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NEIU CESA Newsletter Counselor Education Student Association Vol. 6 No. 5

Get Involved! [email protected] / https://facebook.com/groups/NEIUCESA/

Or talk to one of your officers in class…

Leslie Contos – President [email protected]

Nicole Debnar – Vice President (Newsletter Editor) [email protected]

Rachel Sonberg – Secretary [email protected]

Katie Petty – Treasurer [email protected]

In This Issue

Upcoming Events 2 NCRE Spring Conference Report 3 Maya Codina Dude, That Is SO Stashed Up 5 Laura Tejada One Year Down, Two More To Go 7 Nicole Debnar Life in the Post-Grad Lane 9 Elizabeth Rodden CESA Year End Report 11 Leslie Contos

S P R I N G I I 2 0 1 5

CESA NEWSLETTER SPRING II 2015

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Upcoming Conferences June 29 – July 1, 2015: American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Conference, Phoenix, AZ.

September 3-6, 2015: American Marriage & Family Therapy (AMFT) Conference; Austin, Texas.

September 17, 2015: International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP) Conference,

Naperville, IL.

November 11-14, 2015: Illinois Counseling Association (ICA) Conference, Skokie, IL.

March 4-6, 2016: Illinois Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (IAMFT) Conference,

Naperville, IL.

March 31 – April 3, 2016: American Counseling Association Conference; Montreal, Quebec.

Friday, June 26, 2015: NEIU Counselor Ed. Recognition Ceremony for 2015 graduates. 6:00 – 8:30 PM Alumni Hall, NEIU Student Union.

Upcoming CESA Events


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NCRE Spring Conference Report By Maya Codina

This year’s National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) conference theme was

“Broadening Our Horizon Through Collaboration: Opening the Box and Talking.” The keynote speaker,

Dr. Bobbie J Atkins of San Diego State University, summarized this as a theme that “requires us to take a

careful look at who we are as individuals and as a profession. This type of challenge requires open and

honest self-examination and the same for our university, agency, philosophy, teaching pedagogy, research

and partnerships. While on the surface, the challenge seems easy, for most, the tendency is to avoid this

type of scrutiny at all cost.” Both Dr. Atkins and the invited speaker, Dr. Margaret Glenn of West Virginia

University, urged the audience to step outside of the box where we are currently functioning and open our

minds to new possibilities, experiences, attitudes, and more. There was a significant increase in the

number of student attendees, so it seemed fitting to me that this conference emphasized a shift in

perspective as many individuals in the field are retiring and the students present, including us, will be the

future of the field one day!

For me, the highlight of the conference was the keynote address and the invited speaker address.

Both of these presentations set the tone for the conference, which seemed to really open up the attendees

for networking, discussing different ideas and ways to improve the field of rehabilitation and the education

of rehabilitation professionals. One of my favorite sessions was about using mindfulness meditation in

rehabilitation counseling classrooms to enhance focus and attention in graduate courses, which can be

anywhere from 3 to 4 hours in some universities, including NEIU! My other favorite session was

presentation by Dr. Glenn on supervisors’ perceptions of counselor characteristics that lead to effective

and well-balanced practices. This presentation addressed what qualities effective counselors have, based

on the opinions of clinical supervisors in the field. Not only are we responsible as counselors to help our

clients and produce outcomes, but we are also responsible for practicing ethically and taking care of

ourselves.

Overall, I have to say this conference was incredibly informative and useful. I have used multiple

items from the conference in my internship. For example, the Savickas Career Style Interview has been

useful with a client I am seeing who is on the Autism Spectrum. After using this interview from the

conference, I saw a shift in our individual counseling sessions that led to the client developing a new

friendship, as this interview revealed a similar interest he had with another client. Seeing these tools and

resources in action is certainly the most exciting part for me.


