Department of Education and Counseling | |
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Dear alumni, students, colleagues and friends,
Warm greetings from the Department of Education and Counseling!
In this latest edition of our department newsletter, I am delighted to share with you some of the innovative and impactful endeavors our students, alumni and faculty engaged in during the fall 2024 semester. Ours is a vibrant department with students (both undergraduate and graduate) and faculty working collaboratively on research, publications and academic conferences. Co-hosting a University-wide film screening, organizing guest speakers, and participating in the Three Minute Thesis Competition and Social Science Apprenticeship Program are just some of the ways our students and faculty contribute positively to the intellectual life of the University. As you will read, our faculty are also making an impact internationally through conference participation and civic engagement.
This fall semester, we also had the pleasure of hosting the director and teachers of The Children’s School, formerly of Cabrini University. Our department is delighted to welcome the children, parents and teachers from the school to our community, and we look forward to future collaboration! Last August, we also welcomed Colleen McLaughlin, our new senior administrative assistant to the department. A former art teacher, Ms. McLaughlin brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about schools to her work with us at Villanova. She has already contributed so much to our community, including her superb artistic skills!
As we embark on a new calendar year, I wish you and your loved ones the blessings of grace, peace and hope throughout the new year 2025!
With best wishes,
Teresa G. Wojcik, PhD
Associate Professor of Education
Chairperson, Department of Education and Counseling
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Department Welcomes The Children’s School to Villanova
By Christa Bialka, EdD
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The Children’s School, formerly of Cabrini University, has been reaccredited as The Children’s School of Villanova University. Founded on April 7, 1975, The Children’s School is deeply rooted in a child-centered, discovery-based approach to early childhood education. Inspired by the British Infant School model, the school fosters learning through play, and children are encouraged to explore and learn at their own pace. The Children’s School is fully inclusive, and teachers ensure that each child’s unique needs and abilities are supported. The school’s commitment to a team-teaching approach further enriches the learning experience. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a mark of excellence granted to high-quality early learning centers nationwide, The Children’s School also prides itself on its diverse community, reflecting the rich variety of backgrounds and traditions of the families it serves.
On Oct. 29, 2024, members of the Department of Education and Counseling and faculty from The Children’s School convened for a delightful meet and greet on Villanova’s campus. During this session, Nicole Whiteman, director of the Children’s School, shared information about the history of the school and its extensive programming. Teresa G. Wojcik, PhD, department chairperson, presented an overview of the department and highlighted points of praxis between inclusive early childhood education and Education faculty members’ cutting-edge research. Faculty and staff from both institutions had an opportunity to get to know one another and discuss possibilities for collaboration. The department warmly welcomes The Children’s School to Villanova and looks forward to partnering with the school in the very near future!
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Department Welcomes New Administrative Assistant
At the start of the academic year, Colleen McLaughlin joined the Department of Education and Counseling as our new senior administrative assistant. Ms. McLaughlin comes to Villanova from Saint Joseph's Prep, where she served as an administrator. Prior to that, she spent six years as a high school art teacher in Philadelphia. A graduate of the University of the Arts, Ms. McLaughlin earned her bachelor’s degree in Illustration and a master’s in Teaching. “I am excited to join Villanova University and the department, where I look forward to providing support to faculty and assisting students as they pursue their goals of becoming qualified educators and counselors,” she shared. The department is delighted to welcome Ms. McLaughlin to our team!
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Department Co-Hosts Screening of "Banned Together" Film
By Julianna Chen '25 MA
On Oct. 23, 2024, the Villanova community was privileged to host a private pre-release film screening and discussion of "Banned Together." The film and discussion considered book censorship in public schools with an introduction led by Amy Goldman, former president of Radnor Township Board of School Directors and current leader of Educational Leadership Consulting, LLC. The private screening was organized in collaboration with Rachel Skrlac Lo, PhD, Education and Counseling; Julianna Chen '25 MA, current student in the graduate Education program; Glenn Bracey, PhD, Sociology and Criminology; Adrienne Perry, PhD, English; and two educators from local school districts (Sue Dahlstrom, Radnor Township School District and Drew Gingrich, Lower Merion School District).
During an era of book banning and questions about what children should be able to access in school, this film and conversation were incredibly timely and thought-provoking. The film highlights the importance of using your voice and standing up for what you believe. Specifically, it honors youth activism, giving a platform for those directly affected by educational policy decisions. With more than 70 attendees, audience members were encouraged to consider the intersections of literacy and social justice. Book bans overwhelmingly target marginalized communities (e.g., LGBTQ+, underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, and non-traditional families). Schools are precisely the places where we should be celebrating and learning about diverse experiences, moving towards more unity and understanding. Our hope is that students and educators can lead the way in creating a world of understanding and connection.
