Graduate Programs

MA in Mental Health Counseling '19

Tell us about your path to Hofstra University and why you decided to pursue a graduate degree in counseling.
I began my college career a little hesitant about what I wanted to study and which career path I would enjoy pursuing. Helping people has always been a passion of mine, I was searching for the best way to maximize that passion. During my undergraduate career, I had the pleasure of working with professors who were willing to discuss the broader field of psychology as well as what it takes to become a therapist. I completed an internship gathering basic demographic data on new clients as well as sitting in on intake appointments at CarePlus NJ. This experience solidified my thoughts on becoming a mental health counselor. While applying to graduate school, I met with Dr. Daniel Sciarra who shared what Hofstra’s School and Mental Health Counseling program had to offer. The interview confirmed my attendance at Hofstra.

Give us a brief background of your work experience post-grad, including your current position, and how Hofstra’s program and internship component has prepared helped you.
While in the Mental Health Counseling program, I feel as though I was provided with the best education possible. All the professors shared their personal experiences in the field as well as always made time to meet to discuss my future plans and further explore my passions, interests, and ideas. I remember sitting down with Dr. Laurie Johnson to go over my course of study and how it needed to be tailored to my schedule. She knew exactly when each class was provided and I was able to follow that map for the remainder of my time at Hofstra. Dr. Genevieve Weber was another strong influence. My Internship II class was only scheduled to be myself and two others so we were slated to be paired with the Internship I class. Dr. Weber stepped up and made sure all three of us had our own space and taught the Internship II class. Furthermore, throughout my professional career, I feel as though my training and skills learned during my time at Hofstra has been greater than my co-workers. I frequently am teaching skills and techniques to others when they feel as though they are stuck or struggling with a client.

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the Department of Counseling and Mental Health Professions.
Hofstra’s internship coordinator saw something in me that I never did. I was very set on working with adults in a hospital. I remember the coordinator connecting me with North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center for an interview for a school-based position. I was very hesitant about working with children and families; I went on the interview and fell in love with idea of helping children. After my internship, I was hired at The Guidance Center to do home and community based work with children and families.  Six months into my career, the pandemic hit. I was able to utilize the skills, techniques, and strategies Hofstra prepared me with to transition smoothly to a full time remote job, something no clinician ever thought would happen. I stepped up and became an integral part of my team’s and organization’s transition to remote work; I trained my team members on how to properly use a Telehealth platform as well as created documents that were turned into pdfs for the agency to use. In November of 2021, I was promoted to become the supervisor of the department I worked in for over two years. I currently oversee 7 programs provided by the agency and work to mirror the way Hofstra’s professor taught me to continue to teach others.  Without the support and education provided by Hofstra, I never would have been able to accomplish all I have in the three years since graduating.

What advice would you give to others considering attending Hofstra?
My biggest piece of advice for those looking to become a mental health counselor is to try new things. You never know what is waiting on the other side of the door you may be hesitant to open. Talk to others, go out of your comfort zone, and learn as much as you possibly can no matter where you are in school or career. In addition, education is very important.  The faculty and staff at Hofstra go above and beyond to make sure each student is getting the education and attention they need to be successful. I will always keep in touch with the professors as they were formative in my career path and the way I work with others.