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Additional Quotes from NEIU Attendees:

I really enjoyed the conference this year. Each session had several diverse options and every session I

selected was well executed and exactly as described in the session description. My favorites included

the use of mindfulness in supervision/classroom, utilizing Savickas Career Style Interview, and of

course, the key note speaker/opening speaker. - Andy Brower

My experience at the NCRE conference was a fantastic peek into the industry of Rehabilitation

Counseling and through some informative lectures I was able to better understand and articulate how

exactly I want to contribute to the world of Rehabilitation Counseling specific to my skill set and

interests. - Brittan Wood

NCRE Spring 2015 Conference attendees: Maya Codina, Casey Kinsella, Brittan Wood, Kayode Adodo, Eden Novak DeGenova, Andy Brower, Leida Woodham


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Dude, That Is SO Stashed Up: Knitting Together Post-Degree Clinical Specialty Credentials

By Laura Tejada, PhD., LCPC, LMFT, RPT-S

Knitting has been important to me since my grandmother taught me how when I was 4. After

years of knitting, I had a sizeable “stash,” stash being knitting lingo for leftovers from completed

projects, mistaken endeavors, and yes, impulse purchases. In my 30s, I inherited my grandmother’s

stash, and after our combined lifetimes of knitting, it was a quite a heap of yarn. I’ve been committed

to using up our collective stash, and after almost 20 years, I can see the end!

But as yarn was used up, it became harder to find successful combos of yarns and patterns for

what remained. Fortunately, I discovered a framework for working with stash yarn in a book by a

Dutch knitter named Elise Duvekot. Her book showed me that within the structure of an integer

sequence known as the Fibonacci numbers, colors may be mixed at random, whether they ‘match’ or

not. Because the Fibonacci sequence forms the basis of natural shapes, ordering everything from the

shape of seashells to the placement of petals on flowers, our eye sees harmony in any combination of

colors within this sequence. The Fibonacci sequence and Duvekot’s patterns have helped me make two

of my favorite garments out of nothing but rag-tag leftovers. My brain’s logic says these one-of-a-kind

sweaters should be hideous. My eyes tell me they are lovely, as do the compliments of those who see

my ‘stashed-up’ sweaters.


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So what does this have to do with counseling? Here’s what. Recently, I had a conversation with a

counseling student who wants to pursue a post-degree specialty credential. She had exhausted herself

looking for an affordable, quality training program in her chosen area that she could start after graduation.

Such a program is not available to her and she feared that ‘cobbling’ together training from different

workshop and conference sessions outside of a sequenced course of study would result in a lower quality

of training.

It hit me as I was talking to her that most of the professionals I know have ‘cobbled together’ the

training and supervision necessary to earn their post-degree specialty credentials. Once you leave graduate

school, the nice sequenced program of study for your next professional objective usually doesn’t exist.

Post-graduate credentials are typically gained by completing a workshop here, a state conference there,

obtaining supervised practice over multiple years, until finally the pieces are in place and you’ve earned

that clinical specialization.

The secret is that this training and supervision are not gotten willy-nilly. They must be linked

together by the framework set by the credentialing entity for a particular specialty area. This framework is

the Fibonacci sequence for earning post-degree clinical credentials. Information about these requirements

can be found on the websites of the professional associations and organizations issuing these credentials,

and is unique to each specialty area.

Within the specified framework, you obtain training and supervised experience in any combination

that meets the required sequence. The way you complete this credential will not be the same way another

might complete it, meaning that each counselor’s path toward professional specialty credentials is one-of-

a-kind. So, dive into your stash of workshop brochures and checklists gleaned from your search into post-

degree specialty credentials. Build your stash of training and supervision hours. Let the brain say what it

will about cobbling together your next professional achievement. Your eyes will see the harmony of that

hard-earned credential on the wall, and your clients will benefit from your unique combination of training,

experience, and perseverance.

(Photos: Laura Tejada / Model: Laura Tejada)


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When I started the School Counseling track in August, I was concerned that I would not be able

to keep up with the schoolwork, continue to work full-time, and still actively participate in my all-time

favorite hobby, roller derby. In order to receive guidance, I immediately signed up for the Peer

Mentoring program offered by NEIU’s Counselor Education Student Association (CESA), which paired

me up with a student further along in the program. This connection helped immensely. I was able to ask

about classes, exams, conferences, and all sorts of things that helped me get adjusted to the program. As

the year went on, I craved to become more involved in CESA and realized that I would have to make

time to become an active member. And as you may have guessed, that meant giving up roller derby. It

was a very difficult decision to make, but I knew I would be able to return to skating later down the line

when my schedule freed up.

