Remembering Alum Sarah Detrick, PhD 

Dr. Sarah Detrick

It is with profound sadness that we learned of the untimely passing of Clinical Psychology alum, Dr. Sarah Detrick, on June 13, 2024. Sarah suffered a lengthy illness with immense courage and unfailing optimism. She was one of the most beloved members of my New York Professional Development Seminar, unfailingly caring, generous, kind-spirited and empathic with everyone she encountered. Dr. Detrick wrote an outstanding dissertation titled: Self-Care Ethics Knowledge and Self-Care Practices: Clinical and Counseling Psychology Doctoral Students in Early and Late Phases of Training. She was also a co-author for three chapters in Dr. Kristine Jacquin’s and my edited book:  Psychology Ethics in Everyday Life, published by Fielding University Press.

Sarah was beloved by all who knew her. Close to her parents and extended family, Elizabeth, her beloved daughter, gave Sarah a much-cherished young granddaughter Faith (who joined us in several Zoom meetings over the course of Sarah’s illness). One of my own favorite experiences with Sarah occurred after I’d been her mentor for several years: While filling out a Fielding questionnaire Sarah asked me who was her faculty advisor—to which I replied: “What do you think I am?” –To which Sarah responded: “You are my person.”

Typical of tributes from Sarah’s colleagues and friends is one from Dr. Courtney Shoemaker who wrote: “Sarah was one of the first friendly faces I was honored to meet at Fielding. We connected in so many ways-through values, through research, through work and mostly, in friendship. Sarah worked in my department through her post doc year and was a truly beloved member of our team. I will always remember her kind reminders to take care of ourselves. And I aspire to gain her unwavering hope and faith in people. I feel so blessed to have known her.”

And from Dr. Jamel Burroughs: “I met Sarah in 2014 and began our journey as doctoral students. Sarah and I instantly bonded as career transitioners from social work to psychology. We developed a sibling-like relationship and constantly battled each other to see who would reach the finish line first. I won, of course! Moreover, we were supportive of each other and shared our love of God, Christianity, and passion for improving the human condition. My dear friend, you will truly be missed.” 

Finally, doctoral candidate, Alisha Jiwani said about Sarah: “You are a beautiful soul and you will be missed.”

An obituary with information from Dr. Detrick’s family may be found at: https://www.wmhclarkfuneralhome.com/obituary/sarah-detrick