Assumption College Graduate Program

M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling

Faculty

Nancy J. AdamsNancy J. Adams
Assistant Professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, 2002

B.A., Western Washington State University
M.S., Portland State University
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2002
Phone: (508) 767-7370, Office: Switzer 104

Nancy Adams joins the Rehabilitation Counseling Counseling faculty after serving as an Educator at Portland State University. Nancy was also an instructor at the Kaiser Permanente Center in Portland Oregon for two years, teaching ADHD management skills for adults and parenting the the ADD/ADHD adolescent. Nancy's research interests include substance abuse/dependence, multicultural issues in rehabilitation, medical aspects (e.g., chronic pain), and group counseling.

Keith Lahikainen
Assistant Professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, 2008
B.A., Assumption College
M.S., Fitchburg State College
Psy.D., Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, 2001.
Phone: (508) 767-5496

Thomas P. McCarthyThomas P. McCarthy
Director of RCEP and Program Development

B.A., Boston College
M.Ed., Boston, College
Sc.D., Boston University, 1997
Phone: (508) 767-7261, Office: Switzer 108

Thomas McCarthy has over 22 years of experience in the design and implementation of Federal Department of Education (RSA and NIDRR) grant funding projects involving rehabilitation and mental health staff training, and the development of job development and placement services for people with significant disabilities. Dr. McCarthy conducted a study that investigated a group counseling and peer support intervention to assist people with psychiatric disabilities to assess and develop their personal readiness for rehabilitation services. He currently is the Associate Coordinator of the Region I Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program.

Jane Nichols
Assistant Professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, 2007
B.S., Southern Illinois University
M.Ed., Portland State University, 1994
Cand. Ph.D., Michigan State University.
Phone: (508) 767-7219

A. Lee PearsonA. Lee Pearson
Director of Rehabilitation Counseling Programs
B.A., Northeastern University
M.Ed., Boston College
C.A.G.S. Northeastern University, 1980
Phone: (508) 767-7063, Office: Martel 101

A. Lee Pearson came to Assumption after a 25 year career with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission where he served as a VR Counselor, Supervisor, Trainer, and Coordinator of VR Technology Projects. He has been a member of the adjunct faculty for the Institute since 1992. Lee is the Director of Graduate Studies/ISRS and graduate school advisor.

Cinzia Pica-Smith
Assistant Professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, 2008
B.A., M.S.Ed., The College of Saint Rose
Ed.M., Harvard Graduate School of Education
Ed.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2008.

Susan R. SabelliSusan R. Sabelli
Clinical Coordinator, 1979
A.B., Merrimack College
M.A., Assumption College
C.A.G.S., Assumption College, 1978
Study: New York University
Phone: (508) 767-7222, Office: Switzer

Susan Sabelli serves as clinical coordinator for the Institute for Social and Rehabilitation Services for both undergraduate amd graduate students. She is a certified Rehabilitation Counselor and the holder of the first license for Rehabilitation Counselors offered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Susan Scully-HillSusan Scully-Hill
Director of the Institute for Social and Rehabilitation Services (ISRS), 2006
Assistant Professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Michigan State University, 1996
Phone: (508) 767-7319, Office: Switzer 105

Susan Scully-Hill has been a faculty member since 2000. Previous to teaching at Assumption, she was an assistant professor at Emporia State University, teaching both undergraduate and graduate classes in Counselor Education and Rehabilitation Programs. She has numerous publication credits, with her most recent being "Go the Distance," a video review released by Westminster Film. Some of the classes Dr. Scully-Hill teaches at the graduate level are: Counseling Theory and Practice, Family and Rehabilitation, and Counseling Practicum.

David L. SiddleDavid L. Siddle
Associate Professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, 1970
A.B., Central Bible College
M.Ed., Northeastern University
Ph.D., Boston College, 1988
Study: Boston University
Phone: (508) 767-7229, Office: Switzer 101

Dr. David Siddle has been a faculty member since 1970. He is a nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. He has conducted workshops on violent behavior for health and service personnel in New England, Colorado, Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Missouri. Dr. Siddle’s research interest lies in understanding the extent and nature of violent behavior within the health and rehabilitation field and the role of conflict resolution with the rehabilitation process.

David St. JohnDavid St. John
Associate Professor of Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies, 1987

A.B., St. Anselm’s College
M.Ed., Boston University
C.A.G.S., Assumption College
Ed. D., Clark University, 1973
Phone: (508) 767-7228, Office: Switzer 102

David E. St. John previously held the positions of Supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services and Acting Deputy Superintendent in the Worcester Public School. In these positions, he was a member of the leadership team responsible for implementing state and federal laws governing the education of children with special needs. Dr. St. John current professional interest focus on developing a deeper understanding of the impact of special needs on a person’s functioning and the role played by family and education relative to improved functioning.