YSU Counseling Program

YSU Counseling Program

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Learn about student, staff, faculty, and alumni news in the Youngstown State University Counseling Program.

Youngstown State University is located an hour from Cleveland and Pittsburgh. The Counseling Program develops professionals who are committed to empowering children, adolescents, and adults to achieve their full potential. The CACREP accredited masters degree in Counseling has options in a) Clinical Mental Health Counseling, b) School Counseling, c) Addiction Counseling, and d) College Counseling

Operating as usual

07/22/2024

This month’s alumni spotlight is on Daniela Ghizzoni!

Daniela graduated from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track in 2012. She is currently working COMPASS Family and Community Services where she runs the ACT program and is an outpatient counselor. Daniela also works at a growing private agency, Aspire Mental Health, where she supervises clinicians.

Daniela’s favorite memory during her time in the YSU Counseling Program was the connections she made, not only with other students but faculty as well. She shared, “The friends I have, we continue to keep in contact and support each other with all types of things.”

In Daniela’s free time she like to do things with her children and husband, like going to see different things and going on road trips.

Daniela shared, “If I could time travel, it would be back to the 1940s and watching the transformation of women from homemakers to working in factories. Gaining their independence and strength to accomplish great things. The foundation of what women do today.”

07/09/2024

Faculty & Students present at the Association for Humanistic Counseling - 2024 Conference

Congrats to Dr. Victoria Kress, Professor in Counseling, who was the keynote speaker at the 2024 Association for Humanistic Counseling 2024 Conference.

Additional congrats to Gabrielle Chapman, Danielle Chasser, and Emma Forner who co-presented with Dr. Kress on the topic: Utilizing a Strength-Based, Humanistic Assessment Approach When Counseling Those Who Engage in Non-Suicidal Self Injury.

06/19/2024

This month’s Counseling Alumni Spotlight is on Shanelle Toney! Shanelle graduated from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling Tracks in 2013. She is currently working as the Residential Therapeutic Support at Youth Intensive Services, located in Youngstown, Ohio.

Shanelle’s favorite memory during her time in the YSU Counseling Program was being inducted into Chi Sigma Iota the international honor society for counselors.

Shanelle’s favorite quote is, “Real difficulties can be overcome, it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable.”-Theodore N. Vail

Additionally, Shanelle shared some advice for graduating students , “If you’re considering obtaining two professional licenses, pursue them both. Maximize your educational opportunities and go as far as you can. Your future begins today, start now.”

05/17/2024

Open late...thanks to our amazing faculty who spend their summer nights teaching on the corner of Rayen & 5th Avenue 🌙

05/15/2024

Congratulations to the following Counseling Program students were selected as the 2024 scholarship recipients of the Counseling Program scholarship awards.

*Shaiyla Hakeem - Dr. Robert A. DiGiulio Scholarship
*Ronald Haines - Harvey Neal Kretzer Memorial Scholarship
*Dustin Lindeman - Dr. Lawrence DiRusso Scholarship in Counseling
*Nyasia Lewis - Dr. Lawrence DiRusso Scholarship in Counseling
*Aastha Singh - Charles H. Whitman Student Services Graduate Scholarship
*Gwen West - Catherine Wrynn and Kenneth P. Baker Graduate Scholarship

A combined $26,370.37 in scholarship dollars were awarded to the Counseling Program students. Thank you to the generous donors to the YSU Counseling Program who made this possible and to all the students who applied this year!

05/15/2024

May is mental health awareness month! As counselors we advocate for and provide mental healthcare.

Comment below what you are doing this month for your mental health!


NAMI Mahoning Valley

05/11/2024

Mental Health & Wellness Expo. Thanks Kelly Younkins, Clinical Consultant for this wonderful community event!

05/11/2024

Self-care is an important piece of mental health! What are your favorite things that help "fill your cup" each week? 💚

05/08/2024

The month’s alumni spotlight is on R.J. Markowitz!

R.J. graduated from the Counseling Program in 2015 from the College Counseling and Student Affairs Track. He is currently working as the Associate Director of Operations and Events for Kilcawley Center at Youngstown State University.

R.J. shared his favorite memory of the program, ”I think back to how frazzled our cohort was during our final two semesters, we all had a lot on our plates. Each week just vent/tell stories of our week. I remember always feeling relieved when I left that class because I knew wasn’t going through it alone. Dr. Paylo structured the class as part support group and part class. I really looked forward to that class as a relief of the hectic times. I know we all needed and benefitted from that!”

R.J.’s favorite way to treat himself is by getting Hawaiian pizza and having a movie night with his wife Carlye. R.J. also shared his favorite quote, “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly.” – Thomas Paine

05/04/2024

Dr. Dana Davis, Chair of Social Work and Dr. Jake J. Protivnak, Program Director of Counseling, celebrating their graduates at Spring 2024 Commencement 🎓

05/04/2024

Congrats Youngstown State University Counseling Program Graduates - Class of 2024 🎉

05/03/2024

Spring 2024 Counseling Program graduate Beverly VanDyke!

