Classes will begin at 11:00 am and offices will open at 10:30 am.

picture of Heather Rakestraw

Heather Rakestraw

Assistant Professor of Practice


hrakestraw@marywood.edu

Psychology and Counseling

McGowan Cntr Grad & Prof Stud 1018

Courses taught:

Child Development PSYC-214
Abnormal Behaviors in Children and Adol escents PSYC-432
Child Psychopathology PSYC-532
Professional Contribution PSYC-555
Introduction to Individual Psychotherapy PSYC-571
Couples & Family Therapy PSYC-802
Child Psychotherapy PSYC-815
Education
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology specializing in Children and Family Studies
Kent State University

Master of Clinical Psychology
Kent State University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Temple University

Research Interests
Dr. Rakestraw's research interests include child psychopathology, anxiety disorders, caregiver risk and protective factors, parent training programs, pediatric chronic illness and adherence to medical regimens. She teaches in the areas of psychotherapy skills training, child psychopathology, and child psychotherapy/assessment.

Originally from Scranton, Dr. Rakestraw completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Kent State University in Ohio and returned to Pennsylvania to complete her residency at Geisinger Medical Center. She completed her fellowship at UPMC-North Central, where she practiced for several years. More recently, Dr. Rakestraw opened a private practice, which she currently owns and operates today, as well as teaching in the Clinical and Counseling Department at Marywood. Her personal interests include hiking, biking, and spending time with her husband and two young children.