This change allowed me to get more involved on campus and to attend CESA meetings regularly.

I began to write letters for the newsletter, help set up for certain workshops, and assist with the

commencement planning for upcoming counselor graduates. Aside from CESA, I also attended the

Illinois School Counselor Association conference this Spring, which was an enlightening experience. It

was great to see some of the concepts we learned in 410 being put into practice! It really helped solidify

everything for me, which originally seemed daunting in class. Earlier in the year I attended the Teacher’s

for Social Justice Fair, which highlighted the advocacy components that we learned about throughout the

counselor classes here at NEIU. Both experiences inspired me to look for more conferences to attend in

the future and perhaps even present at.

Another adjustment that took some time getting used to was money! Along with starting a new

program, I had started a new job. I’ll give you the quick backstory. Before enrolling at NEIU, I was

working in research and pursuing my PhD, which was paid for. I know what you’re thinking... Who

would leave such a gig? Well, the setup didn’t make me happy, so I opted to switch careers, which meant

taking a pay cut and paying for school out-of-pocket. Everything worked out though! I was fortunate to

get a small tuition reimbursement from my employer AND I was fortunate enough to receive a

scholarship that I had applied to in the Spring! Although it was, and probably will continue to be, hard at

times I was able to adjust and get through it. I intend on applying for a few local and outside scholarships

over summer to help with the costs for the next two years as I finish the program.

One Year Down, Two More To Go By Nicole Debnar


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As the next year moves in, I am starting to brace myself for what’s ahead. For example, those

departmental and licensing exams. Although these obstacles to come seem daunting, I am confident that

the connections I have made here on campus will help provide opportunities and resources that will assist

in preparing for these exams. I look forward to continuing to get involved on campus as well as in

organizations and I am ecstatic to be able to share all these opportunities with you in future newsletters

as Vice President of CESA for the 2015-2016 academic year. Enjoy the summer!


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Life in the Post-Grad Lane By Elizabeth Rodden

There’s no other way to put it - you’ve worked hard. And after spending several weeks

perfecting your group counseling scenario techniques, writing that massive career development theory

paper, passing the NCE (!), and undoubtedly many hours as an indentured servant at your internship site,

you’ve finally earned that graduate degree in counseling. But that is just the beginning of your

counseling career…you’ve put all of this blood, sweat, and tears into the best profession in the world!

And however grueling it may sound to hear that you may have to put in just a bit more, it’s the truth.

The journey towards your dream job does not end when you walk across that stage and shake Dr.

Pistorio’s hand.

While I did just about everything I could to secure myself as a viable candidate during my 3 years

at NEIU, including volunteering, being a CESA officer, and presenting at 3 state-wide conferences, my

job search following graduation was, without a doubt, some of the most difficult, most challenging

months of my adult life. Because we work in such a fantastic profession, very few people want to retire

from it, making it difficult for people like you and me to begin these careers we’ve worked so hard for.

While it took me more months than I would have liked to find a good first position, I do have some tips

that helped me make it through the process:

• Your resume is never complete. Nobody likes updating their resume and as much as you would

like to think it is “perfect”, it’s not. There is ALWAYS room for improvement. So while you are

probably sending your credentials to dozens of potential employers, be sure to look over your

resume at least once a week to see where you can improve. If you have not yet done so, be sure

to meet with a resume expert for advice.

• Network! Nobody likes networking either, even the most outgoing of people! As long as you go

into the process knowing that most everyone is as uncomfortable as you are talking small talk, it

can be a conversation starter in and of itself. Don’t take yourself too seriously at these things; we

are all just people trying to relate to one another…is that so hard especially when that is pretty

much the job we are all so desperately wanting?

• Reach out to old friends. I may know many of you reading this or you may know people who

graduated with me or in previous years. Having said that, we’ve been there (or are still there),

reach out to us! We may have tips or can simply serve as an empathetic ear for you to vent your


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frustrations. Making connections is the easy part. Keeping these connections is the challenge.

