March 2025
Dr. Zachary Bloom and Instructor Madelaine Romito represented NEIU at the 2025 ACA Conference & Expo. They presented a poster titled “The Objectification of Others Scale: Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis in a sample of emerging adults” and made a presentation called “When mind and body collide: OCD, eating disorders, and tics triggered by infection.”
Current CFC student, Tooba Zafar, in collaboration with Dr. Laura Tejada, showcased a poster titled "Exploring South Asian Muslim Women's Lived Experience of Divorce.” The objective of their research was to add to the literature on divorce in the South Asian Muslim community in the US.
CFC Alumni, Aracely Hernandez, and current instructor Jesse Waltz led a workshop titled "Art as a Path to Healing: Using Visual Arts for Grief and Loss.” Attendees gained insights into how visual art can serve as a powerful, non-threatening way to explore complex emotions such as guilt, anger, and resentment during bereavement.
October 2024
The NEIU Counselor Education Department had a strong presence at the North Central Association for Counselor Education & Supervision (NCACES) 2024 Conference! Dr. Zach Bloom, Ismira Dacic, Dr. Hulya Ermis, Dr. Beth Gilfillan, Madelaine Romito, and Dr. Shedeh Tavakoli led presentations and meetings. Additionally, Dr. Beth Gilfillan co-coordinated the conference, Dr. Hulya Ermis was an Emerging Leader Coordinator, and Dr. Diana Gallardo was recognized as a 2023-24 NCACES Emerging Leader!
NEIU MFT student Tooba Zafar has won one of the Minority Fellowship Program scholarships, a collaboration with the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Tooba was selected from a highly competitive slate of applicants for her commitment to serving her community and her diligence as a student. Congratulations, Tooba!
Dr. Beth Gilfillan, along with her co-editor Christopher Tremblay, was awarded the Margaret E. Addis Exceptional Service Award for their contributions to the sixth edition of the Fundamentals of College Admission Counseling and their work to advance the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). They accepted the award at the 2024 NACAC Conference in Los Angeles in late September.
May 2023
Semillas Counseling PLLC held a workshop intended for counselors seeking to deepen their professional identity and further develop their skills in working with couples. The workshop aimed to provide a supportive and enriching environment where counselors can explore their unique strengths, challenges, and areas for growth as they navigate the complexities of couples therapy.
FEBRUARY 2023
- On Feb. 14, School Counseling students took part in Advocacy Day in Springfield, Illinois.
- Alumnus Bill Harrison (M.A. '15 Clinical Mental Health Counseling), published a book, "Making the Low Notes: A Life in Music."
- DJ Watson (M.A. '17 Family Counseling) has been elected to the board of the Illinois Affiliation for Marriage and Family Therapy.
- John Coumbe-Lilley (M.A. '21 Family Counseling) is a co-presenter of a webinar for the Applied Sports Psychology Sports Injury Special Interest Group, titled "Ask the Question: Is Your Athlete Thinking about Suicide?"
- Danielle Fleckenstein (M.A. '21 Family Counseling) has published a book, "Communicating Visually in Pediatrics: A Step-By-Step Tool for Supporting Patients and Caregivers."
- Pam Fullerton (M.A. '18 School Counseling) has published a book, "Distress Tolerance & Mindfulness Tools."
- Paul Welsh (M.A. '09 School Counseling) was elected president-elect of IACAC.
- Three SC students presented at the 2022 IACAC conference.
- Ten SC students attended the ISCA conference.
- Eight SC students attended an Advocacy Day in Springfield, coordinated by IACAC/ISCA.
September 2022
"Magpie Heart" by Leslie Contos, (M.A. '16 Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
