Chicago | Director of Clinical Training and Associate Professor, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
I believe that it is important to bring a global perspective into the classroom and to assist students with developing their multicultural and social justice competencies in ways that capture the core values of the counseling profession and of Adler University. I believe in continually developing my own multicultural and social justice competencies and clinical experiences, as a means to demonstrate the dedication to ongoing growth and development in these key area and others, as well as to enhance the instructional practices, resources, and research that students engage in. Teaching at Adler University aligns so well with my personal philosophies, and feels like a very natural fit for me as I engage with students and faculty about the very real issues of inequities, injustices, and social justice practices. I get excited to hear and witness the students’ growth in the classroom, their engagement in their social justice work, and their on-site practicum and internship clinical experiences.
My philosophy of teaching drives me to provide students with well-rounded and comprehensive lessons, that challenge them to grow in both a personal and profession manner, while focusing on the awareness, knowledge, skills, and techniques of counseling. My goals include ensuring that students are challenged to be analytical and critical in their intake of research, lectures, and experiential activities, to help guide them in their future roles as counseling professionals. In effort to assure equity amongst students, I believe in differentiating the teaching methods and course material in ways that will allow each student to fully engage. I ultimately believe that it up to me as the professor to create an environment that is safe, that facilitates lessons in a way that is inclusive to all learners, and that fosters the growth of various learning styles.
In addition, understanding the students’ cultural identity, personal journey, and professional goals is an important aspect of my teaching philosophy. I believe in teaching and supervising the whole student, in effort to best help them recognize the parallel process of working with clients. By using both traditional and innovative practices in pedagogy, I aim to prepare future counselors to develop and use their own social, emotional, and cognitive skills and abilities to help their future clients. Finally, as a counselor educator, I believe it is important to adhere to professional expectations, standards and ethical practices in our own professional journey, as we are guiding students to do the same. We are the primary example that students will see, and it’s necessary to embody what we are teaching.
Located in the heart of the city, the Chicago Campus was designed to provide and inspire the learning and living experience. To that end, we have created an environment that caters to your mental, emotional, and intellectual growth. Our classrooms are bright and spacious with windows to the outside world and the latest technology. In our Library, you will find every resource you need to research, form, and shape your journey. At Adler University, we have more than enough room to share your thoughts and flex your intellect.