Minor in Well-Being

Kaitlyn Tucker, 2026

Degree: BA in Human Development and Family Science, minor in Well-Being 

Hometown: Williamsburg, Virginia

Future plans: Kaitlyn plans to become a play therapist, integrating clinical work with parent education to support children and caregivers in meaningful, lasting ways.

Kaitlyn paused her education when she became a mother. Years later, as a mother of three, her desire to support children and families—sparked by motherhood and volunteering at her children’s school—led her to the Human Development and Family Science program. George Mason’s flexible online program allowed her to balance school with family life while aligning with her values and long-term goals.

After graduation, she plans to build a strong clinical foundation working with children and families, focusing on early childhood development and parent support through a Clinical Master of Social Work program. She hopes to continue developing skills in evidence-based, relationship-centered approaches and eventually become a play therapist, integrating clinical work with parent education to support children and caregivers in meaningful, lasting ways.

Most impactful courses: HDFS 498 and 499, her internship and analysis courses taught by Professor Hideko Bassett, allowed her to fully immerse herself in both her field of study and her local community.

“Professor Bassett played a key role in shaping this experience. Her guidance and ability to connect coursework to real-world application pushed me to think more deeply about family systems, relationships, and how to effectively support children and families.”

During an internship at the Williamsburg Parent Cooperative Preschool—a play-based nonprofit run by a parent board—she served as a classroom teacher for two-year-olds and as an assistant to the director, gaining hands-on experience in early childhood development and nonprofit operations.

“One of my most meaningful accomplishments was developing research-based parent education to be shared weekly across an entire school year. I created a weekly blog and monthly flyers translating research into practical strategies for families. I also led in-person workshops on parenting philosophy, intentional and mindful parenting, and self-reflection, including the concept of repair.”

Courses such as Advanced Family Processes, Stress and Well-Being, Relationship Health, Health Education and Promotion, Parent-Child Relations, Therapeutic Benefits of Play, Behavior Disorders of Childhood, Contemporary Family, and Intimate Relations further strengthened her understanding of supporting children and caregivers across contexts. A minor in well-being deepened her knowledge of stress, emotional regulation, and relationship dynamics, which she applied in the classroom, her capstone, and parent education initiatives.

“Between Professor Bassett’s mentorship and these hands-on opportunities, I feel confident and well-prepared to take the next step in my education and career. These experiences strengthened my ability to connect research to practice and confirmed my interest in continuing this work in a clinical setting, with a long-term goal of incorporating play therapy into my work with children and families."

Favorite George Mason memories: “Some of my earliest memories are from when my husband was a student-athlete, including celebrating George Mason’s Atlantic 10 Conference soccer championship in 2013. Returning to George Mason as a student myself has made those memories even more meaningful.

"More recently, at the end of each semester, we take our kids to the National Zoo, stop by campus for Manhattan Pizza, and take a picture in front of the Mason statue. My kids love watching the ‘little robots’ zip by as we walk across campus. I am looking forward to completing the series in my cap and gown next month.

"My journey has looked different as an adult learner in a remote program, but that is what has made it meaningful. It represents growth, resilience, and the importance of continuing forward, no matter the timeline.”

Advice for future Patriots: “Trust your own path, even if it looks different from others. It is never too late to start, restart, or change direction. The most important thing is to pursue what feels meaningful to you.”