What did you enjoy most about the Counseling Program?
I would have to say the connections I made throughout my time in the Counseling Program. I met a lot of people who have impacted my growth as an individual and motivated me to be better, not only as a counselor but as a human being as well. I learned so much from the faculty and staff that will help me flourish in my career and mold me into a more caring, understanding, and genuine person.

What are your future career plans/goals?
I have accepted a position at a new private practice in the area, Natura Behavioral Health. Within the next year or two, I would like to become certified in EMDR. My ultimate goal, as of now, is to eventually start my own private practice offering a variety of different services for different populations.

05/03/2024

Spring 2024 YSU Counseling Program graduate Amelina Herman!

What did you enjoy most about the Counseling Program?
Most of all, I enjoyed having the opportunities to work closely with the diverse students and help them navigate their academic and personal journeys. I learned and gained a tremendous amount of experiences in various student affairs departments from faculty members and peers since I began my graduate studies. The collaboration with faculty members and peers who share a passion for Student Affairs and Counseling was unforgettable.

What are your future career plans/goals?
This was a second career for me, and my main goal over the last couple years was simply to obtain my master’s degree! From there, I am open to where life takes me. I value being able to work with students and look forward to my future as a Student Affair professional/Counselor in a higher education setting or pursue a career in academic advising, career counseling, and/or develop and implement programs and initiatives that promote student success and well-being.

05/03/2024

Spring 2024 YSU Counseling Program graduate Molly Leonard!

What did you enjoy most about the Counseling Program?
I enjoyed creating amazing relationships with colleagues and faculty throughout my time here. While in the program, I had the opportunity to connect with not only my Student Affairs cohort, but with other students in different tracks. It goes to show how this program treats you like a family. I have learned so much through professional development workshops, through the guidance of the Student Affairs and other counseling professors, through my role as Vice President of SALSA, and through Dr. Bruns’ mentorship. Thank you for all the wonderful opportunities this program has provided me to strengthen my role as a Student Affairs professional.

What are your future career plans/goals?
My career goal is to find a job that is fulfilling within the realm of Higher Education. Throughout my internship experience, I have found that I enjoy one-on-one interactions with students, along with the “behind the scenes” activities of programming. I do not know where the path will lead me, but I know I have an incredible support system to lean back on. I am excited for this new journey, and I feel extra prepared thanks to the Counseling Program, my internship sites and supervisors, and, most of all, Dr. Bruns’ constant support.

05/03/2024

Spring 2024 YSU Counseling Program graduate Veronica Erjavec!

What did you enjoy most about the Counseling Program?
I loved having the opportunity to be surrounded by so many people with different interests, hobbies, identities, and lifestyles, but who still share the same common goal that I do - helping and supporting others. Whether I am working with students who want to be clinical counselors, or school counselors, or higher education professionals, I am consistently supported and challenged by incredible individuals who make me a better person every day. That is all I ever wanted in my career - to educate others, and even more so be educated by others.

What are your future career plans/goals?
I am planning on staying at YSU in my role as a Housing Coordinator with the Office of Housing and Residence Life. I am looking forward to truly enjoying all that my role encompasses and expanding my knowledge even more than I have. I am getting married to my high school sweetheart on May 11th (the Saturday after graduation), so I am looking forward to starting our married life with our two puppies, Marvin and Wilbur.

05/02/2024

Spring 2024 YSU Counseling Program Graduate Lexi Levonyak!

What did you enjoy most about the Counseling Program?
I found immense fulfillment in my journey through the YSU Counseling Program. From the initial application process to now, as I approach graduation, the unwavering support and guidance of the faculty have been integral throughout my journey. Their dedication has not only facilitated my academic growth but also instilled a profound sense of gratitude for the entire experience. I deeply appreciate the connections I’ve made and the self-reflection that I have undergone throughout this process of obtaining my degree.

What are your future career plans/goals?
Currently, I work as a Success Coordinator within YSU’S Office of First-Year Student Services. Following graduation, my intention is to continue supporting the transition of first-year students into the college environment within this capacity. Additionally, I anticipate obtaining my Licensure in School Counseling K-12 upon graduation.

05/02/2024

Spring 2024 YSU Counseling Program Graduate Chaste Chapman!

What did you enjoy most about the Counseling Program?
What I enjoyed most about the Student Affairs Counseling Program was the knowledge and the connections. With knowledge, I was given several opportunities to grow in and out of class, during my internship in the International Programs Office, at the ACPA conference and meeting professionals and picking their brains. With these connections, I was able to meet like-minded individuals with the same mission as me, to serve, care for and love students from all around the world.