However, these colleagues may change your life. I would not have the position I have today had I

not stay connected to a fellow CESA friend from years prior…now I am working with her!

• Have fun! YOU’VE MADE IT. You’re finally here at your dream career. Enjoy the process of

learning more about the field and your potential colleagues. Educate yourself by attending

conferences. Volunteer to keep your counseling skills fresh. And most of all, give yourself a pat

on the back for not taking the easy way out and for fighting for a career that does so much good,

not only for your own psyche, but most importantly for those clients you will serve.

Elizabeth S. Rodden, LPC, NCC is a 2014 graduate of the NEIU School Counseling Program. Elizabeth currently works as

a Program/Student Advisor with the University of Illinois at Chicago and encourages you to reach out and connect with her on

LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/erodden


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Northeastern Illinois University ICA Chapter

Year-end Report, June 2015

*please note that all Counselor Education Student Association (CESA) events are free of charge.

Recurring Events 2014-15 CESA monthly meetings have occurred on September 8th, October 6th, November 3rd, December 1st, January 15th, February 5th, March 5th, April 9th. CESA bi-monthly newsletter contains counseling related articles written by students and faculty, and includes information on upcoming counseling association events, departmental events, and training events in the community. The newsletter has been published this school year on October 15, December 15, February 15, April 15, and June 15th. CESA social media outlets have been maintained and updated. Our website, http://neiucesa.weebly.com; our Student Facebook Page, NEIU Counselor Education Student Association; and our Alumni LinkedIn page NEIU Counselor Education Alumni; have continued to grow, with 185 students on FB (averaging 30 posts and 90 comments monthly) and over 70 alumni on LinkedIn. These online resources provide a platform for information sharing and networking. CESA Peer Mentor Program is a brand new pilot program that provides first year NEIU Counselor Education students a final year internship student as a mentor to answer questions on the program and the profession and build professional identity for both mentor and mentee. 24 students have participated this year.

Fall 2014 One-time Events November 17th a “Resume and Internship Panel Workshop” was held for chapter members. This workshop presented information on how to tailor your resume in the counseling field and for counseling internships. After a brief overview of the internship process, a panel of current interns and alumni answered questions for students preparing for their internship year. December 12th an “End-Of-The-Semester Mixer” was held off campus. This was a social event where students were encouraged to unwind after finals and have a drink or some food with fellow classmates.


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Spring 2015 One-time Events March 29th, CESA Officer Elections for 2015-16. The new slate of officers elected is: President Leslie Contos, Vice-President Nicole Debnar, Treasurer Katherine Petty, and Secretary Rachel Sonberg. They will serve from July 1, 2015 until June 30th 2016. April 1st, CESA partnered with Illinois Association for Play Therapy to provide a free introductory training at NEIU. Dr. Laura Tejada, a registered play therapy supervisor led the interactive training. April 28th, CESA hosted a Licensure Workshop for students to learn about the process involved from taking the NCE exam and graduating, to the various levels of state licensure. NEIU Clinical Coordinator, Dr. Nan Giblin, presented to students on the process of achieving LPC and LCPC licensure. May 1st, an “End-Of-The-Semester Mixer” was held off campus. This was a social event where students were encouraged to unwind after finals and have a drink or some food with fellow classmates.

Summer 2015 One-time Events June 26th , CESA is scheduled to host their annual recognition ceremony for graduating counselor education students. Our alumni speaker will be counselor, author, and teacher, Dr. Julie Milne; and our professional association speaker will be award winning chair of the Inclusion & Access Committee for the National Association of College Admission Counseling, Aliza Gilbert. Graduating students will cross the stage to be given a recognition certificate from our department head, and afterwards, family, friends, students and faculty celebrate with light refreshments, music, and a slideshow of student photos. We hope to continue these resources and events next year, and welcome the opportunity for increased collaboration with ICA and its divisions and chapters. Sincerely, Leslie Contos, 2014-15 CESA President Bill Harrison, 2014-15 CESA Vice-President Katherine Petty, 2014-15 CESA Treasurer Melissa Erickson, 2014-15 CESA Secretary

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