Dr. Terjesen has been active with Star Legacy Foundation for several years since the stillbirth of their daughter Savannah. In 2022 Dr. Terjesen joined our Family Support team as our Men’s Grief Discussion Group facilitator.
Mark D. Terjesen, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and the Assistant Chairperson of the Psychology Department at St. John’s University in Queens, NY. Dr. Terjesen has studied, conducted research, published books and articles, and presented at a number of national and international conferences on topics related to assessment and clinical work with children, adolescents, and families. Dr. Terjesen has served as President of the School Division of the New York State Psychological Association, the President of the Trainers of School Psychologists, and as the President of Division 52 of the American Psychological Association (International Psychology division). Dr. Terjesen is a Fellow of the Albert Ellis Institute in New York City, where he is also an approved supervisor. He is also the Clinical Director at North Coast Psychological Services in Syosset, NY, where he maintains a clinical practice. Dr. Terjesen and his wife, Dr. Carolyn Waldecker, lost their first daughter, Savannah, to stillbirth in April 2018. They have been involved in the NY Metro Chapter of the Star Legacy Foundation since May 2018. They celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Amelia, in 2019. They remember Savannah every day and honor her memory through their work with the Star Legacy Foundation.
