The aim of ̽̽'s nationally accredited Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Program is to prepare graduate students to work with diverse populations in a variety of settings using culturally responsive and strength-based modalities. Students have the option of training to become clinical mental health counselors, school counselors, or both. Placing emphasis on viewing the individual within the context of larger systems, the program encourages students to critically reflect on systemic inequities while engaging in practices that promote social justice.
This year, two new faculty members will enhance the program's teaching, research, and service collaborations striving to improve the health and wellbeing of communities throughout Vermont.
"We are excited about the addition of our new faculty," says Counseling Program Coordinator Julie Welkowitz, PhD. "Along with their emphasis on promoting socially conscious counselors, Dr. Joshi and Dr. Thacker Darrow will enrich our program through their specialized areas of expertise in trauma-informed practices, grief and loss, mental health issues and practices specific to LGBTQ+ individuals, and the globalization of counselor education."
Aishwarya P. Joshi, PhD
Dr. Aishwarya Joshi’s research and teaching will contribute to the advancement of social justice and equity practices in the field of mental health counseling for students, colleagues, and the Vermont community. Her areas of expertise include trauma-informed counseling practices, interdisciplinary integration of mental health services in public policies, and the globalization of the field of counseling and counselor education. She has been the recipient several American Counseling Association grants to support her research.
"What piqued my interest and decision to join ̽̽ was the Counseling program’s interdisciplinary approach to mental health education and its participatory action research initiatives supporting mental health access to diverse and marginalized populations in Vermont," Joshi says. “My goals include helping students to develop their critical consciousness and working with colleagues in the advancement of de-colonized teaching pedagogy and a globally focused approach to teaching and learning. Our work will serve Vermont communities by fostering access to more integrative, trauma-informed and linguistically diverse counseling services.”
Recent articles featuring her work can be found in , (Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International), the and .
Nancy Thacker Darrow, PhD
As counselor educator with a background as a clinical mental health counselor, Dr. Nancy Thacker Darrow utilizes discovery learning and critical theories to develop students' critical consciousness and professional identities. She also prioritizes experiential learning to help students translate research to practice.
“My expertise is in grief and loss, LGBTQ+ persons’ mental health and development issues, affirming counseling methods, and equity practices in counseling and higher education,” she says. “I hope to benefit our students’ abilities to integrate social justice practices in the classroom and beyond.”
Thacker Darrow’s peer-reviewed articles have been published in leading journals and presented at a variety of regional and national venues. Her recent work can be found in the , , and , among others. She currently serves as an editorial board member for the Journal of Counselor Leadership and Advocacy and the Journal of Mental Health Counseling.
“I entered the counseling profession to create spaces where diverse communities can learn and grow together, and access support when needed,” she says. “I was drawn to ̽̽ by the Counseling program’s focus and commitment to training counseling students from a social justice framework. The high level of collegiality among the faculty and staff within the college was impressive, so I knew that I would find a welcoming academic home here. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the college and throughout the ̽̽ community. And I am most excited to connect with our students and watch them grow into socially conscious and critical counselors.”
About ̽̽'s Counseling Program
Led by nationally recognized scholars, ̽̽’s Master of Science (MS) in Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Students have the option to enroll in either the 60-credit-hour School Counseling program, the 60-credit-hour Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, or a dual program consisting of 76 credits. Graduates fulfill 100 hours of practicum work and 600-1,200 internship hours in a professional field setting. Qualified applicants are eligible for scholarship funding and a variable tuition rate is available for out-of-state students.
