In Focus: Steven Sanfilippo
How did you decide upon a career in Rehabilitation/Mental Health Counseling and what led you to be interested in Hofstra's program?
I decided upon a career in Rehabilitation/Mental Health Counseling because I wanted to help people in need. I have always wanted to become a therapist. I knew I wanted to continue my education at some point in the future and did some research on programs. When I came to the realization that I was on a career path I wanted to change, I went back and looked at the material I had collected a few years earlier. A brochure for the Rehabilitation Counseling in Mental Health program at Hofstra happened to be among the materials I had collected. Upon seeing the brochure I recalled a conversation I had regarding the program while attending an open house a few years earlier. At that point I researched the program further and reached out to arrange a meeting with a program representative. After all of my research I realized that the program offered a practical career path fitting my interests. I decided to apply for and enroll in the program.
What would you want to let someone who is considering the program know?
I would want to let them know that it is a great program that treats each student as an individual, educating each based upon his or her needs and abilities. Students in this program are more than just a number.
What did you like most about the program at Hofstra? What would you consider to be the highlight of your time in the program?
I liked the size of the program the most. The small class sizes encouraged strong relationships among the students and faculty. These relationships created an environment that was conducive to learning. I feel strongly that the greatest asset of the program is the dedication of the faculty and staff.
Tell us about your practicum and internship experiences.
I did my practicum at FEGS where I completed 250 hours (100 hours required) at this site. I was truly thrown into the work and gained some good experience working at this site. I did my internship at Outreach in Richmond Hill where my supervisor was quite good and served as a strong mentor for me.
Tell us about the RC Student Association.
The RC Student Association brought guest speakers from the field to speak with students in the program. As a member, I was able to hear from some spectacular speakers from whom I learned a lot.
How has the training and degree you received from Hofstra benefitted you?
The degree has significantly increased the compensation I receive from my job by qualifying me for professional positions. The knowledge has given me the confidence to advocate for my clients and to improve the services they receive from me. My participation in the program has also allowed me to wear many hats at my job, including Vocational Rehabilitation Therapist, Intake Coordinator for the IPRT Program and Psychiatric Rehabilitation Therapist all at once.
How did you finance your degree?
I financed my degree through a combination of a Rehabilitation Counseling Grant I received and student loans.
