Dr.

Karen McGraa
Lake Sherwood, CA. 91361
805-371-0030 * (cp) 805-390-0441
* www.linkedin.com/in/karenmcgraa
A psychologist with media training and marketing experience who has been researc
hing, teaching and motivating people at many levels from diverse ethnic and nati
onal backgrounds.
* Ph.D. in Media Psychology. Masters degrees in Communications (Radio, TV, Film,
and Journalism) and Media Psychology; Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Comm
unications (Radio, TV, Film, and Journalism). A member of the Psi Chi Honor Soci
ety.
* Co-developed curriculum and set up classrooms for new CBET (Community-Based En
glish Tutoring) Program for Simi Valley School District. Successfully provided A
sian and Hispanic students with English and Civics classes that resulted in thei
r being able to integrate into community and gain U.S. Citizenship.
* Developed Adult School Technology Curriculum for ESL Department at Simi Valley
Adult School. Introduced them to basic technological skills for job seeking, pl
us enabled them to assist their children with computer skills.
Research, Advertising and Marketing
Doctoral Research on "The Effects of Persuasive Motivational Text Messaging on A
dherence to Diet and Exercise Programs Across Different Personality Traits" usin
g SPSS Data Analysis. Published in ProQuest UMI 10047.
Doctoral Research Assistant on case study of an elementary school and elements c
ontributing to it being a high achieving Title 1 School. Utilized SPSS Text Anal
ysis to determine clustering of concepts from transcripts.
Presented research on TV Production Variables and Viewer Comprehension Master's
Thesis to Western Communications Educators Conference as a graduate student. Neg
otiated rights to share two years of TV research data in exchange for a sophisti
cated lab and two technicians at zero expense to CSU Fullerton.
Market Research of an in-house corporate bio-medical engineering program to dete
rmine cost feasibility.
Market Research for Ralphs, Sunkist, City of Glendora, Fresh and Fruity Yogurt,
and various others.
Performed a content analysis using SPSS on cigarette advertisements to propose a
health education program tailored to counteract the effects of these ads. Wrote
research paper entitled: "What Kind of Woman Does R.J. Reynolds Believe is the
Target for Its New Camel Number 9?"
Bullock's Advertising Traffic Coordinator worked with all departments in coordin
ating ad production.
Media Experience Highlights
Theater and Film 2007 & 1998
Wrote "Dream Driving: The Ultimate Virtual Reality," a script written for a non-
fiction media production, plus budget top sheet and shooting schedule. (2007)
Actress for Nine O'Clock Players, a division of the Hollywood Assistance League.
(1998)
Freelance Scriptwriter - Pasadena Fire Department, Pasadena, CA 1986
Radio - KSAK Radio, Mt. San Antonio College, West Covina, CA 1984-1985
Wrote, coordinated, and announced KSAK early morning news that aired daily. Rese
arched, created, and presented documentary aired on KPFK regarding refugee asylu
m.
Community Editor - San Dimas and La Verne, Highlander Publications, West Covina,
CA 1983-1984
Produced two weekly papers by publication deadline for a year. Wrote weekly byli
ne columns and front-page stories that were picked up by other Highlander commun
ity papers. Edited freelance articles to improve their presentation. Performed o
n-the-spot photography that expedited workflow. Cut staff costs by recruiting, h
iring, and supervising stringers. Wrote press releases that promoted community p
rojects.
Public Access Coordinator - Falcon Cable, Alhambra, CA 1982-1983
Produced and moderated Congressional Forum aired on Channel 38. Narrated and dir
ected local origination programs on Channel 54. Performed stand-up camera work f
or local news. Directed, edited, and produced a documentary on prominent health
issues. Conducted public access training resulting in publicly produced programm
ing that fulfilled city contract and established positive community public relat
ions.
Intern / News Desk - KTLA Channel 5 News, Hollywood, CA 1981-1982
Researched news stories that aired on KTLA Channel 5 "News at 10."
Coaching/Teaching Background
Developer / Researcher - TextMeThin.com 2007-Present
Devised and developed the TextMeThin.com Website to promote SMS (short message s
ervice) motivational study for doctoral dissertation. This innovative text messa
ging form of coaching is already showing above average results in a sample popul
ation. New website, MediaPsychologist4U.com is presently in development.
English & Technology Instructor - Simi Valley Adult School, Simi Valley, CA 2000
-2007
Taught English and Technology to students in the ESL Department. Provided in-ser
vice training to faculty on the integration of technology in classroom instructi
on.
Communications Adjunct Professor - DeVry University, West Hills, CA 2001-2003
Taught English, Composition, Grammar, and Speech Communication. Served on Englis
h Competency Review Board.
Guest Instructor - Pleasant Valley School District, Camarillo, CA 1998-2000
Provided teaching services for all levels of education in the Pleasant Valley Sc
hool District: Elementary, High School, and Continuation School. Taught General
Education, English, TV Production, Art, and Civics.
Adjunct Professor - Cal State University, Northridge 1997-1998
Instructed ESL students in English proficiency and prepared them for the TOEFL (
Test of English as a Foreign Language - the most common requirement for universi
ty and college admissions).
Education
PhD, Media Psychology at Fielding University, Santa Barbara, CA, 2010
MA, Media Psychology Fielding University, Santa Barbara, CA, 2007
MA, Communications, Radio, TV, Film, Journalism, CSU, Fullerton, CA, 1988
BA, Communications, Radio, TV, Film, Journalism, CSU, Los Angeles, CA, 1983
BA, Psychology, One year post-graduate study, CSU, Los Angeles, CA, 1976
Professional Affiliations
APA (American Psychological Association), Media Psychology Division 46
ASCD (California Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development)
BEA (Broadcast Education Association) Documentary Panel Judge, 2009/10
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
Ventura County Professional Women's Networking Board Representative