Human Development & Psychological Counseling

Academic Tracks: Addictions concentration and Expressive Arts Therapy Certificate

Prior education: B.A. in Environmental Education and Outdoor Recreation

Why I Chose App:
"I was impressed by the wide variety and creativity of course work offered through the program, including classes such as Ecotherapy and Body/Mind. The town of Boone and the beautiful surrounding environment was also a big draw. The most important factor was the feeling I got when I called to talk to people at the program and came to do my initial visit. Everyone was extremely helpful and friendly and this fit in with my values of what a counseling program should convey."

Counseling Interests:"My interests include the role of nature and art in healing, issues in substance abuse, the power of mind/body connection, and depression."

Awards: Amy has recently been awarded with the 2010 NC Associations for Specialists in Group Work Award and the Graduate Student/New Professional Award. She is also a recipient of the NC Education for Substance Abuse Professionals Scholarship Program, as well as a recipient of the NC Addictions Scholarship Fund. Congratulations Amy!

Why I chose App:
"This is a bit of a long story. Prior to coming to App I was working at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC. My job there was temporary and I needed to find something else to do. I loved working at the folk school and wanted to continue to stay in that kind of environment. Since it was a school for adults and applied to the Adult Education program at App, was accepted, and started in the fall of 2006. I knew pretty quickly that it was not the right program for me. I was fortunate to have a fellowship, so I decided to use my second semester to explore some other programs before giving up on graduate school. My advisor Chuck Claxton recommended I take a class with Sally Atkins. I think Sally and I both knew on the first day of class that expressive arts therapy was what I always wanted to do, but didn't know what to call. I immediately applied to the CMHC program and exa certificate program and added another counseling class for the semester. Of course, I decided to stay at App and have been thankful for it every day since."

Interests: "I have always felt most interested in working with adults. So far, I've primarily worked with women at both my internship sites: OASIS and Lees McRae College. I feel led to work with trauma survivors and would like to do more with primary prevention and client advocacy for domestic violence and sexual assault."

Awards: Connie recieved the Chancellor's Fellowship for 2 years, and will be inducted in to the Cratis D. Williams Society at graduation in May! Congratulations Connie!

Why I Chose App:
"In 1997, I attended Appalachian State University in persuit of my undergraduate degree and absolutely fell in love with the campus, faculty, community, and all that beautiful Boone had to offer. After completing my undergraduate studies, I found work outside of Boone, NC, but always dreamed of one day returning. After four years of service in the United States Army, and five additional years in the corporate world, I longed for a change in my life. I wanted to attend to my passions of helping others, and once again Appalachian State became my dream. I applied and was accepted into the Marriage and Family Therapy program. After a semester in the program, I learned that the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program may better serve my professional persuits and be a better fit for me. After meeting with Dr. Davis, Dr. Atkins, and most of the faculty I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that the CMHC program was indeed for me."

Interests: "I am interested in focusing my energy and abilities to work with veterans and their families dealing with PTSD and substance abuse."  David is also an avid rock climber, backpacker, fly fisherman and runner which he claims is all part of his daily therapy.