Siena Vaccara

Siena Vaccara ’20 had a lifelong love of music. The Brooklyn, NY native studied piano since she was six years old. Before beginning college, however, she decided to explore other interests, in particular her interest in human behavior. She chose to study Psychology, then declared a second major when a psychology professor noticed her interest in Gender Studies.

Siena is now a full-time psychotherapist and a DONA International Childbirth Doula.

Siena earned an MA in Psychological Counseling and an MEd in Mental Health Counseling, from Columbia and Columbia Teachers College, respectively.

Why Purchase?

“I chose Purchase in the first place because I wanted to study Studio Composition and I knew that it was one of the only universities that allowed its students to combine their art with social science studies. I did not want to be limited to a single discipline and I knew that undergrad is for exploration.

“I also knew that I could pay in state tuition and most importantly, I knew that the student population was LGBTQ friendly.”

More About Siena

Always a Musician

Not wanting to stop growing as a musician while she immersed herself in the sciences, she auditioned for the Conservatory of Music and declared a minor in Studio Composition.

“I not only grew as a musician but as a recording artist and performer,” she says. “I collaborated with Studio Production majors, increased my performance confidence, and now I am leaving Purchase with a conservatory education, two singles, and an EP on all streaming platforms.” 

Hands-On Learning

She completed the Practicum at the Children’s Center on campus and then finished the coursework and hands-on learning to earn a Certificate in Early Childhood Development.

And she was a Peer Mentor in the Office of Disability Resources.

Vaccara also served as a learning assistant for two classes. “Through this program, I have been able to explore various aspects of developmental, cognitive, clinical, and research psychology.”

Internships in special education and music therapy helped confirm she was prepared to work in these environments.

“I wish to aide persons with disabilities and I feel that my educational background will allow me to use music as a tool and work with individuals who belong to all demographics.”