We are excited to introduce the distinguished panelists joining us to share their career journeys and insights into the helping professions.
Dr. David J. O’Malley
Professor of Social Work
Education:
- BS, University of Connecticut
- MDiv, Yale University Divinity School
- MSW, Southern Connecticut State University
- PhD, Case Western Reserve University
Bio: Dr. O’Malley has extensive experience working with community and faith-based organizations in education, housing, health, and human services. His career spans social work practice and higher education, where he emphasizes preparing students to be adaptable, lifelong learners. He also designs professional development for agencies and field instructors.
Areas of Expertise:
- Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation, Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Religion and Spirituality in Cultural Competency, Contemplative Practices in Social Work, Service-Learning, Substance Abuse and Sexual Assault Prevention
Dr. Reihonna Frost-Calhoun
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Education:
- BA, Oberlin College
- MA, Clark University
- PhD, Clark University
Bio: Dr. Frost-Calhoun completed her clinical psychology training at Clark University and the Yale School of Medicine. Her work focuses on trauma-informed treatments with youth and families in foster care and child welfare systems. Her research explores adoption, sibling relationships, LGBTQIA families, and diverse perspectives within foster care. She is also an active and engaging teacher, offering both undergraduate and graduate courses.
Areas of Expertise:
- Child Welfare Policy & Adoption, Sibling Relationships, LGBTQIA Families, Trauma, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Dr. Katherine Bender
Associate Professor of Counselor Education; Graduate Program Chair
Education:
- BA, Georgetown University
- MS, University of Scranton
- PhD, Old Dominion University
Bio: Dr. Bender is a nationally recognized scholar in student mental health, suicide prevention, and counselor supervision. Her experience spans higher education, student affairs, nonprofit leadership, and counseling practice. She has published extensively, presented nationally, and received awards such as NASPA’s Emerging Faculty Leader Award and the ABA’s Meritorious Service Award for Law Student Wellness.
Areas of Expertise:
- Suicide Prevention, Mental Health in Higher Education, Supervision, Graduate Student Wellness
Dr. Kevin Duquette
Associate Professor of Counselor Education
Education:
- BA, State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo
- MEd, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- PhD, The Pennsylvania State University
Bio: Dr. Duquette began his career as a high school English teacher and middle school counselor before becoming a counselor educator. His research focuses on school counselor identity, equitable interventions for students of color, and model school counseling programs. He has presented nationally and published in leading counseling journals. Outside of academia, he enjoys hockey (go Penguins!) and playing guitar.
Areas of Expertise:
- School Counselor Identity, Model School Counseling Programs, Equitable Interventions for Students of Color
