LaToya Anderson Pierce, Ph.D., NCC, '02, is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling, as well as a Cultural Competence Specialist/Consultant for the Office of Behavioral Research and Evaluation at the Arkansas State University. While completing her doctorate at the University of New Orleans, she received the Outstanding Doctoral Student Award for Summer 2005. LaToya also received her B.A. in Psychology from Loyola University in 1999.
Students in the graduate Counseling program recently resurrected Loyola’s chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the international honor society for professional counselors, counselor educators, and students. The organization has been dormant at Loyola University New Orleans since 2005.
The mission of the organization is to promote scholarship, research, professionalism, leadership and excellence in counseling, and to recognize high attainment in the pursuit of academic and clinical excellence in the profession of counseling.
Justin Levitov and Kevin Fall’s most recent textbook, “Translating Theory into Practice: A Student Guide to Counseling Practicum and Internship," published by Waveland Press, is now available. The book offers a comprehensive and practical review of clinical training for students completing practicum and internships in mental health settings. There are now four counseling course-specific texts co-authored by current or recent faculty members in the Department of Counseling.
Stephanie Shorts was recently selected as a Graduate Assistant, as Kevin Foose had to retire his position upon entering Practicum. Stephanie will hold the GA position from the summer 2009 semester, through the 2009-2010 academic year, until she begins Practicum.
Justin Levitov and Ellen Levitov Baxter delivered a paper presentation in Fall 2008 on self-defeating behavior at the annual Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA) Conference in Baton Rouge. The paper presentation was recently selected to be reoffered at next year’s 2009 conference. These s “Best in Show” papers are chosen based upon attendees’ evaluations and offered to a very limited number of presenters.
Stephanie E. Eberts '00, who is studying for her doctorate in Counseling at the University of Georgia, was recently awarded the Vicki E. Bowman Graduate Student Scholarship at the 2009 American Counseling Association Conference.
The Vicki E. Bowman Award honors an outstanding graduate student who is active in the study and practice of group work and who also demonstrates leadership and support roles among fellow graduate students.
Karen Kutchera CC'98, a certified family nurse practicioner, joined the Elsemore Dixfield Center to provide healthcare services in Dixfield, Maine.
Gina Herrera, '95, is a faculty member at the Charity-Delgado School of Nursing in New Orleans.
The Charity School of Nursing, which has been in continuous operation since 1894, offers an associate of science degree in nursing.
Carmen Balthazar '08 was awarded the Regina Mathews Oehmig Award for Excellence in Counseling at the 2009 College of Social Sciences Award Ceremony. Carmen was honored for her enthusiasm for scholarly activities while maintaining a dedication to family, life, and living, and a demonstration of providing service to others with a compassion for and faith in humanity.
Leslie E. Midtbo, M.S. in 2008, is now a full-time doctoral student in the Counselor Education program at the University of New Orleans, and she also works part-time as a counselor at Family Service of Greater New Orleans. Leslie serves on the Executive Board of the Alpha Eta Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota and fully supports the mission of CSI to promote scholarship, research, professionalism, leadership and excellence in counseling.