Counseling & Mental Health Counseling Graduate Programs: Student Spotlights

MSED in School Counseling'17

My experience in the Counseling program at Hofstra was a memorable one. Let me tell you something: two years goes by faster than you can ever imagine, so work hard in your classes, join clubs and student organizations, and immerse yourself in all that Hofstra has to offer. One of the best parts of this program is that classes are small and intimate. Professors really take the time to get to know and work with each student individually. Two big pieces of advice I can give to you all is to volunteer and network, network, network! Volunteer at college fairs where you can assist students and families, while also connecting and establishing relationships with counselors and college reps. Volunteer at the school you're interning at whether it's helping out with an after-school homework club or assisting with various school events. I've also found it extremely beneficial to attend conferences pertinent to the field. You learn so much valuable information about relevant topics that you can use during interviews and in your career. These events are also great places to network with fellow counselors, teachers, and administrators.

MSEd in Counseling '12
School Counseling Specialization
Wantagh, New York

Tell us about your path to Hofstra University.
After graduating from Fordham University with a BS in Psychology, I was looking to enter a competitive graduate-level program in counseling with an excellent reputation on Long Island. Hofstra offered both, as well as small class sizes and a faculty with years of real-world experience in the counseling field. The flexible rolling admission process also gave me some extra time to prepare for the GRE without stressing out about deadlines.

How did you pursue a career in Counseling?
After holding a few part-time office jobs, I realized I wanted to enter a field where I could actually make a difference in someone’s life. Growing up, I was always supported by my family and friends. I realized their support helped me get through some really tough times. I decided to study counseling at Hofstra so I could learn the necessary skills to become a supportive individual who helps others.

What are the benefits of joining the Counseling Club?
I became really involved in the Counseling Club. This was a great opportunity to learn about what was going on in the counseling field outside of Hofstra. In my last year at Hofstra, there was an opportunity to apply for a co-President position and take on a leadership role. As a co-President, I helped run meetings, organize a bake sale, and network with various community agencies. These meetings were also a great place to unwind after a long day and hangout with the students in the counseling program. They also have FREE food at all the meetings!

Did you encounter any inspiring faculty at Hofstra?
Dr. Sciarra was someone who I looked up to while at Hofstra. This guy is hardworking, dedicated, and funny. He really challenged us to learn all the material, but was always there to support us when we needed help. With years of experience in the counseling field, Dr. Sciarra was able to provide valuable insight that I will never forget. He was also my faculty advisor who I met with whenever I had questions about the program. Professor Rodahan, my internship seminar professor, also became a valuable mentor in my life. Her positive attitude, warm personality, and depth of knowledge made our seminar an exciting and meaningful experience. She always offered to stay after class and help us however we needed. I can recall multiple times where we worked on interview questions and writing samples. She really helped me improve my interviewing skills.

How did your experience prepare you for your job search?
My experience at Hofstra really helped me prepare for my job search. I received a quality education with multiple opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the counseling field. My internship and practicum experiences gave me the chance to take what I learned in the classroom and apply it to real-life situations. Hofstra’s Career Center also helped us develop our resumes, apply for certification, and search for job openings.

Tell us about your internship experience.
I interned in the guidance department at a high school on Long Island. This was an extremely valuable experience. I was able to learn firsthand what it is like to work with students in a counseling setting. I was able to counsel students in both academic and social development. My on-site internship supervisor was helpful and tried his best to get me involved in a wide range of counseling activities. This experience helped me gain new levels of confidence. Now, when I go on job interviews, I am able to site specific examples from my counseling internship.

How were you able to finance your education at Hofstra? Did you receive any scholarships or assistantships?
In addition to the support of student loans, I was the recipient of the Marie C. Quinn Memorial scholarship award offered through the Nassau Counselors’ Association. This award is given to graduate students who demonstrate high levels of success and dedication in the counseling field. This was helpful in financing my Hofstra education.

What advice would you give to others considering Hofstra Counseling programs?
Definitely stop by and visit the Counseling and Mental Health Professions Department. The faculty is welcoming and would gladly speak with you about the great opportunities Hofstra has to offer. The small class sizes helped me become close with both faculty members and students in my cohort. While at Hofstra, I made a lot of valuable friendships that I will never forget. Take advantage of all the great opportunities Hofstra has to offer. I know all of my experiences helped prepare me for entry into today’s competitive job market.

MSED inCounseling ‘15
North Massapequa, NY

Congratulations on being awarded the Nassau Counselors’ Association 2015 Graduate Student Counselor Education award! Tell us a little bit more about what this means.
Words cannot describe what this means to me. I always try my hardest and do my best to stay humble. To be acknowledged and rewarded for my dedication and efforts throughout graduate school is an unreal feeling. I am really proud of myself and incredibly thankful for being awarded this scholarship.