What are your future career plans/goals?
I don’t formerly have future career plans because life is unknown, but I know who holds my future and knowing that gives me such faith. My goal in life is to become a “future something.” Something that would bring me such joy.. Something that would make a student smile. Something that would make a student’s life valuable and worth it. I will be humbled in any position.

Photos from YSU Counseling Program's post 05/02/2024

Dr. Jake Protivnak, Counseling Program Director at Youngstown State University, speaking at Youngstown State University Physical Therapy 'Walk with a Doc' at Southern Park Mall for Mental Health Awareness month - advocating to end stigma, engage in treatment, and extend support for individuals in the community. See https://mha.ohio.gov/ for resources.

05/01/2024

Finals week is here!!! Good luck with the remainder of the semester and finals. Remember to give yourself grace and understanding week as you push through. You got this!

05/01/2024

Know what Dylan would tell incoming Counseling Program students!

04/30/2024

Congrats to the 2024 Counseling Program Scholarship Awardees:

*Shaiyla Hakeem - Dr. Robert A. DiGiulio Scholarship
*Ronald Haines - Harvey Neal Kretzer Memorial Scholarship
*Dustin Lindeman - Dr. Lawrence DiRusso Scholarship in Counseling
*Nyasia Lewis - Dr. Lawrence DiRusso Scholarship in Counseling
*Aastha Singh - Charles H. Whitman Student Services Graduate Scholarship
*Gwen West - Catherine Wrynn and Kenneth P. Baker Graduate Scholarship

Thank you to the generous donors to Youngstown State University who made this possible!

Photos from YSU Counseling Program's post 04/29/2024

Counseling students and faculty were recognized that the Annual Student Awards banquet sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, Student Activities, and Student Government Association (SGA) on Thursday, April 25th in Kilcawley Center.

*Jordan Record, College Counseling and Student Affairs program student, received the Edna K. McDonald Cultural Awareness Award recognizing an outstanding individual who has made a lasting contribution to encouraging and increasing awareness of cultural diversity.

*William Horn, Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling program student received the Martin T. "Marty" Manning Award, established by the SGA, is in honor of the late Dr. Marty Manning. The award is in recognition of the superior student mentoring.

*Dr. Jake Protivnak, Professor / Counseling Program Director, received the Libra Award recognizing an outstanding faculty advisor of a registered student organization (Eta Chapter, Chi Sigma Iota).

Photos from YSU Counseling Program's post 04/28/2024

Congrats to the 32 Counseling Program graduate students inducted into Eta Chapter, Chi Sigma Iota on Thursday, April 25th at the 39th Annual Induction Ceremony Youngstown State University. Dr. Louisa Foss Kelly, President of Chi Sigma Iota-International and Professor in Counseling at Southern Connecticut State University was the special guest speaker.

The following students were inducted into the Counseling Honor Society: Lauren Batcho, Danielle Chasser, Olivia Ciminero, William Clark, Jeffrey Cosola, Senecca Fuller, Julia Getsy, Joel Gillespie, Megan Grams, Ara-Leah Hammann, Shaylyn Hawthorne, Amelina Herman, Alexandria Kriech, Dustin Lindeman, Tori Meloni, Macy Metzger, Heaven Miller, Hasim Muhammad, Tayrn Patterson, Jordan Record, Nathan Ritch, Katarina Rodriques, Amber Rothwell, Gabriella Sammarone, Kristin Shelley, Aastha Singh, Karah Taylor, A’Sha Thomas, Ashley Wagner, Adrian Waldron, Shelby Wellington, and Jay Young

Gabby Chapman, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program student, received the Eta Chapter CSI Outstanding Master's Student Award, and Jessica Oates, YSU Counseling Program Alumni (2006) and Owner of Insight Clinical Counseling and Wellness, received the Eta Chapter CSI Outstanding Practitioner Award. The new 2024-2025 Eta Chapter CSI Officers inducted were: President, William Horn; Vice-President, Karah Taylor; Secretary, Danielle Chasser; and Treasurer, Gabby Sammarone.

CSI focuses on increasing the knowledge/skills of Counseling students, recognizing outstanding achievement and advocating for the Counseling Profession. With highly skilled graduates and a strong profession, we can serve the needs of our communities. For more information about Chi Sigma Iota - contact, Eta Chapter President, William Horn [email protected], Chapter Faculty Advisor, Dr. Jake Protivnak at [email protected] or review the CSI website at www.csi-net.org

Photos from YSU Counseling Program's post 04/18/2024

Recruiting future Youngstown State University Counseling Program students from the Cleveland area for the Penguin Pioneer Scholarship.

04/12/2024

This months’s Counseling Program alumni spotlight is on Dom Venetti!

