You can find Ms. Duggan, Marlborough’s Middle School Psychologist, tucked away in an office near the ARC. When one enters her shared office with Dr. Crandall, Director of Educational and Counseling Services, they are taken aback by the pop of color amidst a fairly neutrally colored school. While it would be nice to say their office is one of Marlborough’s best kept secrets, chances are you’ve found yourself there looking for candy, wanting to take a moment to draw, or seeking their help and advice.
What do you like about working at Marlborough and being a psychologist?
First of all, I love working with all-girls. I wasn’t sure how that was going to go, but I like being in an all-girls environment. I like being a psychologist with adolescents because they view the world with fresh eyes and have creative ways of thinking through problems.
What would you change about or add to Marlborough?
Starting later in the day would be helpful so we could all sleep in a bit more, myself included!
Why do you like working at a school versus private practice?
I like working at a school because it gives me an opportunity to see the students I work with in a variety of ways and be more present in their lives, if they want me to be. I like being able to see them in their own environment as it gives me a different perspective and lends to the idea that we are complex humans beings.
If someone hadn’t met you, what would you want them to know about you?
I would want them to know that I always assume positive intentions.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a rural town of New Jersey, South Jersey specifically.
Do you like living in LA?
I love living in LA. I love access to the beach, hiking, mountains, city life, the diversity, live music, awesome restaurants, and museums.
What is your ideal day?
During an ideal day, I would start the morning off with a hike, spend the afternoon on the beach, and later have dinner somewhere by the water with friends.
Do you have a favorite thing to do during the weekend?
Hike or see live music! I am also in a doctorate program at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Downtown LA, which I do during the weekends. It is full time, and I’m taking four classes, so it takes up quite a bit of my time.
Do you have a favorite trail or place to go hiking?
Griffith Park.
I heard you have a dog; can you tell me a little about him?
His name is Hushpuppy, and he is four and a half. He is a 75-pound mutt and rescue dog that I like to take hiking with me.
What is your favorite project/subject/class you’ve taught at Marlborough?
I have not taught any classes, but I think my favorite thing to be part of is the N4 story exchange. I like creating opportunities for people to connect and know something that they wouldn’t normally know about a person.
Do you have a podcast you would recommend to Marlborough students?
I really love “Radiolab.” I also like “Strangers,” but it is more for upper school students or to be listened to with an adult.
What book would you recommend that Marlborough students read?
My favorite book, and the one I’d recommend is Alan Lightman’s Einstein’s Dreams.
What is one of your favorite artists or bands that you think Marlborough students should listen to?
I really like Shakey Graves.
What is your favorite TV show or one you are currently watching?
I really loved Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch.
What is your favorite movie?
Labyrinth
How would someone else describe you in one word?
I would say one-word others would use to describe me is diplomatic.
What is a fun fact about you?
My dog Hushpuppy’s siblings were actually adopted by Neil Diamond, and Hushpuppy is in his most recent music video for his song “Something Blue.”
Where would you most like to travel to any why?
I would like to explore the Canadian Rockies this summer. It’s a delight to be immersed in nature, and I love to hike and camp.
If you weren’t a psychologist, what would you be?
If I weren’t a School Psychologist, I would be interested in architecture.