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All Souls’ Day Ofrenda Honors Deceased Faculty and Friends of the Department | |
In the Catholic tradition, the month of November, and particularly the Feast of All Souls’ Day (November 2), is dedicated to remembering and praying for the souls of deceased loved ones. In Mexican culture, this feast day is commemorated as Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. One of the ways in which the deceased are honored on this day is through the creation of an ofrenda, or altar, featuring photos, favorite foods and mementoes of the faithful departed. As a way of remembering those faculty and friends who contributed so much to the development of our department, an ofrenda with their photos was featured in the department office throughout the month of November. | |
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Investing in Education and Counseling Students
Beverly Kahn, PhD, Memorial Scholarship Supports Counseling Students
The Beverly Kahn, PhD, Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory and work of Beverly Kahn, PhD, a full-time faculty member in the Counseling Program from 1994 to 2009. Dr. Kahn made a lasting impression on her students as an instructor and school counselor. She was described as a renaissance woman with a love of art, dance and music, which she would often integrate into her therapeutic work with children, especially those at risk. The family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Kahn established a scholarship in her name. The scholarship supports graduate Counseling students whose dedication to the counseling profession reflects Dr. Kahn's concern for the underserved and those most in need.
In the fall semester, 33 students received support from the scholarship to subsidize costs associated with practicum, internship and the National Counseling Exam. Recipients are deeply grateful for the support. One student shared, “Thank you very much for the opportunity to receive funding from the Beverly Kahn Scholarship. I am truly grateful that this program has awards like these in place, as they make a significant difference for students.”
Erickson Educator Support Fund Assists Undergraduate Education Majors
The Erickson Educator Support Fund, generously created by Brian and Heidi Erickson, parents of Kyle ’19 VSB and Jenevieve ’22 CLAS, an Education major, provides financial resources to support the Undergraduate Student Teaching Program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students in the program typically incur costs related to student teaching, certification and licensure examinations, among others. The fund facilitates students’ full, successful participation in the Undergraduate Teacher Education program.
Learn more about supporting scholarships for Education and Counseling students.
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Graduate Education Student Excels at Three Minute Thesis Competition
By Jerusha Conner, PhD
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Over the summer, Julianna Chen '25 MA received a Summer Research Fellowship from the Office of Graduate Studies to launch data collection for her thesis, "Can Books be Mirrors for Multiracial Children?" On Nov. 15, Chen participated in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' Three Minute Thesis competition, where she presented preliminary results from her thesis. She spoke eloquently about the lack of characters with multiracial identities in children's literature and the implications for children's racial identity development, drawing on participants' quotes and observations from read-aloud sessions she conducted in partnership with local libraries. Chen set a high bar for the presenters who followed her. | |
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Education Majors Participate in Villanova Social Science Apprenticeship Program | |
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers undergraduate students an opportunity to engage in authentic research experiences through the Villanova Social Science Apprenticeship Program (VSSA). During this five-week, cohort-based summer program, students assist in faculty research projects and participate in a weekly research colloquium designed to help them contextualize their research experiences. Education majors Sanaa Jett ’26 CLAS and Dusy Garcia ’25 CLAS, ’26 MA participated in VSSA in summer 2024. Below, these aspiring educators share the impact the experience had on their growth and development. | |
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Sanaa Jett ’26 CLAS
I worked with Lisa Marco-Bujosa, PhD, and Sarah Hughes ’24 MA on “Incorporating Social Justice in the Geoscience Curriculum.” The main theme of our work was societal and scientific concerns can be addressed simultaneously. Thus, we designed a diversity, equity and inclusion workshop to encourage teachers in reconstructing their classrooms. Our presentation gave multiple perspectives from students who are curious about the science that is all around them, such as climate change. It also included different ways to integrate these social factors into science classes. This project successfully demonstrated the possibilities of getting students more enthusiastic about science, while also challenging traditional science curriculum.
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Dusy Garcia ’25 CLAS, ’26 MA
Over the summer I had the privilege of participating in the VSSA program. I worked alongside Rachel Skrlac Lo, PhD, on the project "From Banned Books to the Science of Reading: A Critical Content Analysis on News Media Coverage of ELA Curriculum and Pedagogy for Elementary Schools.” I am extremely grateful to have participated in research that is not only relevant but also brings attention to our education system. This research has allowed me to further engage in my field of concentration, solidifying my passion for this topic. VSSA has fostered my academic and professional growth, equipping me with the skills and confidence to undertake deeper critical analyses of real-world challenges within our education system.
