Biography

I completed my Ph.D. in 2003 from the University of Maryland under the mentorship of Charlie Gelso. Since then, I have been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Professional Psychology and Family Therapy at Seton Hall University. My research focuses on advising and mentoring relationships and multicultural topics. I am interested in the intersection of race, ethnicity, and religion in general, and Jewish issues in particular. At Seton Hall, I serve as the Practicum Coordinator for the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program and the Faculty Advisor to the Student Research Committee; I also wrote the Student Research Handbook for our doctoral program. My service to Division 17 began in 2004, when I served as the Catering Co-Chair for the Hospitality Suite Committee. Since then, I have served (a) as the co-chair of the SERD Mentoring Committee (2004-2006), (b) on the Program Committee (2005-2008), and (c) on the Passing the Baton STG (2006-2007). I will be completing my role as Division 17 Hospitality Suite Co-Chair for the 2008 International Counseling Psychology Conference. I have also provided service to my local state psychological association in a variety of roles, including being the current Chair of the Editorial Policy Committee. I am the member of several editorial boards, including the Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, Training and Education in Professional Psychology, Counseling and Values Journal, and Psychology of Religion and Spirituality. Finally, I consult with the NYC Department of Correction regarding the psychological fitness of their correction officers and correction officer candidates.

Statement

I am truly honored to be nominated for Division 17 Secretary. I relish the opportunity to get more involved with the leadership of our profession, as I see counseling psychologists poised in a unique position for the future – one in which we can truly effect change in the society at large. As secretary, I would seek to facilitate communication among SCP members in a timely and accurate fashion. I see this as a critical position since it is important to accurately reflect what happened in a given meeting and to strive for objective reporting. I welcome the opportunity to serve the SCP in this way. In closing, I believe that my strong oral and written communication skills, ability to collaborate with others, and strong work ethic make me an outstanding candidate for the position of secretary. Thank you for your consideration.

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