Tell us about your background, what led you to be interested in the field of Counseling, and what attracted you to Hofstra’s program.
I have always loved talking with people and helping when I can. In high school, I took a psychology 101 class and became enamored with psychology. It was then that I decided I wanted to be a counselor, so I could help people for the rest of my life. I went on to obtain my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Dowling College, with the plan already in mind that I would eventually attend graduate school. I fell in love with Hofstra when I came to the graduate open house and was overcome with this feeling of community amongst the faculty and students. I could not have made a better choice for graduate school.

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the Department of Counseling and Mental Health Professions.
The faculty at Hofstra is incredible. I have never met a group of professors who care more about their students. The professors in this program want you to succeed, and are always there for you when you are seeking advice or assistance. My first semester at Hofstra, I was blessed to have the opportunity to work for Dr. Laurie Johnson, when I was asked to be her graduate assistant. I have learned so much from Dr. Johnson. She is truly inspiring, and I have been so grateful to be working for such a brilliant and prestigious woman.

Tell us about your relevant Practicum and Internship experiences and any other volunteer work you may be taking advantage of.
During my practicum, I worked with two 12-year-old girls. The opportunity to have worked with the age group that I hope to work with in the future was an indescribable feeling. I could not believe the amount of progress I had made with one of the students over the course of the semester. My time in practicum has validated for me that I am undoubtedly in the right profession. This past semester, I also chose to volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. I established such a close bond with my “little” in the program and she made such an impact on me, especially being a counselor in training. This upcoming fall I will begin my internship in Valley Stream. I can’t wait begin!

What are your long-term professional goals and how will the program help you reach them?
Upon graduating with my master’s degree this December, my hope is to become a school counselor in a middle school. I believe that so much development occurs within the school setting for children and adolescents, and I want to be the person that students feel comfortable coming to when they are in need of guidance. In the future, I plan to obtain my Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling, so that I can become a licensed mental health counselor as well. I have no doubt that I will achieve all that I hope to achieve, as Hofstra has helped me a great deal. Through my experience in practicum, counseling club, Chi Sigma Iota, and my position as a graduate assistant, my growth is prominent. I have become more comfortable in the counseling process, and I have gained notable confidence, which I will continue to carry with me on my future job search and whatever I put my mind to.

What is your advice for prospective students looking for a degree in counseling?
My biggest word of advice would be to get involved. Become a member of the Nassau Counselors’ Association and take advantage of Hofstra’s counseling club and Chi Sigma Iota. Being involved in these three organizations has been invaluable. I have made numerous friends who share the same interests and goals as I do, and I have learned so much from my peers as well as professionals in the field. And another word of advice: Don’t forget to stay positive! The field of counseling is a competitive one, but definitely one of the most rewarding.

MA in Mental Health Counseling ‘10
Staten Island, NY

Tell us about your path to Hofstra University.
I was an undergraduate student at Hofstra University from 2002-2006. Upon graduating with my BA in Psychology, I headed into the business world. After two years working in the unrelated insurance industry, I realized it was time to get back to school and work toward my master’s degree in the field I had passion for...mental health counseling. Since my undergrad connections were strongly developed, it was very easy to get reconnected and begin my graduate application.

How did you decide to pursue a career in counseling?
I fell in love with counseling in high school. I had a HS guidance counselor who always was there with helpful advice and a smile. I knew that that job was for me. I am very outgoing, love talking with people, and I especially love helping people.

What opportunities did you take advantage of at Hofstra?
Hofstra always presented me with plenty of opportunities. In my undergraduate years, I was a Resident Assistant as well as a sister of Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority. I had experience working in the Provost's office as well as working in the Student Activities office, so I was fairly acquainted coming in as a graduate student.

I was a member and co-president of Chi Sigma Iota honor society throughout my graduate studies. In my last semester with Chi Sig, my fellow co-presidents and I presented a research study at the AMHCA (American Mental Health Counselors Association) Conference in Boston. We also planned our annual induction ceremony to acknowledge our honor society membership. Additionally, I was a member of the Counseling Club and participated in the many informative events held through the club.

Tell us about your internship experiences.
My internship was at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, NY. This is where I was able to put my tools to work. I worked in a Day Treatment program with a mentally ill population. I ran group sessions, individual sessions and intakes. My supervisor there was more than dedicated to providing me with feedback and insight. This experience really solidified my Hofstra MHC education.

Did you encounter any inspiring faculty at Hofstra?
The MHC grad program has by far the best professors you can ask for! While I was a graduate student, I was the graduate assistant for Dr. Laurie Johnson. She is a wonderful person and even better professor; her lectures always were very interesting and her way of teaching proved itself by the way we all retained the information. Dr. Holly Seirup, who I also had worked with on a research project, is the most approachable, friendly, and knowledgeable woman. I also had several classes with Dr. Genevieve Weber who provided us with a friendly smile and an open door if we ever had any questions on the material. Next I had Dr. Daniel Sciarra, who provided us with great examples during our internship semesters. Overall, the professors in the MHC program are just outstanding. I would not have been half the clinician I was upon graduation without their teaching and guidance.

