From Student to Supporter: Leah Wallerstein’s Journey of Impact
Forensic psychologist and alumna amplifies her family’s commitment to scholarships to prepare the next generation of mental health professionals.
Over the past fifteen years, Leah Wallerstein, PsyD, has experienced the transformative power of a DU Graduate School of Professional Psychology (GSPP) education. As an alumna (MA ’10, PsyD ’14), a member of GSPP’s Board of Advisors, and a clinical supervisor working directly with graduate students, she has seen firsthand the impact of the program. To ensure others have the same opportunities, the Wallerstein family recently expanded their scholarship into a $100,000 endowed fund, creating new pathways for future mental health professionals.
“It’s hard to narrow down just one thing that makes GSPP special,” Wallerstein reflects. “I think back to my experiences in grad school, which had a profound impact on me as both a person and psychologist. The program’s clinical focus, the variety of practicum opportunities, and the hands-on experience in GSPP’s clinics truly prepare students to become outstanding clinicians. Supporting GSPP through our family scholarship is about honoring my own journey and helping future clinicians follow theirs.”
A Clinical Focus
Wallerstein’s journey in psychology began as an undergraduate at Lehigh University. Through her training, she discovered a passion for forensic psychology and issues within the criminal justice system—a specialization requiring both comprehensive training and practical experience.
At DU, she found the perfect fit to continue her education. GSPP’s clinically focused forensic psychology program offered the hands-on training she needed to tackle real-world challenges. This foundation has enabled her to make a meaningful impact on severely ill patients in the criminal justice system and mental health facilities, including Bellevue-NYU Hospital Center, Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center, Bridgewater State Hospital, and Denver’s RISE Program.
Supporting Future Clinicians
As a forensic psychologist and advocate for mental health in the justice system, Wallerstein recognizes the growing need for skilled clinicians who can truly make a difference. This is just one of the reasons she remains involved with GSPP. In her role as a clinical supervisor, she shares her expertise with graduate students while also helping ease some of their financial barriers through her family’s scholarship.
“This gift is deeply personal,” Wallerstein explains. “It’s a meaningful way for our family to support the program that has given me so much. Mental health issues touch almost everyone, and GSPP’s work in this area is incredible. The more we can support students so they can focus on their training and reach their full potential, the more we help ensure GSPP’s important work continues.”
Creating Opportunity
The Wallerstein family scholarship supports the DU and GSPP vision of training highly skilled psychologists while expanding access to education. Over time, this investment can help ease student debt, allow graduates to focus on critical mental health work, and strengthen the workforce of clinical professionals in Colorado and beyond.
“Wallerstein’s family scholarship embodies the heart of The Denver Difference campaign—opening doors for talented students to pursue the education they need to make a real impact,” shares GSPP Dean Torrey Wilson, PhD. “I am deeply grateful for their generosity, which allows us to continue preparing compassionate and skilled clinicians to meet the pressing mental health needs in our communities.”
