Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Counseling Students
Can you imagine
Get to know these students!
Doctoral Student Profiles:
Third Year Cohort (2007-2010)
Erin Binkley, Ann McCaughan,
Brandon Wilde, Shawn Parmanand
Erin Binkley
Hello and welcome to the ISU Department of Counseling! I am Erin, a third-year doctoral student from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Although leaving the east coast and all my family and friends was difficult, the faculty, staff, and students here at ISU have really helped me feel at home in Pocatello and I am quite enjoying my time out here in the west. After working as a banker for nearly five years, I switched careers completely and entered the field of counseling. I got my Master of Arts in Counseling from Wake Forest University, where I obtained a K-12 counseling certification and worked with at-risk adolescents. I currently work part-time at an agency that serves victims of domestic violence. My academic interests are assessment, supervision, group work, and school counseling. I would love to talk to you about any questions you may have; feel free to contact me by email anytime! 9/2009
Ann McCaughan
Hello and welcome! I'm Ann McCaughan, a third-year doctoral student in the counseling program. Previous to entering the doctoral program at ISU I completed my master's degree at ISU, and my bachelor's degree at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. My move to Idaho for graduate school has been a rewarding experience, both personally and professionally, and I have truly come to call Pocatello home.
The counseling program at ISU has a lot to offer students both at the master's and doctoral levels. As a master's student, you have the unique opportunity to be part of a large cohort, offering unparalleled support as you move through the program. Local internship opportunities abound, and the faculty are accessible and supportive across the duration of the program. The majority of courses are delivered in the department, which adds to the close-knit nature of the program.
Doctoral programs are centered around the cohort model as well, though on a much smaller scale. As our degree name suggests, the focus of our training is on education and supervision, building upon the clinical experiences acquired at the master's level. The opportunities to teach and supervise during enrollment in the doctoral program are countless, and the academic coursework taken at the doctoral level complements both teaching and supervision as well. The program is structured and time-limited, and I think this results in clear expectations regarding program of study and a professional development timeline. I have found the close relationships with my cohort and the faculty to be extremely rewarding.
My areas of interest in the counseling and counselor education/supervision fields include cultural issues, group counseling, human development, and trainee/counselor development to name a few. I have worked at various locations around the ISU campus doing career, personal and student development counseling. If you have questions specific to any of these areas at the master's or doctoral level, or more general questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
For those individuals considering relocation, Pocatello has been an excellent community to attend graduate school in. The community has been welcoming and there are tons of outdoor opportunities spanning all seasons. The University has entertainment and other pasttimes to offer, and larger cities are just a couple of hours away offering additional entertainment and shopping opportunities. 9/2009
Shawn Parmanand
Hello and welcome to the Department of Counseling's doctoral webpage here at Idaho State University. I am both excited and sad that this is my last year of doctoral study. I received my Master of Counseling degree in Marital, Family, and Couple Counseling from Idaho State University. I have spent five wonderful years here, and with the help of supportive faculty and a nurturing learning environment, I have learned a great deal about the profession as well as my own personhood. I also am appreciative of my wife and son Ariah who have been supportive of my journey. If you are looking for a challenging and growth promoting experience, ISU is the place for you. My research interests include parent education, creativity in group work, transparency and humanness in pedagogy and supervision, religion and spirituality in counseling, and the use of humor in mentoring, teaching, counseling and supervision. If you have any questions about the program, feel free to contact me. 9/2009
Brandon Wilde
Hello everyone. My name is Brandon Wilde and I am a third year doctoral candidate. After two years of doctoral studies and numerous valuable experiences, I am confident that ISU ensures that preparing counselor educators is at the top of their list. Having graduated with an M.S. degree in Counseling from UNLV, I am excited to continue my graduate studies in a strong CACREP accredited program. Because of this accreditation, the faculty is dedicated to promoting the counseling profession and instilling in students and counseling professionals the importance of professional identity.
