BA in Human Development and Family Science

Kendall Cade, 2025

Kendall Cade is an honors student pursuing her BA in Human Development and Family Science, and she has been named the 2024 CHSS Senior of the Year, learn more about this achievement here. 

How did you decide on the HDFS program?

I came to Mason as a Criminology, Law, and Society (BS) significant and realized this was different from the program to get me where I wanted to be. I began speaking with my advisor about how to prepare myself as a therapist and which program I should pursue. There was heavy discussion on the psychology program. However, I knew I wanted to focus more on therapeutic and clinical services than research and a science emphasis. With that, she proposed the HDFS (Human Development and Family Science) program, which aligned perfectly with my career aspirations of wanting to provide marriage and family therapy for vulnerable and low-income families, couples, and individuals. I changed my major, and every day since, I am so grateful that I was fortunate enough to be placed with an advisor who truly cared about my education and me as an individual. I would love to use this to publicly thank my advisor, Aoi Yamanaka, for all the encouragement, support, and dedication she has given me throughout my undergraduate experience!

What have you learned in an HDFS class that surprised you/changed your perspective?

HDFS 300: Individual Family Service Delivery emphasizes how imperative a human service professional is to families or communities in need of assistance and how the utilization of provided services can change the entire dynamic of a familial unit. When you assess familial or societal stressors, you can see how removing and preventing these influences can drastically change a family’s health. This course also highlighted the vicious cycles entrapping vulnerable & low-income families and individuals and how there is a governmental failure to address them in preventative ways that could effectively eradicate them. This course further encouraged me to want to become a resource and intervene to give families the best chance they have at breaking generational curses and creating generational prosperity.

What has been your favorite BIS/INTS/HDFS course so far and why?

My favorite class was definitely Parent-Child Relations (INTS 321). It really stuck with me because we didn’t just learn about parenting styles and child development—we explored how culture, history, and societal influences shape the way families function through personal dynamics. It was one of those rare classes where I could connect academic concepts to real-life situations, especially in the kind of work I want to do as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

What made the class especially meaningful was how often I found myself applying what I learned outside of the classroom. Whether it was during my internship, in casual conversations, or just observing the ways parents interact with their kids in public spaces, I started noticing patterns and dynamics I hadn’t paid attention to before. It sharpened my perspective, helped me better understand the roots of certain behaviors, and deepened my empathy for families navigating complex challenges. It really affirmed my passion for working in this field and gave me a new lens to see people through.

What was the most impactful class you took in your major?  

The most impactful classes I took in my major were my HDFS 498 and 499: Internship and Analysis courses, taught by Professor Hideko Bassett. These courses provided an incredible opportunity for immersion in my field of study and the community. Professor Bassett made the experience especially meaningful—her enthusiasm, guidance, and willingness to connect students with real-world opportunities made the courses both enjoyable and invaluable. Through the courses, I interned with Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS), a vital community resource that supports individuals and families in overcoming barriers rooted in societal inequities. My placement within the Intervention, Prevention, and Education (IPE) program allowed me to work directly with youth and families, helping to promote self-sufficiency and reduce systemic barriers that contribute to dysfunction and at-risk behaviors. Through my internship, I strengthened essential casework skills, such as binder management and organization, navigating the referral system, and building community partnerships. This hands-on experience allowed me to integrate academic knowledge with professional practice seamlessly.  Professor Bassett’s support, mentorship, and enthusiasm made this stressful and individual experience feel less overwhelming and more collective, making me feel confident and prepared. Growing under the guidance of a professor who truly cares about her students’ success, I believe I am more equipped to begin my pursuit of developing into a well-rounded human service provider! 

In my minor, INTS 431: Principles of Fundraising and Introduction to INTS 331: Nonprofit Studies profoundly influenced my commitment to the nonprofit sector. These courses, taught by Mr. Zavin Smith and Mr. Samuel Frye, made learning about the core elements of nonprofit work enjoyable and enlightening. The service-based learning style allowed me to apply course concepts to real-world opportunities, offering valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of nonprofit organizations. Their classes were relevant to my professional goals and translated meaningfully into my personal life. 

Tell us about your dream occupation and how your HDFS degree will help you achieve it. Have you had any internships? Or interesting jobs or volunteer experiences related to the HDFS program? Tell us about it/them.

