Welcome to Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling
I am Alicia Strain (she/her) and I am your instructor for this course. I'm glad you are here - I am looking forward to a great semester together!
Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time with any questions as they arise. I like questions - they are especially important in this first course in your program as you are beginning to build your foundation as a rehabilitation counselor. I am here to support your success both in this course and as you progress with your program so please reach out as often as would be helpful for you. I can be reached at [email protected], or simply click the button to send me an email: |
Introductions and Navigating the Course
Before beginning Module 1: Unit 1, there are two activities I'd like you to take a moment to engage with:
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Required Textbooks
Please make sure you have acquired the following textbooks for the course:
My Biography
Greetings! I am Alicia Strain (she/her) and I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Licensed Professional Counselor-limited (LLPC), and fifth year PhD candidate in the Rehabilitation Counselor Education program at Michigan State University. I have taught undergraduate and graduate courses using in-person, hybrid, and online platforms. I am a strong proponent of scaffolding academic studies with real-world experiences through active and experiential learning strategies, and I incorporate goal-setting and self-reflection throughout all my courses.
Prior to pursuing my PhD, I was a practicing rehabilitation counselor and have maintained my CRC since 2010. I have provided professional counseling and life coaching in private and public systems serving consumers across the lifespan engaged in community-based psychosocial rehabilitation and vocational rehabilitation programs. While promoting personal empowerment, I have served consumers with diverse identities and abilities pursuing their career, academic, and personal goals.
My research interests revolve mostly around transition-aged youth populations (ages 14-26) with diverse abilities and successful employment engagement and outcomes. With support and guidance from Dr. Connie Sung and STEP Lab members, I have developed and am currently validating three employment-readiness assessments (titled Employment Success) for transition-aged youth with autism. The Employment Success assessments identify strengths and areas for improvement related to the following employment-readiness skill sets: soft skills, preparation skills, and retention skills.
Prior to pursuing my PhD, I was a practicing rehabilitation counselor and have maintained my CRC since 2010. I have provided professional counseling and life coaching in private and public systems serving consumers across the lifespan engaged in community-based psychosocial rehabilitation and vocational rehabilitation programs. While promoting personal empowerment, I have served consumers with diverse identities and abilities pursuing their career, academic, and personal goals.
My research interests revolve mostly around transition-aged youth populations (ages 14-26) with diverse abilities and successful employment engagement and outcomes. With support and guidance from Dr. Connie Sung and STEP Lab members, I have developed and am currently validating three employment-readiness assessments (titled Employment Success) for transition-aged youth with autism. The Employment Success assessments identify strengths and areas for improvement related to the following employment-readiness skill sets: soft skills, preparation skills, and retention skills.