience working with typically developing children and adolescents of all ages, but I also have professional experience working with Down syndrome, autism, ADHD, severely emotionally disturbed (SED) adolescents, bipolar adolescents, schizophrenic adolescents, adolescents with oppositional defiant disorder, and adolescents diagnosed with major depression.

Hobbies & Skills: I am still an active member of a cognitive neuroscience laboratory, but I also enjoy art, science, cooking, and Pilates during my free time. I like to stay active, and continue to learn new things. I am very passionate about zoology, and I enjoy frequent outings to places such as the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Safari Park, the Chula Vista Nature Center, and the Birch Aquarium. I also enjoy baseball, softball, and snorkeling.

Why ExciteSteps? I enjoy being a part of the Xcite Steps team because I take pleasure in the idea that I am making a positive difference in a child’s life, and also because participating the various activities Xcite Steps offers and working directly with adolescents is just plain fun! Overcoming certain developmental milestones may come easily to some of us, but not so easily for others. I believe Xcite Steps has found several fun and interesting ways to help cognitively disabled adolescents develop socially, academically, and physically using mentors and group activities that everyone can enjoy.

Our Services are available in the following areas:

San Diego (North)

• Rancho Santa Fe
• Del Mar
• Poway
• Encinitas
• Carlsbad
• Carmel Valley

San Diego (South)

• La Jolla
• Clairemont
• Downtown
• Coronado
• El Cajon
• Chula Vista

Orange Country

• Newport Beach
• Dana Point
• Irvine
• Laguna Beach
• Laguna Niguel
• San Clemente