While I have been at ISU I have been able to expand on my knowledge of counselor education pedagogy, clinical supervision, mental health and wellness, counseling with couples and families, and research using quantitative methods and qualitative inquiry. My dissertation research is focusing on the phenomenology of new counselor educators developing a research agenda. I am also an active member of several counseling related professional organizations, which affords me several opportunities to meet people at state, regional and national conferences and share research ideas and gain invaluable experience as a counselor educator and supervisor.
On a personal level, I enjoy the time I can spend with my family. Doctoral study at ISU is rigorous and time consuming, but I am grateful that my wife and two sons are so supportive. I also like to do anything outside. Pocatello is a great place to live and is so close to so many beautiful national parks and local trails to explore. If you have any questions about the counseling profession as a master's or doctoral student, please don't hesitate to contact me. 9/2009
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Second Year Cohort (2008-2011)
Cyndia Glorfield (Boise), Addy Wissel (Boise), Chaka Ward, Michael Mariska, Miranda Lewis, Lewis Hatcher
Cyndia Glorfield
Greetings from Boise, Idaho! I am Cyndia Glorfield and I have the wonderful and unique privilege of being a member of
the first doctoral group at the Boise/Meridian campus. I waited a long time for this opportunity and I am absolutely loving it!
I received my Master of Counseling degree from ISU (here in Boise) with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Counseling. I
have five amazing children and have found Idaho to be a great place to raise them. I enjoy outdoor activities, sports,
reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Since earning my Master of Counseling degree my counseling experience includes drug and alcohol counseling, marriage
and family counseling as well as work with sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, and grief. This semester begins my 4th year
of teaching a couple of classes at BSU in their substance abuse minor program. My interests include grief, ethics,
marriage and family counseling and diagnosis, substance abuse and . . . . . well, quite honestly the list is long.
I am looking forward to the next two years and I am even a bit excited to write that dissertation! This Ph.D program is one of the best in the country and I am pleased and honored to be a part of it. The faculty and the individuals in my cohort are the best! Please feel free to contact me to talk about the program and/or Boise! 9/2008
Lewis Hatcher
I worked for a woman, she wasn't mean--but she had a twelve-room house to clean. Had to get breakfast dinner, and supper, too---then take care of her children when I got through. Wash, iron, and scrub, walk the dog around--it was too much, nearly broke me down. I said, Madam, can it be you trying to make a pack-horse out of me? She opened her mouth. She cried, oh, no! You know, Alberta, I love you so! I said, Madam, that may be true--but I'll be dogged if I love you! -Langston Hughes "Madam and Her Madam"
Greetings, my name is Lewis Hatcher, and I am a second year doctoral student in the Department of Counseling at Idaho State University. I originally became interested in the field of counseling working part-time in a community agency while simultaneously functioning as a manager in a direct marketing firm. Once I realized my part-time work with children was more fulfilling than my full-time job, I knew that I needed to change my profession. I then completed a master's degree at Wake Forest University and obtained K-12 counseling certification in the State of North Carolina. This experience helped me realize a joy I had for teaching as well as for counseling. As a result, I chose to trade the east coast for Idaho. Though I miss it and sometimes wonder about the amount of work I have to, I do not regret the decision, and have appreciated the support I am finding at ISU.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the program, the field of counseling, about my experience of moving to Idaho, or want to comment on the poem I chose. Take care. 9/2009
Miranda Lewis
Welcome to ISU's Department of Counseling's homepage! Thanks for stopping by! As a second-year doctoral student, things have been a whirlwind! After completing Gonzaga University's Master of Arts in Community Counseling program, I packed up camp and moved from Spokane, WA, which has been my home since birth. Moving to Pocatello has been an adjustment, but since the counseling program comes with a built-in support system, I have gotten into the swing of things quickly.
The students and faculty at ISU were helpful and welcoming, as I started my three-year journey to a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Counseling. I look forward to learning and experiencing what the Department of Counseling has to offer, while developing my own style of supervision and education.
