The Youngstown State University Counseling Program has a 40 year history of producing graduates who have served the area as licensed professional counselors, licensed school counselors, student affairs professionals, professors, agency directors, and public servants. There are over 1500 counseling program alumni. Our program seeks to have strong connections with alumni and updates regarding significant accomplishments of alumni.

If you are an alumni and would like to be put on the e-mail listserv for program updates, send an e-mail to the Counseling Program Coordinator, Dr. Jake Protivnak, jjprotivnak AT ysu DOT edu. Please include your name, e-mail address, year graduated, and program area.  In addition, you may also keep connected, provide support, and consult with alumni by joining the LinkedIn Counseling Program Alumni group at http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/1817415/.  The following individuals were featured in the Counseling Program newsletter "Alumni Spotlight".

Henrique Alvim (Student Affairs Program, 2006 Graduate)

Henrique Alvim is a 2006 graduate of the Higher Education, now called Student Affairs track in the Counseling Program. Henrique is the coordinator of academic support services in the Office of Multicultural Development, working closely with multicultural students at The University of Akron. The three main programs he oversees are: the Interact Learning Community for first-year students, in which he also teaches a section of Student Success Seminar; the Four Phase Advising System, a supplemental advising program for multicultural students; and Peer Mentoring Services, through which 20 upper-class students mentor approximately 200 first-year students each year.  Advising and mentoring students require a great deal of listening and the ability to help them process their thoughts and experiences. Henrique attributes he skill ability to the Student Affairs program’s unique connections with Counseling, which in his view is its biggest strength. It didn’t take long after he took his first job in higher education for him to realize how important that component of the program was. “An attentive ear and an empathic understanding of students’ concerns can really make a difference on their perspective in college and their desire to persist and succeed. Programs and institutions need good administrators. But what people often need the most is someone who is willing to care and listen. The program offered him the opportunity to develop these vital skills.” Henrique makes great efforts to encourage students to align their values with their actions (i.e., what they want to do with what they are willing to do about it). His goal is to see students develop a high level of personal integrity, building congruency between their walk and their talk. The most rewarding part of his career is when students, after a healthy dialogue or a few days after they have worked on something we discussed, display that unique look on their faces as if saying (although he often hears them say it): “I got it!” That moment of clarity and understanding is a precious moment he always looks forward to. It’s what Dr. Manning used to call the “Aha moment.” He is overjoyed every time a student experiences that and is excited when he, as a student, experience that himself. Henrique’s advice to students is that every professional should make a point to become culturally competent, building one’s understanding of various cultures. “Although we can (and should) certainly learn about different cultures in the classroom and through our readings, there’s nothing like learning first-hand about a particular culture from individuals that belong to them. As Student Affairs professionals, we should strive to build relationships with students and colleagues from various backgrounds. This might require us to often step outside of our comfort zone, but it can prove rewarding in the end. In the process we might make mistakes, but we learn from them. Whether through an internship or a simple conversation, it is imperative to challenge yourself to connect with individuals who are different from you. From this rich interaction you will learn a great deal about other cultures while reflecting on the richness of and teaching others about your own.” Henrique is also excited to be working on his Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations of Education at Kent State University, hoping to make this yet another remarkable educational experience.

Suzanne Semivan (Community Counseling Program, 2003 Graduate)

Suzanne Semivan is a 2003 graduate of the Community Counseling Program. She is employed as a college counselor at Thiel College. At Thiel, Suzanne is responsible for all aspects of counseling and related services and programming that the Counseling Center offers to students and the college community.  Thiel has also provided the opportunity to train and supervise counseling interns.  Suzanne believes the rigorous educational instruction and student opportunities at YSU (such as her position as a Graduate Assistant in the Center for Student Progress) helped her prepare to thrive in a variety of settings. Suzanne feels that college counseling is so important because of the developmental processes that are taking place in college students throughout their college career.  “This encompasses every area of development such as mental, intellectual, emotional, social, physical, spiritual and environmental.  As part of an academic institution, the mission of college counseling is to promote a special kind of learning for students that will promotes development of these areas and ease presenting concerns so that they can more easily meet the academic demands that they face. It takes a good clinical generalist, who understands development in early adults, who can identify trends and contemporary issues that impact student life.  Finally, contextual elements such as the needs of a small campus versus a large campus, or the needs of a largely commuting student population versus a residential campus will impact the role and goals of the college counselor.” To Suzanne, being a college counselor brings one face to face with the poignancies of growth and development in students.  “Being allowed into their world to be a part of their evolution into adulthood (or further into adulthood) is exciting!!  Having a view of their milestones and adaptations, as well as the twists-and-turns of college life – with all their challenges – is very rewarding.”  She often feels on a daily basis that she is so very close to human potential as is evidence student’s insights, realizations and questioning that lead them more closely to a recognition of who they are.  In 2006, Suzanne began a doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Akron.  Suzanne’s experience at YSU’s program was personally transformative.  It was what inspired her to enter a doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision, and contributed to the evolution of her identity as a counselor, educator, and as an advocate for the field of counseling.  The opportunities she was afforded reinforced her values of CACREP accredited programs, social justice and counselor advocacy, and program excellence through student engagement and support.  Through her experiences and at YSU, she has developed research interests in the areas of supervision training at the Master’s level, advocacy, group counseling, micro skills training and college counseling.  Suzanne also emphasizes that the continued relationships and mentorship of the YSU faculty - through their commitment to graduates - has supported her through the challenges of a Ph.D. program, as well as her development as a counselor educator and as an individual.  Suzanne’s advice for college counseling students is to search for a variety of experiences related to both counseling and student affairs.  “Doing so will prepare them to understanding the philosophy and structure of those systems, in addition to an awareness of current issues in student services and how they intersect with the field of counseling.  Also, generating contacts with counseling and student affairs professionals may lead to current or future involvements, experiences or resources which will further enrich their skills.” 