My human development and family science degree will prepare me to obtain my master's in Clinical Social Work, effectively allowing me to be a marriage and family therapist, explicitly aiming to intervene in vulnerable and low-income families, individuals, and couples. To better prepare me for my future career aspirations, I was very fortunate to land work with Impact Mental Health Services, where I learned essential practices and gained a deeper understanding of the complexity involved with mental health service provision. This work opportunity allowed for further immersion in my future career by preparing me for (an) internship placement with a fantastic nonprofit local to our Mason community. I was very fortunate to secure an internship with Northern Virginia Family Services as a Gang Intervention, Prevention, and Education Counselor targeting services toward immigrant youth. In addition, I plan to volunteer with the National Military Family Association, working with military families who need assistance in identifying and solving the complex issues involved with military service. As a child of a Retired USN Master Chief, I deeply long to support families and individuals who carry the ultimate sacrifice accompanying service.

Any accomplishments you’re proud of or research opportunities you’ve taken advantage of here at
Mason?

Throughout my academic journey, I have prioritized academic excellence and personal growth. I’ve maintained a 3.95 GPA, earning Dean’s List honors every semester, which reflects my dedication to my studies. I’ve also had the opportunity to achieve high marks in several courses and have developed proficiency in a third language, ASL, to broaden my global perspective. My commitment to advocacy is reflected in my certification from Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children Training, completed in collaboration with Safe Shores, which focuses on the prevention of child sexual abuse. I was fortunate to receive the Points Tax Law Scholarship, which recognized my academic achievements and my proposal on community service for veterans. Currently, I’m working toward securing my Victim Advocacy Certification, which will better prepare me to support individuals affected by trauma and abuse. Additionally, I plan to host an event in collaboration with local Deaf groups to help raise awareness and increase access to mental health resources for the Deaf community.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.

People would be surprised to know that I extended my love of learning into the workplace, and as a result, I have worked at twelve jobs during my four years in the workforce. I believe jobs teach many skills and facilitate positive development in many areas and facets of an individual’s life. In a world where one is expected to hold a career for a significant percentage of one's life, I always wanted to be able to explore different jobs before settling into one lifelong career. In addition, there is no job I’ve worked where I didn’t leave with new transferable skills, methods of learning and integration, or an area of self-discovery. While many people poke fun at my job history and attempt to make me feel “bad” about my extensive uniform collection, I never do. I take pride in being hired by twelve different people/corporations and have never been turned down or fired from a position past the interview round. I would say the most considerable thing work exploration has taught me is how essential self-marketing is and the importance of putting yourself into rooms and environments that allow personal exploration! 

My top three favorite jobs would be:
1. Crumbl (environment not pay)
2. Villa Bella (great Italian food in Burke)
3. Scrub Appeal (Small business owned and operated by a Black woman)

What are you the proudest of during your time here at Mason? 

During my time at Mason, student involvement has been one of the most transformative parts of my experience. It helped shape who I am both personally and professionally. Being an active member of campus organizations gave me the space to explore my passions, form lasting connections, and deepen my sense of purpose beyond the classroom.

For two of my three years at Mason, I danced with Emerald Desires, where I helped bring culture, school spirit, and energy to campus events alongside the Green Machine Pep Band. That community was a source of pride and creativity for me—and being named “Most Spirited” made it all the more special. I also found deep meaning through my involvement in the ASL Club. Even though I wasn’t able to continue formal ASL courses, my experience in the ASL department had a lasting impact on me. I gained communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a new sense of discipline, all of which have influenced my career goals in accessibility and advocacy. My time in the Deaf community inspired me to begin organizing a mental health awareness event focused on increasing access for Deaf individuals—a project I’m still passionate about pursuing.

Outside of student life, my internship with Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) was truly life-changing. Through the Intervention, Prevention, and Education (IPE) program, I worked hands-on with families and youth affected by systemic barriers. The most powerful moment for me was seeing a client gain confidence and begin imagining a healthier future for themselves. That experience not only reaffirmed my path in the human services field but also opened new doors—I’ve since started working with a local community leader to co-create a mental health workshop for at-risk youth, combining everything I’ve learned at Mason in a meaningful, real-world way.

I’ve also been honored to receive recognitions like Outstanding Senior, Outstanding Student in HDFS, and SIS Senior—each milestone reminding me of the growth, dedication, and passion I’ve poured into my time here.

All of these moments, from the classroom to the community, have made my Mason journey unforgettable. I’m proud of the impact I’ve made, and I’m excited to carry this foundation with me as I continue working to uplift and support others.

What did we miss that you think prospective HDFS students need to know?

Prospective HDFS students should know that though this program is small, the opportunities beyond it are
limitless. There is so much opportunity to embark on with an HDFS degree, but it is essential to remain rooted in supporting yourself and others no matter where you go. The biggest thing I wish to relay is though the work we will do is for the good of our communities and others, you must develop an identity and healthy, positive coping mechanisms and practices. Self-care is essential because you cannot be there for others if you aren’t there for yourself!