Please do not hesitate to email me with any questions you may have about the program. Have a great day! 9/2009
Michael Mariska
Hello! My name is Mike Mariska, and I am a second year Ph.D. student in the Department of Counseling at Idaho State University. My wife and I greatly enjoyed our first year here in Pocatello, with its beautiful scenery and climate, and can scarcely believe that a year has already gone by! I graduated from my master's program in Community Counseling at Southern Connecticut State University in the spring of 2007, where I studied college student mental health and multicultural issues in counseling. Previous to coming here, I spent a year as a Career Counselor at Colby College. My current research interests include supervision, counselor development, nonverbal communication, and metaphor in counseling.
I feel, after spending a year here, that although this may be one of the most challenging things I've ever done, this is really where I belong. The program has supported me in further developing the skills I already have, while at the same time encouraging personal and professional growth in areas I'd never even considered. I am both excited, and honored, to be able to spend another two years learning. I would be happy to talk about my experience here or the program itself, so please feel free to contact me! 8/2009
Chaka Ward
Hi! Welcome to the Department of Counseling at ISU. I'm Chaka, a second-year doctoral student from Ray City, GA. Moving to Pocatello was one of the craziest and best moves I have ever made. Everyone is extremely inviting and helpful, both academically and socially. Our cohort is developing unique lasting relationships; Rock Band definitely helps us through this process. Thus far, my biggest obstacle is trying to replicate my grandmother's meals. I must admit, in the past month I've eaten more Mexican food than I have in my entire life. Though I'm further away from home than I planned to be, ISU is gradually becoming a home away from home. Thanks to my faith and the ear of Alan Green, Ph.D., I'm learning to enjoy life's journey.
History and Research Interests: I received my Master of Science degree in Clinical Community Counseling from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. My clinical experience includes working with underprivileged adolescents on multidisciplinary treatment teams in public Hello! 9/2009
Addy Wissell
Greetings! My name is Addy Wissel. I am excited to be a part of the first cohort of doctoral students at the ISU-Boise campus. I am an Idaho native and love living here. It is a great place to raise a family; I spend most of my extra time running around and exploring with my 3 year-old son.
I have master's degrees in both criminal justice and counseling. In addition, I have an Ed.S. degree in school psychology. After working as both school counselor and school psychologist in the public school system, I found myself wanting to continue my education. I was sold on ISU's program the moment I visited campus. The faculty is invested in preparing counselor educators, while being mindful of individual needs and strengths. Everyone has been incredibly supportive during my transition from working professional to doc student. My interest areas include: human development, multicultural awareness, diagnosis, and policy. f you have questions, email me! 9/2008
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First Year Cohort (2009-2012)
Amanda Minor, Steve Moody
Rebecca Pender, Melanie Person (Boise)
Rebecca Tadlock
Amanda Minor
Hi! Welcome to our webpage. I’m Amanda, one of the new doc students this year at Idaho State’s Pocatello campus. In this new phase of my life I am so excited about all of the things that not only ISU offers, but also the west coast. I feel honored to be a part of the Counseling Department’s doctoral program, with it’s amazing reputation, diverse faculty, and cohort model. The combination of kindness, wittiness, and expectation from everyone here has been so helpful. I truly appreciate the camaraderie I already feel with the doctoral students. They had some pretty big shoes to fill. Did I mention all the beautiful nature that is within driving distance?
Professionally, I am coming from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale’s Couple and Family Master’s program. The next year is going to be an interesting transition from being a counselor to being a counselor educator, but I cannot think of a place where I would rather be doing it than ISU (despite the cold weather). My interests at SIUC included family and society systems, the emotional aspects of “invisible” chronic illness, and wellness. I also played an active role in Chi Sigma Iota’s Delta Chapter and truly enjoyed attending various conferences. To balance out academics, I love live music, vegetables, traveling, finding connections with people, and laughing, among other things.
