Dr. Ebrahim and three second-year students, Margaret Adams, Aboorva Sivasankaran, and Dominic Collara presented at the Law and Ethics in Counseling Conference hosted by Holy Cross University on January 28, 2026. Dominic and Dr. Ebrahim led a round-table discussion on the ethics regarding a case study he used in Ethics class. Margaret, Aboorva, and Dr. Ebrahim presented on "The Complex Ethics of Intimate Dual Relationships," and compared their case studies on intimate dual relationships. We are proud of you!
Dr. Tracey Lamont, Director of LIM and Associate Professor of Religious Education and Young Adult Ministry, continues to make a national impact through her scholarship and ministry. At the 2026 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, she presented a compelling and timely lecture titled “Beyond Cancel Culture: A Theology of Reconciliation and Forgiveness in Ministry with Young Adults.”
Dr. Hunter and first year student, Blake Erskin, participated in a panel discussion hosted by Loyola's Career Center on "Pathways to a Career in Counseling". Joining them was Morgan Faust, PLPC, a school counselor at Holy Name of Jesus School, and Rebekah Cianci, LPC, BCBA, the director of Crescent City Bloom Consulting. Thank you to Dr. Hunter and Blake for representing the Department of Counseling!
Congratulations to three second-year students, Ellis Sather, Logan Blouin, and Anna Bowlin, for publishing their research paper, “Risk and Resilience in the Red Lights: A Mini-Review on Sex Worker Lived Experiences and Mental Health Outcomes” in Frontiers Public Health. Their article was accepted after having only 20 days to prepare a manuscript for submission. Congratulations to these impressive students!
Congratulations to second year counseling student Ellis Sather for authoring her article, "Persona-mediated dissociation: A new framework for understanding the work/self-split in sex workers", in Frontiers Public Health as a solo author. This theory paper explores the adaptive function of dissociation in sex workers. We are so proud of you, Ellis!
Dr. Francisco Castillo, professor of Pastoral Studies at the Loyola Institute for Ministry at Loyola University New Orleans, presented a workshop at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress in February 2026 titled "Más allá del RICA: La mistagogía como camino de esperanza y formación continua" ("Beyond RCIA: Mystagogy as a Path of Hope and Ongoing Formation").
We’re proud to celebrate Ansel Augustine, a Loyola alumnus whose recent article "On Mardi Gras, Catholics should celebrate the faith and resilience of the New Orleans Black Masking Indians" shines a powerful light on the living culture and faith of New Orleans.
At the annual conference of the Association of Graduate Programs in Ministry, held in Tucson in February 2026, Dr. Emily Jendzejec was named the recipient of the inaugural Pope Francis “Timbro Pastorale” Award for Best Ministry Publication. The newly established award recognizes exemplary scholarship that advances pastoral practice and theological reflection in service to the Church.
As Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, Tom Ryan is helping audiences reflect more deeply on the meaning behind the 40 days of repentance observed by many Christians.
Loyola Institute for Ministry Professor and University Chaplain Dr. Tom Ryan was featured on WWL-TV and WDSU-TV, offering insight on New Orleans’ new archbishop, James Checchio. He also appeared on the Newell Normand Show on WWL Radio to discuss an article he authored on Mardi Gras and spirituality.
Listen to Tom on the Newell Normand Show here.