Graduate School Counseling Students Volunteer at Professional Conference

Six Caldwell University school counseling graduate students volunteered their time to assist with the New Jersey School Counselor Association’s Annual fall conference in Long Branch, N.J. Oct 11-12.  They had the opportunity to meet several professionals and learn about state and national trends in the school counseling profession.

The students who attended are: Ashley Pritchard, Ronieka Thomas, Rachel Shapiro, Melissa Villafane, Jennice Young and Anna Gurevich.

They interacted with Jim Lukach, executive director of NJSCA and Tim Conway- president of NJSCA, who is a site supervisor for Caldwell University.   Lukach said the Caldwell graduate students were an “absolute joy” to have at the conference. “Their enthusiasm and willingness to help out was an inspiration to all in attendance.”

Dr. Diana Wildermuth, assistant professor in psychology and counseling, encourages the students to actively participate in local and national conferences.   “Many counselors and presenters at the conference were impressed with our students’ dedication and how well they represented the university and profession.”

Ashley Pritchard is the Caldwell University Graduate Student Representative for the NJSCA.  She encouraged her peers to join her at the conference. “It was an amazing chance for graduate students to get to know counselors in the field, as well as learn from some of the more well-known names in the field.”