If you have questions about my experience, or the doc program in general, please feel free to contact me. Please use the doctoral students as a resource---that is one of the things we are here for! 9/2009
Steve Moody
Welcome to Idaho State University’s Department of Counseling. I hope you will be able to find the information you are looking for as you review our website. My name is Steve Moody and I am a first year doctoral student. I graduated from this program with my Master of Counseling degree in 2007 and have been practicing at a mental health clinic over the past couple of years. The past two years have been very busy for me as I balanced my counseling work with an engineering career and continue to spend time being a husband and a dad. My desire to teach along with my enjoyment of counseling has brought me back to ISU to complete my PhD. My future plans are to teach counseling at the university level.
I plan to focus on mental health counseling throughout my doctoral work as my area of emphasis in the master's program was marital, couple, and family counseling. I look forward to expanding my skills and knowledge of mental health work, while maintaining a firm foundational knowledge of systems and relationships. My professional interests include spirituality in counseling and counselor education along with group work. My personal interests revolve around spending time with my family in the great Idaho outdoors. Please feel free to send me an e-mail if you have any questions regarding this program and I will do my best to answer your questions. 9/2009
Rebecca Pender
Hi! Welcome to ISU’s Department of Counseling homepage. My name is Rebecca Pender and I’m a first year doctoral student. I moved here in August from a very small town in southern Illinois. I completed my Master of Science in Education degree in 2008 from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a specialization in Couple and Family Counseling. This past year I worked in a community agency providing individual, couple and group counseling services. I ran the Family Violence Intervention Program, which is a court ordered group therapy program for men and women who have been convicted of committing domestic violence. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois and I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor. My research interests include group work, the reflecting team process, and multicultural work in relation to couple and family counseling.
Moving to Idaho has certainly been a challenge. While it was difficult to leave family and friends from home, it was humbling to find a new family within the department and my cohort here in Idaho. While the semester is just kicking into gear, it is sure to be a challenging, rewarding and life changing experience. This Ph.D. program is one of the best in the country and I am truly honored to be part of this experience.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions as you continue to look through the department website. I look forward to hearing from you. 9/2009
Melanie Person
Hey, my name is Melanie Person and I have been offered the rewarding experience of working toward my doctorate in counseling education through Idaho State University. It has been an exciting experience to start to get an idea of my future development as a counselor educator. It is also exciting to hear how respected this program is and how much they ensure you are prepared to teach upon graduation. I received my Master of Counseling degree (Mental Health Counseling major) from ISU and have been providing counseling services to individuals with chronic mental illness through a community mental health program. My experience obtaining my master's degree from ISU was amazing and I entered the field feeling very competent in my knowledge and training as a counselor. The professors in this department are extremely supportive and helpful, as well as very knowledgeable in the research and direction of the field. Therefore, I decided to return for my doctorate degree. I am originally from Idaho and have always enjoyed living in this state. I am excited to be part of this program and have not heard of a better program. My areas of interest are: mental health counseling, human sexuality, policy, and supervision. Feel free to contact me. 9/2009
Rebecca Tadlock
So, if you're reading this site, you've obviously stumbled across the wrong page--I'm not certain why anyone would voluntarily read biographies of Ph.D. students... Of course all the other descriptions discuss how great it is to conduct research and come to school out here in Idaho--it’s too cold and the air is too thin to enjoy the surrounding nature (just a warning)!
Ok, so perhaps we've gotten off on the wrong foot. This past summer I packed up my life and sanity to move from Southern Illinois to the great area of Pocatello. My heart has been stolen away by both the scenery and the program; I am now happy to call this area home. I have a great passion for my career and am deeply devoted toward earning my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. I earned my MSEd from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in Educational Psychology. Much of my experience has given me the honor of working as a counselor with children in elementary schools.
My research interests include assessment, multiculturalism, school counseling, and I LOVE statistics (seriously--I do…). Outside of school, I enjoy martial arts, hunting, fishing, running, and just enjoying life. I am excited about the road ahead; with the help of my fiancé, family, close friends, and beloved dog, I continue to teeter on the brink of sanity as I pursue my dreams. ISU has much to offer and I am privileged to be a part of such a wonderful supporting program. Feel free to contact me with any questions. 9/2009