Dom graduated from the Counseling Program in 2008 from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Track. He is currently working as the Director of Family Preservation Services at Cadence Care Network.

Dom shared that his favorite memory from his time in the Counseling Program was getting the opportunity to share ideas with his fellow students and creating timeless bonds.

Dom enjoys spending his free time by creating music and being with his family. If he had to describe Himself in one word it would be “WOAH”.

04/12/2024

Thank you Counselors for your care and work in our communities 🦋

Teal Day highlights the importance of counseling and self-care for counselors as they serve their clients/students, colleagues and the greater public. Teal Day recognizes counselors place in the national mental health conversation and the importance of reducing the stigma related to mental illness. It also challenges people to broaden their understanding of counseling in the prevention and management of mental health concerns.

04/02/2024

Know Y Veronica decided to apply and join the YSU Counseling Program!

04/02/2024

April is Counseling Awareness Month. Thank you to all of the past, current and future counselors and educators in the field. We see you and appreciate all that you do!!!!

Photos from YSU Counseling Program's post 04/01/2024

Last week, the Counseling Students of YSU in CSI, hosted a panel of professionals to discuss and answer questions regarding their experiences in the counseling profession.

Professionals Pictured (left to right): Alex BuCher, Jessica Oates, Daniella Ghizzoni, Gloris Griffin, Carmella Hill, Kristyn Wolf

03/22/2024

Students in the College Counseling and Student Affairs program track (L to R - Chaste Chapman, Veronica Erjavec, Jordan Record, Molly Leonard) attended the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Conference in Chicago celebrating the 100th anniversary of ACPA. Great work by these students to increase their professional knowledge, network with Student Affairs professionals, and represent our strong CACREP-accredited YSU College Counseling & Student Affairs program in the windy city!

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Videos (show all)

Know what Dylan would tell incoming Counseling Program students! #ysucounselingprogram #ysu #knowy #counseling #counseli...
Know Y Nyasia decided to apply to and choose the YSU Counseling Program!                                      #knowy #ys...
Know how Emily has felt supported by faculty and advisors during her time in the Counseling Program.      #knowy #ysu #y...
Know Y Veronica decided to apply and join the YSU Counseling Program!#KNOWY #counseling #YSUcounselingprogram #YSU #coun...
Know what opportunities Sabastian has had during his time in the Counseling Program!
Know how Dylan has made connections in the YSU Counseling Program so far!
Know how Nyasia Lewis has been supported by faculty and staff in the YSU Counseling Program!
Know what opportunities Emily has had in the YSU Counseling Program!
Know why Dylan decided to apply and choose the Counseling Program here at YSU!
Know what the best part of the Counseling Program has been for Veronica!!#counseling #counselors #KNOWY #counselingprogr...
Know Y Sabastian Brown decided to apply and choose YSU’s Counseling Program!Sabastian is studying Clinical Mental Health...
Know what opportunities Nyasia has had since starting in the Counseling Program at YSU!

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Youngstown, OH
44555
Other Campus Buildings in Youngstown (show all)
YSU School of Computer Science, Information & Engineering Technology YSU School of Computer Science, Information & Engineering Technology
339 Meshel Hall
Youngstown, 44555

The School of Computer Science Information and Engineering Technology Stay tuned for updates.

Maag Library Maag Library
One University Plaza
Youngstown, 44555

Williamson College of Business Administration Williamson College of Business Administration
221 N Hazel Street
Youngstown, 44503

Established in 1923, the Williamson College of Business Administration offers both undergraduate and

YSU - MET YSU - MET
1 University Plz Fl 4
Youngstown, 44555

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YSU Kilcawley Center YSU Kilcawley Center
1 University Plaza
Youngstown, 44555

Martin Luther King Elementary Youngstown Martin Luther King Elementary Youngstown
2724 Mariner Ave
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Prek-8th grade school

Y.S.U. Bridges Out of Poverty Student Union Y.S.U. Bridges Out of Poverty Student Union
1 University Plz
Youngstown, 44555

Bridges Out of Poverty Student Union provides resources to inform and empower students to succeed in the Y.S.U. community by increasing lifelong awareness and understanding.

YSU Office of Veterans Affairs YSU Office of Veterans Affairs
633 Wick Avenue
Youngstown, 44502

We work to assist YSU students who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces of the United States of America in attaining their educational goals, and we are continually improving and working toward being a "one-stop" office.

The Academy for Urban Scholars Youngstown The Academy for Urban Scholars Youngstown
3405 Market Street
Youngstown, 44507

Non-traditional High School in Youngstown.

Alpha Psi Omega Eta Phi Chapter Alpha Psi Omega Eta Phi Chapter
547 Wick Avenue
Youngstown, 44503

Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society (ΑΨΩ) is an American recognition honor society for participants in collegiate theatre.