Educational Background
- Bachelor of Arts, Sociology University of Virginia, 2006
- Master of Teaching, Elementary Education University of Virginia, 2006
- Master of Education, School Counseling University of Virginia, 2011
Recognitions
- Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society Int.
- National Certified Counselor, NCC
Counseling Philosophy
As an educator with skills in counseling, I focus on alleviating personal and emotional problems that can inhibit a student’s academic progress. I learned many counseling theories during my master’s program but I base my counseling approach on just a few: Person-Centered, Solution-Focused, and Choice Theory.
As a counselor I strive to provide an optimum atmosphere that facilitates student change by using the core conditions of congruence, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Congruence means joining with the student and letting them know that I’m there for them. Empathy involves really understanding the student, their issue, and putting myself in their shoes. And, unconditional positive regard is about expressing acceptance, respect, warmth, and genuineness to all students.
I believe that students have knowledge of their problem, but often lack knowledge about how to solve it. I incorporate Solution-Focused theory by helping students explore solutions to their problem. I do not solve problems for students however; I offer guidance and empower them to find the best solutions for themselves. I also bring in elements of Choice Theory; I help students to see that they can make a change simply by making difference choices.
