Meet Sydney Ziemer - Alumni Spotlight

Achieving an ongoing balance among all of the elements that contribute to a robust and productive life is a skill that can be acquired through education and practice. Helping others find ways to integrate body, mind and spirit in healthy activities is an exciting and innovative career opportunity for many UMR students.

Sydney Ziemer ‘23

Hometown: Red Wing, MN
Major: Health Sciences
Area of Focus: Psychology & Mental Health

Sydney Ziemer ‘23 originally chose UMR because it was in the heart of Med City, making it perfect for learning and networking. The small class sizes were also a bonus factor for her.

While at UMR, she expanded her experience beyond the heart of Med City to Montpellier, France through a study away opportunity. Her focus while abroad was studying youth development and child psychology.  

“I expanded my  knowledge and support network while studying in France. I gained further experience by working in the field, and most importantly, I began processing and learned how to manage my own mental health and well-being,” Ziemer shared. 

One of those supporters within her support network included Dr. Molly Ubbesen, writing professor at UMR.

“Dr. U helped to nurture my advocacy skills, guided me to become a better writer, and most importantly, encouraged me to keep going even at times when it felt like I couldn’t.”

Ziemer is currently a children’s mental health practitioner with Zumbro Valley Health Center in Rochester, Minnesota, She is also a certified HeartMath practitioner (a form of biofeedback), volunteers with the National Alliance on Mental Illness and she’s beginning a master’s program to become a clinical counselor. 

“All of these things have led me to where I am now, and I could not be more grateful for the experiences I have had and for how far I have come,” shared Ziemer.

Learn more about the Psychology & Mental Health Area of Focus at UMR.