Meghan Brown (Community Counseling Program, 2006 Graduate)

Meghan Brown is a 2006 Community Counseling Program graduate works for Meridian Community Care as the program director of The Northeast Ohio Regional Center for Adolescent Treatment (NORCAT), a male adolescent residential facility. Meghan believes that the YSU Counseling Program prepared her for the position by providing a variety of courses in the counseling track (i.e., chemical dependency counseling, diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents). Meghan had committed to serving the Youngstown area that has been repeatedly damaged by hard economic times, with little opportunity for rebound, the issues of addiction, crime, poverty, poor mental health, and unemployment are facts.  “Everyday people are losing jobs, becoming increasingly depressed, addicted and turning to alternate, possibly illegal, sources for income.” Meghan has stated that it is through mental health treatment, addictions counseling, jobs and family services and other programs of assistance, that everyday people are working to become well, employed, addiction free, and self-sufficient individuals.  “It is through counseling and treatment that people, who were once unable to function at their best, are now able to contribute to a solution for the city of Youngstown and surrounding areas.” One of the hardest parts of her job is knowing that clients have a disease that kills . “With continued use, clients will end up in jails, institutions or dead.” It is a reality that she, and many of her co-workers, have faced a number of times. “It never gets any easier.” However, it is rewarding for Meghan to see a client do well. “Whether it is one of her clients, or a client who worked with a co-worker, there is nothing better than hearing about, or seeing a client obtain their goals. To hear that a life has been changed for the better as a result of the services provided brings about an overwhelming sense of pride.” Meghan’s advice for counseling students is to get involved and stay involved. “Professional organizational involvement is extremely important and have tremendous value in developing who you are as a student and professional.  Also, do not forget to take care of yourself. Maintain a personal interest or hobby. You owe it to yourself and future clients to stay healthy.”

Rick Smrek (School Counseling Program, 1989 Graduate)

Rick Smrek is a 1989 School Counseling Program graduate and currently works at Boardman High School. Rick loved his graduate school experience. The program at YSU is so comprehensive that every facet of what Rick does in his job was set on a strong foundation. He also states that YSU grads have an advantage in the interview process because there is so much more to discuss when they interview for a new job.   While at YSU, Rick worked as a graduate assistant in the Assistant Dean’s Office where he got to work with some of the finest professionals in the School of Education.  He found the counseling courses very interesting, the professors were outstanding and he met a lot of terrific people in his classes.   Rick honestly believes there is no better place to get a degree in counseling. The professors were so passionate about counseling that they really made an impression on him.   “So many of those fine people are no longer on staff, but the people who replaced them have that same passion and I am continued to be impressed with the quality people the program employs.” Rick’s advice for counseling students is to never underestimate the impact you can have on a student’s life. “It may not be until years later that you even find out. There is so much a school counselor can do to help meet the needs of the students and the district.  Be proactive.   Finally, do not miss the opportunity to do research; there are so many ways a school counselor can advance the field for the good of others and the profession.” 

Tysa Egleton (Student Affairs Program, 2004 Graduate)
Tysa Egleton is employed as the Assistant Director, Marion G. Resch Center for Student Progress Orientation Services. She attained both of her degrees from Youngstown State University. In 2002, she completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, specializing in advertising and public relations, and in 2004 she graduated with a Master of Science in Education in Counseling (specializing in Higher Education). Regarding her time in the YSU program, Tysa stated, “It was a great experience. I enjoyed the faculty mentorship the program provided and the opportunities for practical application that were available at YSU.” She shared some memories of time in the program, “My fondest memories all revolve around the experiences I shared with my cohort. We took the theories from our classrooms and applied them outside of the classroom together. We not only took classes together, but we presented at conferences, started a student organization, and completed our practicum experiences and internships at similar institutions. I believe that I had a truly holistic graduate experience because of my peer’s support, communication, and teamwork.” Tysa reported what shaped her experience in the YSU program, “I think my practicum experiences at YSU and Thiel College, as well as my internship at Mount Union College were my biggest influences during graduate school. They not only gave me opportunities to see theory to practice, but they also shaped and defined my pathway from student to professional.