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Reflecting on Field Experience at The Children’s School
By Abby Thresher '25 CLAS
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I have been so fortunate this fall to be a part of The Children’s School. As an aspiring high school teacher, I did not expect to find myself relishing the few hours a week I spend with my students, ranging from two to five years old, as much as I have. Working with such small classes of six and eight students has shown me the incredible individuality that even the youngest learners bring to the classroom. The teachers at the school have such a wonderful way of tailoring their lessons to meet each child’s needs, and in just a few hours each week, I’ve been able to see their influence firsthand. The children are so kind and full of life, and watching their personalities unfold has been nothing short of heartwarming. Being part of this transition from Cabrini to Villanova, even in a small way, has truly been a joy. It’s been a privilege to be a part of the process while learning so much about children, education and the joy of connecting with young learners.
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Master’s Plus Certification Students Contribute to Career Library at Malvern Prep
By Jennifer Carangi '96 CLAS, '12 MA
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As in previous years, students in our Master’s Plus Teaching Certification program were matched in the fall semester with teachers in their content areas at Malvern Prep to observe and complete field experiences. New for this year, the students had the opportunity to be involved in the Career Library that Malvern Prep is instituting. Thanks to a Connelly Foundation Grant, Malvern Prep purchased our Master’s Plus students a professional book of their choice. The students were asked to contribute their book reviews to the Career Library’s matrix. Each book will be labeled with a QR code, and upon checking it out, patrons can see all book reviews and add their own. This endeavor is being led by the school’s learning development specialist and will build a professional library for their staff and community. | |
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Student PSEA Welcomes Teacher of the Year Finalist
On Dec. 4, the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) had the pleasure of hosting guest speaker Chris Grouzes, founder and president of Advanced Tutoring Network and 2023 National State Teacher of the Year Finalist in Pennsylvania. He shared his unique insights on fostering creativity, rigorous discussion and cultural perspectives in the classroom as he presented, “Stop Trying to Be Right: A First-Person Approach to Cultivating Classroom Culture." With his extensive experience as a coach and educator, Grouzes offered practical strategies to cultivate a supportive and engaging learning environment. He teaches English, public speaking and theatre at his alma mater, Penncrest High School.
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International Presentations and Projects by Faculty in Summer 2024 | |
The summertime provided an opportunity for international collaboration and presentations for several members of our departmental faculty. Stacey Havlik, PhD, Krista Malott, PhD, and Terence Yee, PhD, all took part in the International Association for Counseling Annual Conference held in Naples, Italy. Drs. Havlik and Malott presented “Addressing identity and oppression through group work with first-generation college students,” and Dr. Yee presented “International counselor educators’ experience navigating through the job search and immigration process in the United States.” Chris Schmidt, PhD, co-presented with Jenai Grigg, PhD, on the topic of high conflict divorce and the counselor at the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors Conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Through the nonprofit organization Eagle-Orzel Educational and Cultural Exchange, Inc., Teresa G. Wojcik, PhD, led a staff of six American volunteer teachers and teaching aides as they hosted a two-week English language and American culture camp in Suwałki, Poland. Villanova alumnae Melanie Menkevich '23 MPA and Natasha Skorupski '23 MA served as teachers at the camp. | |
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Edward García Fierros, PhD, Named Inaugural Director of the Center for Inclusive Education
This fall, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences officially launched the Center for Inclusive Education (CIE). The Center provides financial and social support to undergraduate and graduate students from under-resourced backgrounds, allowing them to participate fully in learning that takes place outside the classroom. Edward García Fierros, PhD, has been appointed the inaugural Charles A. Walsh III ’68 Director of the Center for Inclusive Education. We congratulate Dr. Fierros on this new appointment and on his dedication to providing quality learning experiences for all students.
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Recent Faculty Publications, Conference Presentations and Recognitions | |
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Stacey Havlik, PhD, and Krista Malott, PhD, published a new book, School Counselor Resource Series: Skill Building for Postsecondary Success. This publication provides school counselors and educators with practical, research-based strategies for supporting high school students’ transition to college.
Christa Bialka, EdD, recently published “From deficit to difference: Understanding the relationship between K-12 teacher training and disability discussion” in AERA Open as well as “Are teachers talking about disability?: An investigation of factors associated with discussion in PK-12 classrooms” in The International Journal of Disability, Development and Education.
Dana Brookover, PhD, and Amber Haley, PhD, presented “Helping students walk the tightrope in career counseling: Teaching a novel college consulting model” at the North Atlantic Region Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference.
Jerusha Conner, PhD, recently published “How teachers' student voice practices affect student engagement and achievement: Exploring choice, receptivity, and responsiveness to student voice as moderators” in the Journal of Educational Change and “The pedagogical foundations of student voice practices: The role of relationship, differentiation, and choice in supporting student voices practices in high school classrooms” in Teaching and Teacher Education.
Seth Fishman, PhD, was quoted several times over the past few months in Inside Higher Ed and The Chronicle of Higher Education, two leading sources of information on pressing issues facing higher education today. Dr. Fishman appeared in Inside Higher Ed articles discussing extracurricular involvement by college students and the “academic encore” phenomenon, and in the Teaching section of The Chronicle newsletter on Dec 5.
