Gabrielle Barracato knew she wanted to earn a college degree, but couldn’t seem to find the right fit. She started with community college, then went to a school out of state, and tried an online university, but it wasn’t until she was accepted at GCU that the path to her future fell into place.
“I really wanted to finish my degree and was looking for a university close to home with a strong sense of community,” explained Gabrielle. “From my first interactions with the staff and advisors, I felt genuinely welcomed and supported. The peaceful home-like atmosphere on campus immediately made me feel at ease. I knew right away that GCU was the right place for me.”
Gabrielle started as an education major, following in the footsteps of her Mother, Jillian, a GCU alumna who earned a B.A. in English and Education in 1994 and earned graduate certificates in Special Education and as a Media Specialist.
“My mom being an elementary school teacher was a big factor. And, I also felt that my own teachers had a big impact on me growing up, so I always knew I wanted to do something related to education,” she described.
Gabrielle always envisioned working in a school setting with children, but taking a course called the Psychology of the Exceptional Child taught by GCU faculty member and Licensed School Psychologist Dr. Christopher Trigani changed her career path. “I was immediately intrigued by the field of psychology and quickly realized how school psychology combined everything I had always been passionate about. It felt like the perfect fit for my interests and career goals.”
Gabrielle changed her major to psychology and went full speed ahead. “My goal has always been to positively impact young people,” she said. “School is such a pivotal time in a child’s life, and it’s important for students to feel like they’re part of a supportive, community-centered environment.”
She now hopes to foster that same sense of belonging she experienced at GCU in her future career, just as she experienced at GCU. “I feel incredibly lucky to have been taught by some of the kindest and most intelligent professors. The faculty and staff genuinely care about their students and are committed to helping them succeed,” she said. “Those relationships, along with the overall encouraging atmosphere, have played a major role in keeping me motivated and helping me reach my goals.”
Gabrielle excelled academically and was inducted into the Psi Chi International Psychology Honors Society. She was also invited to participate in research with Assistant Professor Dr. Karen Kelly, which explored how gender may influence interview dynamics in professional settings. This research was later presented and recognized at the 2025 Academic Excellence Celebration.
Her love of psychology extended beyond the classroom when she made it her mission to reactivate the GCU Psychology Club and then serve as president.
“We wanted to create a space where like-minded students could meet, make friends, attend fun events, and learn more about the field of psychology,” said Gabrielle. It was challenging at first, but eventually we reached over 30 members. Our most popular events were psychology-themed movie nights featuring films like A Beautiful Mind and Silver Linings Playbook, followed by discussions led by professors.”
As a practicing Catholic, Gabrielle appreciated the fact that GCU included aspects of religion and the Mercy Core Values as part of the curriculum. In particular, the GEN400 course which gives students an opportunity to experience the joy of giving back to the community.
“I volunteered at Oak Street Elementary School assisting with a color run, made blankets for the elderly with campus Mission and Ministry, and volunteered several times at the food pantry in Lakewood,” she said. “I really enjoyed all the volunteer work I did, I felt like I was making a meaningful impact in the community, and it’s something I’m excited to continue doing even more of in the future.”
Gabrielle is thrilled to have earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and is excited to tackle the next challenge: pursuing a doctoral degree in psychology – at GCU. “When I received my acceptance letter to GCU’s School Psychology Psy.D. program, I was ecstatic! This program will provide me with the highest level of knowledge and training in the field, along with a wide range of opportunities for the future. I can’t wait to start this fall!”
She added, “I love what I am doing and it’s a nice feeling to know that I am in the right place and on the right path. I truly am so grateful that I chose GCU, as it has been one of the best decisions of my life.”
