Alumni journeys

Learn about Adler University alumni as they share their paths, accomplishments, and impact. These journeys highlight the diverse ways our graduates bring Adler’s mission to life in their communities and careers.

Cover of Aligned Leadership

A life devoted to teaching: Jay Colker’s Adlerian legacy

Jay Colker ’80, D.M., may have officially “retired” in 2017, but his work and his passion for teaching have not slowed down. Nearly a decade later, Dr. Colker remains deeply engaged at Adler University, serving as an industrial and Organisational psychology faculty member — still in the classroom, still mentoring students, still driven by the same purpose that has guided him from the start.

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A woman with long brown hair, wearing a brown cardigan, sits at a table holding an orange mug and smiling at the camera, her warmth reminiscent of an Aurora on a chilly Arctic evening.

From the Arctic to Aurora: Alumna Stephanie Leithead’s journey to a clinic of her own

Before she ever moved to the Arctic or imagined opening a clinic of her own, Stephanie Leithead, MA ’11, was trying to understand what kind of counsellor she wanted to become. 

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A man in a suit and striped tie stands in front of a U.S. flag and window, facing the camera with a neutral expression, reflecting leadership and commitment to issues like military mental health.

Building bridges: From Adler University to military mental health leadership

Everything changed for Michael Brennan, Psy.D.’12, when a military recruiter walked into Adler University in 2007. What began as a casual conversation about service and mental health turned into something deeper. 

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Cover of Aligned Leadership
March 11, 2026

A life devoted to teaching: Jay Colker’s Adlerian legacy

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a brown cardigan, sits at a table holding an orange mug and smiling at the camera, her warmth reminiscent of an Aurora on a chilly Arctic evening.
January 8, 2026

From the Arctic to Aurora: Alumna Stephanie Leithead’s journey to a clinic of her own

A man in a suit and striped tie stands in front of a U.S. flag and window, facing the camera with a neutral expression, reflecting leadership and commitment to issues like military mental health.
November 10, 2025

Building bridges: From Adler University to military mental health leadership

A man wearing a "CHI 2025" shirt, an Adler alum, speaks about how mentorship transforms lives to a seated audience, while another man stands behind him at a podium. A screen reads "Mentor Introduction.
October 6, 2025

The power of showing up: Adler alum transforms lives through mentorship

A woman with long blonde hair wearing a light-colored top and earrings smiles in front of a Grey mottled background, radiating warmth perfect for sharing stories for children.
August 15, 2025

Tools for tiny hearts: The power of art and stories in dealing with big emotions

Woman wearning a light blue turtleneck with chin-length hair
July 21, 2025

From building change at Lululemon to preparing future IO psychology practitioners at Adler

Photo of Maren Rogers
June 3, 2025

‘You’re Just a Kid’: Parentification in siblings of children with developmental disabilities

Photo of Felix Yu and his cohort
May 7, 2025

To help young athletes perform their best, Adler alum strengthens their mental health

Photo of Favour Onwuka
February 4, 2025

Adler graduate reflects on her thesis journey, exploring the experiences of Black transracial adoptees

Photo of Dr. Clarkson with Cape Verde delegation
January 28, 2025

Adler alum dedicates career in public service, to help expand access to education

Photo of Vittoria Maione
December 12, 2024

From training to career: In increasing access to care, community health settings play outsize role

Photo of Jordyn Klingbeil
December 9, 2024

Adler alum keeps the mental health conversation going

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