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Amber Haley, PhD, and Teresa G. Wojcik, PhD, co-presented “Addressing mental health in the classroom: Coping skills for students” at the Catholic University School Partnership Conference held at Villanova University in June 2024.
Amber Haley, PhD co-presented with Krista Malott, PhD, at the North Atlantic Region Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference on “Are teaching evaluations broken?: Strategies for reducing bias in teacher feedback.”
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Teresa G. Wojcik, PhD, and Amber Haley, PhD | |
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Lisa Marco-Bujosa, PhD, shared the results of her research in two recent publications: “Transforming STEM instruction through socioscientific issues focused professional development” in the International Journal of New Trends in Education and “'Connecting the dots' for recruiting secondary science teachers in urban schools: An exploration of career choice for undergraduate science majors” in The Urban Review. In November, she co-presented three papers at the annual meeting of the North American Association for Environmental Education.
Rayna Markin, PhD, published “Therapist contribution, client reflective functioning, and alliance rupture-repair: A microprocess case study of psychodynamic therapy for pregnancy after loss” in the journal, Psychotherapy.
Rachel Skrlac Lo, PhD, published the chapter “Bringing children’s play into literacy events: Critical multimodal discourse analysis as a tool for understanding arts-based activities” in Arts-based research across visual media in education: Expanding visual epistemology, Vol. 2.
Edward Wahesh, PhD, recently published “Intolerance of uncertainty dimensions and alcohol problems: The effects of coping motives and heavy drinking” in the Journal of Addiction and Offender Counseling and “Peer feedback exchanged in group supervision: A concept mapping approach” in Counselor Education and Supervision.
Terence Yee, PhD, co-presented with Krista Malott, PhD, at the North Atlantic Region Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference. Their presentation was titled "Decolonial practices in counselor education: An exploration and dialogue."
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In Memoriam: Ernesto Ramirez, PhD
In sadness, the Department shares the news of the passing of Ernesto Ramirez, PhD (“Erny”) on June 7, 2024. Dr. Ramirez was a professor of Education who taught at Villanova University for 36 years.
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Caroline Curnal ’22 CLAS will serve as an assistant women’s lacrosse coach at Notre Dame University.
Megan Galioto '18 CLAS, '19 MA is an English teacher at Oyster Bay High School in Garden City, New York.
Tommy Kennedy ’20 VSB, ’20 MA was instrumental in the May 2024 Pennsylvania Slate Summit conference. Attendees represented over 50 institutions. The day-long event featured 16 presentations, free assistance from expert consultants, and a variety of fantastic networking opportunities.
Connor Kovacs ’20 CLAS, ’22 MA was promoted at Amazon to an account executive II in Large Customer Sales.
Carson Long ’24 MA works at Thomas Jefferson University in the Student Life/Activities office.
Dennis McAndrews, Esq., ’75 CLAS, ’78 JD, founder and managing partner emeritus of McAndrews Law Offices, has been selected as one of the 2024 Top Lawyers by Main Line Today! Attorneys selected were nominated by their colleagues around the Main Line and western suburbs. This list consists of 23 legal categories and honors some of the most well-respected attorneys in the area. McAndrews has been named a 2024 Top Lawyer in the education category. As someone who has extensively practiced special education law for over 40 years, this honor reflects his dedication to this unique and intricate field of law.
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Kate McMahon ’20 CLAS recently returned to Pennsylvania to run in her first marathon. She teaches inclusive education at Needham High School in Massachusetts.
Graciela Petrelli '23 CLAS, '24 MA commenced work as an assistant director of Admission at Villanova University. She represents Villanova in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee.
Oliviah Rachael '24 MA is an academic advisor at Gwynedd Mercy University.
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Majd Subih, PhD, '14 MA, '18 MA published the results of her master’s thesis in an article in the Journal for the Study of Education and Development with co-authors Teresa G. Wojcik, PhD, and Christa Bialka, EdD. The article is “The arts as a tool for identity development: How an arts-integrated writers’ workshop fostered sense of self and agency in disabled students.”
Angela Upright ’22 MA is the coordinator for Student Involvement, Community Service at Penn State-Abington.
Karen Zaino ’12 MA co-published the article “Through the looking glass: The transformative power of reading for youth activists” with Jerusha Conner, PhD, in Youth.
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Alumni of the department are invited to share their news and accomplishments for inclusion in future editions of the Education and Counseling Newsletter. | |
Save the Date
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Honor Society Induction Ceremonies – March 20, 2025 at 4 p.m.
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Cooperating Personnel Appreciation Dinner – May 6, 2025
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Newsletter Editor: Teresa G. Wojcik, PhD | |
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Villanova University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
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