After I reflected on my graduate experiences, I was able to see clearly that orientation and transition programming were the areas in which I would begin my career.” Tysa believed that the program equipped her for current career, “I feel the program prepared me for this position by giving me a basis of theory and application, a need for assessment, and the avenues for life-long learning.” Tysa provided advice for current Counseling Program students, “For those students that are just beginning the program, diversify your practicum and internship experiences. Seek out opportunities at other institutions! I simply contacted staff at Mount Union College in the departments I was interested in and the rest is history. I give this piece of advice because when I was interviewing at ACPA/NASPA, employers consistently remarked on my wide-range of student affairs experience and how that moved my resume to their “we should interview” pile.”

Paul Bolino (Community Counseling, 2000 Graduate)
Paul Bolino is employed as the Director of Coleman Behavioral Health in Trumbull County, and has worked in a supervisory position since the fall of 2006. He manages the prescreening team that operates the LifeLines Access Center in Warren, Ohio. They complete emergency mental health evaluations in the local hospitals and within the Access Center, and also perform various other focused clinical services in the community. Paul completed his undergraduate education at The Ohio State University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. His intention at the time was to enter law school, but eventually he came to find that a career in law was definitely not for him, he knew he wanted to work in some form of public service, so he began to explore options that would allow him to somehow serve the community. He has a family member who is in the mental health field, and through that exposure, found counseling to be an exciting and interesting career that contained this element of serving the public. The graduate program at YSU was not only close to home, but it also seemed like a good fit academically.

Paul reflected upon his experience in the YSU Counseling Program: “The Counseling Program provided a solid foundation for my career as a professional clinical counselor. I learned the basics of theory and practice, and the academic environment fostered critical thinking. When I graduated the program in August of 2000, I was then motivated to put what I had learned into everyday clinical practice. Further, the program inspired me to gain as much experience as possible, and that varied professional experience eventually led me to my current supervisory/administrative position. The most influential aspect of my graduate school experience was working with my advisor, Dr. JoLynn Carney. Sometimes in life you just meet the right people at the right time, and I was fortunate to have met her at the very beginning of my time at YSU. Dr. Carney was encouraging, thoughtful, challenging, motivating, and most of all, understanding.

Beyond the world of academics, Dr. Carney served as a great model of how to conduct myself as a professional counselor. There were numerous students that I attended school with that became respected mental health professionals in this community. I now work with several of these clinicians today, and I was proud to be a part of what I viewed as a very successful class. I also valued the opportunity to get to know several of my instructors, and those interactions proved to be valuable learning experiences. Those conversations elicited advice that served to form the building blocks for many of my career goals. I felt that the professors challenged me not only to sharpen my skills, but also to learn and grow as a person.” Paul’s advice to current students: “Learn as much as you can about the behavioral health continuum of care, because knowledge of systems is a valued commodity in our field. Force yourself to continually develop as a counselor and avoid complacency. I have been exposed to clinicians that are set in their ways and who are resistant to change, and those are not professionals to whom I would refer others for treatment. Take advantage of your time in graduate school, study your DSM, and make sure to network in the community where you plan to practice. Developing and maintaining working relationships with other professionals is invaluable.” For more information on Coleman Professional Services visit www.coleman-bh.com

JoLynn Carney (Community Counseling, 1994 Graduate)
JoLynn Carney, Associate Professor of Counselor Education at Penn State University completed her master’s degree program in counseling from YSU in 1994. She completed her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Ohio University in 1997. Her research specializes in youth violence, school violence, peer on peer abuse, and adolescent suicide. She was a core faculty in the counseling program at YSU from 1996-2004.

Jamie Carney (Community Counseling, 1987 Graduate)
Jamie Carney, Professor in the Department of Counselor Education, Counseling Psychology, and School Psychology at Auburn University completed both her bachelor’s degree program in psychology and her master’s degree program from Youngstown State University. She graduated with her masters’ degree in counseling from YSU in 1987 and completed her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Ohio University in 1990. Her research specializes in evaluating methods of counselor education, attitudinal research and training; and a primary focus on persons with AIDS and persons with disabilities. Her professional service includes serving as President of Chi Sigma Iota International (CSI) and also the Alabama Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. She has also served as faculty advisor for the Chi Sigma Iota chapter at Auburn University.

Elliot Ingersoll (Community Counseling, 1987 Graduate)
Elliot Ingersoll, Professor of Counseling, Administration, Supervision, and Adult Learning (CASAL) at Cleveland State University also completed both his bachelor’s degree program in psychology and his master’s degree program from YSU. Ingersoll graduated with his master’s degree in counseling from YSU in 1987 and completed his doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Kent State University in 1995. His research specializes in religious and spiritual issues, mood disorders, and substance abuse. His professional service includes serving as President-Elect of Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values (ASERVIC) at the state and national level.