Recent Graduate Students

I graduated from the university in December of 2021 and have since found employment at the Center for Discovery in Rock Hill, NY where I work to support young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Considering the recent challenges globally, I have taken several steps in hopes to promote social engagement and connection within my role as Educator Support. One of the simplest steps I have taken is simply saying “hello” to staff and students on campus. A simple greeting in passing can go a long way in making individuals feel not only seen, but also connected to a larger community, especially after experiencing over two years of social distancing. Another step I have taken is frequently checking in with all of my coworkers to see how they are really doing. Of all the things the CHS department taught me, the power of listening has been the most impactful in both my personal and professional lives. During these difficult times it is more important than ever to make time to listen. Check in with your peers and say hello; create a space that allows others to be heard, seen, and felt. It is in these small moments that connection is fostered and community is cultivated."

Kimber Clegg, Counseling and Human Services

Katelyn

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The recent challenges that have arose have changed the landscape of counseling in many of ways, but it is always important to remember that you never truly know what someone is going through. In our field I find that transparency and honesty with clients promote a more open and supportive conversation. I feel it’s important to share experiences that are relatable that I as well have personal experience with. So when I offer my input it leads to a stronger therapeutic relationship between my clients and me. This is the starting point to how I prompt social engagement and connections with my clients. The current state of the world has led to tensions flaring with all sorts of concerns, questions, and mixed emotions, and it is important for me as a counselor to give them a space to feel comfortable asking those questions and expressing those concerns. Whether it be in a group setting or an individual one, I believe that asking questions and having open communication leads to opening the gateway to social engagement and connection. The first step in teaching my clients to open up to form connections is to show that being transparent, nonjudgmental, and open is a strength that helps build the bond between client and counselor.

Social engagement and connection are fundamental components of our School Counseling Program. We prioritize building relationships with mental health and academic community based stakeholders in our community in order to provide our students with rich and meaningful opportunities to explore their career goals and deepen their social and emotional development.We strive to continue to provide these critical resources to our students regardless of the barriers and complications that arise as a result of the ever changing nature and uncertainty of the world around us. The need for consistency in providing connections to the community and opportunities to learn skills to strengthen their resilience became even more paramount during this time. We place a strong emphasis on learning through engaging and supporting each other through shared experiences and commonalities. As a result, we offer presentations to students from community partners, run Social/Emotional groups, encourage students to engage in the school community through clubs, sports, and activities, and provide programs that promote self-discovery and relationship building. By utilizing digital resources such as the google education suite we are able to navigate the barriers we face when we can’t be present together. As the landscape and challenges in the world continue to change, as a School Counselor it is imperative the I stay informed of what is happening, how it is impacting my students, have my own community of peers for support and idea sharing, and continue to seek ways to connect my students to resources that will foster their growth and development.

Christina Nasser School Counseling