How were you able to finance your education at Hofstra? Did you receive any scholarships or assistantships?
I was fortunate enough to obtain a graduate assistantship at the Career Center. The Career Center was 100% supportive during my studies as well as provided me with further counseling experience. I worked on special projects as well as held open "quick question" hours where students would come for resume critiques and general job-searching help. This experience truly benefited me financially and professionally.

Have you found mentors among any of the faculty here?
I would say that if I became half of the professional that Dr. Laurie Johnson is, I would be a success. She is an outstanding role model and always pushed us to be our best. I am honored and privileged to have been taught the counseling skill set I have by her.

How has your experience prepared you for your future job search?
Coming out of graduate school, I was fully prepared for my first position in the counseling world. We were given much more "hands-on" experience than any other entry-level coworkers I came across. Our practicum course, as well as our internships, prepared us to the fullest extent for the working world.

What advice would you give to others considering attending Hofstra?
I would tell anyone considering Hofstra's MA in Mental Health Counseling program that there is not a better program out there. I have met plenty of entry level MHC's and they are not nearly as prepared as I was for the field. When I compare courses or experiences with people who had attended other programs, nothing comes close to what Hofstra provided me with.

College Student Development Specialization
Sanford, Texas

Tell us about your path to Hofstra University.
I knew while working as a peer mentor and tutor for College Assistance Migrant Program at West Texas A&M University as an undergraduate student that I wanted to work in higher education. I enjoyed working with the students one-on-one and helping to make a difference in their lives. As I learned more about the field of student affairs, it became clear to me that it was something I wanted to pursue. With my background in psychology and my interest in helping people change and grow, I knew that I wanted to attend a graduate program that was grounded in counseling theory but that also had a focus on college student development. Hofstra’s program gave me both of these.

What was it like moving to New York?
I relocated from Pittsburgh to attend graduate school at Hofstra. I’d been to visit New York City once before moving, but I was still really excited to live so close to the city and to be able to take a train there in less than 45 minutes. I grew up in the Panhandle of Texas, so living so close to such a big city was incredible and a little overwhelming. But living on Long Island first, while attending Hofstra, made it much easier to adjust, and after graduation, I moved to Manhattan!

What made you choose to apply to the MSEd in Counseling?
As I said above, I wanted a program rooted in counseling with a focus on working with college students in particular. College students go through so many changes in the four years they are in school and my goal as a counselor is to help them through those changes. I believed that the best way to prepare myself for that goal was to focus on learning counseling theory and skills.

What student organizations were you a member of at Hofstra?
I was a member of Counseling Club and Chi Sigma Iota and attended their meetings regularly. This helped me to make more connections in the field and also to learn more about it. In my last year of graduate school, I was co-President of Chi Sigma Iota. It was a great leadership experience for me and was something I could proudly talk about in my job interviews and while networking. It also helped to create further connections in the counseling/student affairs field.

Did you encounter any inspiring faculty at Hofstra?
Dr. Johnson is very inspiring to work with. She really knows her stuff and will challenge you as a counselor. She teaches that if you want to be a counselor, you should be a counselor in all things, every day, and learn to really listen to others and show compassion. Learning to really listen to others is easier than it sounds, but a true counselor listens more than talks.

Have you found mentors among any of the faculty here?
I absolutely love Dr. Seirup! She’s an inspiration and has so much valuable experience in higher education. She is very knowledgeable in higher education administration while she herself has a background in counseling, which makes her a wealth of knowledge for those in the College
Student Development specialization. She’s a great professor who encourages discussion and professional development.

Tell us about your internship experiences.
I worked in my dream internship during my last year in the program. I went into the counseling program hoping to ultimately become a career counselor at a college or university, and being able to work as an intern at Hofstra’s Career Center ultimately made this dream a reality. The connections I made and the experience I gained there are what helped me to land my current job as a career counselor. I was able to counsel students individually and in groups on career development as well as develop three large student programs on social media and the job search. The experience I gained there gave me more confidence in my counseling skills and in my abilities as a Career Counselor.

How did your experience prepare you for your job search?
I believe that with my education, internship experience, leadership experience as Chi Sigma Iota co-President, and my graduate assistantship in Residence Life, I was fully prepared for my job search and had many transferable skills within the field of counseling in student affairs. I know that the practicum experience along with my internship at Hofstra’s Career Center really helped to set me apart from other applicants, and I had a job offer before I even graduated! Now I am working as a Career Counselor at LIM College in Manhattan, and I couldn’t be happier!

How were you able to finance your education at Hofstra? Did you receive any scholarships or assistantships?
I was offered a graduate assistantship through the Office of Residential Programs at Hofstra. I had been working in Residence Life at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, and with that experience I became an Assistant Resident Director at Hofstra. I was able to live on campus for free as well as get 18 credits of tuition covered each year. I highly recommend looking at assistantship positions on Hofstra’s website and applying early (early spring through summer).

What advice would you give to others considering attending Hofstra?
Visit the campus and talk to the professors in the counseling department. They all care so much for the students in the program. They will mentor you and guide you along the way so that you become a great counselor before you leave. You will become incredibly close to the people you take classes with as well. If you are truly meant to be a counselor, you won’t regret attending!

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.