Pamela Costa

About

I began my teaching career at TCC in 1996, and I consider my colleagues among the faculty and staff to be like a second family. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of this community for so long!
Teaching psychology brings me immense joy, as my students continuously inspire me with their dedication and growth. I understand the challenges of learning psychology firsthand. I failed my initial introductory psychology course at a California community college very similar to TCC. After three attempts, I accepted that my highest possible grade would be a B+. This experience taught me valuable lessons about effective teaching methods – and, perhaps more importantly, how not to teach.

Following this experience, I transferred to Loyola Marymount University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I continued my education, earning a Master of Arts, a Master of Science, and finally, a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. I completed my predoctoral internship at Western State Hospital, which brought me to the Pacific Northwest in 1995.Subsequently, I completed my residency in neuropsychology at Madigan Hospital, where I also volunteered as a facilitator for a brain injury support group. These clinical experiences have profoundly shaped my teaching approach in both introductory and abnormal psychology courses.

My primary goal is to instill in my students the importance of critical thinking, particularly when it comes to understanding mental health and illness. I believe that by fostering critical thinking skills, I empower my students to make a positive impact and contribute to reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions.

Class Schedule