This concentration is dedicated to educating students in the theories and approaches identified as best practices and skill areas needed to work with children and adolescents in schools, agencies, clinics and community settings. The concentration prepares students to become practitioners that promote healthy social and emotional development and academic achievement through prevention and intervention strategies and programs grounded in ecological systems and social justice frameworks. Examples of such practitioners include, but are not limited to, early intervention specialists, paraprofessionals in school settings, case managers for youth, and youth workers in both residential and academic settings.
In addition to preparing students to become practitioners that promote healthy social and emotional development and academic achievement while working with children and adolescents in schools, agencies, clinics and community settings, the concentration also provides a strong foundation for those students hoping to go on to graduate school to pursue careers that focus on youth and family work such as counseling, social work, and education.
The concentration focuses specifically on understanding how practitioners can support and strengthen youth’s support systems and protective factors while minimizing the impact of risk factors. The program combines the practices of prevention, interventions, and system building to ensure that children and adolescents experience opportunities to practice strategies that promote their personal growth, academic success, social inclusion, etc.
The concentration allows students an opportunity to further specialize their knowledge and skill base to develop and implement effective interventions when working with youth. Furthermore, this concentration affords students in all majors the opportunity to complete the specific coursework targeted at developing the knowledge and skills necessary for effective intervention with children and adolescents.
Students interested in this concentration may choose to pursue graduate degrees in a number of areas such as Special Education, School Counseling, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Child Life Specialist, Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Social Work, etc. Students in a variety of majors at Assumption University may wish to pursue this concentration based on their vocational and/or avocational aspirations.
Christian (Scannell) Williams, Ph.D., LMHC
Faculty
Experiential Learning
Assumption's Rome Campus
At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)
Explore the Rome CampusLearn the Skills Employers Seek
Faculty/Student Research
The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.Study Abroad
At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.Internships
Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.Career Paths
American Red Cross
Brigham and Women’s Hospital-Boston
Catholic Social Services
Cascade Disability Management
Department of Youth Services
Devereux School
Genesis Club
Jewish Family Services
Jewish Health Care
Massachusetts Department of Social Services
Mercy Centre for Developmental Disabilities
New England Center for Children (NECC)
Public Schools of Massachusetts
Rainbow Child Development Center
UMASS-Early Intervention Programs
Youth Opportunities Upheld, INC.
Ahlajuwon Spencer
Human Services 2018
Vocational Counselor, The New England Center for Children
“My internship at The New England Center for Children was a wonderful experience. I gained knowledge in specific areas of applied behavior analysis (ABA) throughout my internship. I learned how to efficiently run task analysis as well as preference assessments with students. I also enjoyed learning about the clinical aspect of ABA.”
Madeline Burton
Human Services 2018
SCO Case Manager, BayPath Elder Services
“The material I learned in the Human Services courses greatly prepared me for my internship. I applied what Assumption taught me and was able to learn more about the administrative and advocacy side of human services. Getting involved in various programs on campus and completing my internship were definitely highlights of my Assumption experience.”
Abigail Gogdon
Human Services 2018
ABA Therapist, Behavior Concepts Inc. / Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis
“Assumption taught me to build connections and to apply theoretical frameworks to meaningful practice I am so grateful to the HSRS department, and especially to Dr. Pica-Smith. She has been an inspiration for myself and others, as she cultivates an inclusive learning environment that reaches beyond campus, and puts principle into action.”
Chantal Jordan
Human Services 2018
Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology, Boston University
“The close-knit community, small classes, and caring professors foster a great learning environment. The courses I took at Assumption helped me to integrate knowledge from class with skills I learned in my internship. The theoretical and the practical were brought together to create a real and profound learning experience. ”
Katelin Riley
Human Services 2018
Residential Counselor, The Bridge of Central Massachusetts
“The classes I took and the professors I had greatly prepared me to be successful at my internship. Professor Pica-Smith was one of my most influential professors- she taught me so much. I was able to jump right in at The Bridge of Central Massachusetts and felt like I really understood what was going on around me. ”
Tyron Thompson
Human Services 2018
Pursuing a Doctorate of Chiropractic, University of Bridgeport
“I thrived at Assumption because I got involved and there are so many opportunities to do just that! At my internship, I learned how to effectively interact with athletes from all backgrounds as well as various rehabilitation techniques and methods. I was successful because of Assumption being a very social community. I carried that social aspect over to my internship.”
Lily Dolyak
Human Services 2018
Obtaining a Master’s Degree in Social Work, Simmons College
“Assumption gave me confidence and taught me to take initiative, which is what College is all about. As a result, I was able to take on a bigger leadership role in my internship. The people you meet here will be your biggest supporters. The professors are readily available and classmates share the same types of passion, so everyone builds each other up.”
Bryanna Veroneau
Human Services 2018
Pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Elon University
“I received a very well rounded education at Assumption College and have become a better person. My experiences at the College have helped me with my success because it gave me the tools I needed to enter the workforce. I learned great communication skills and was provided with a thorough knowledge of the human anatomy.”
Erin Jovan
Human Services 2018
Pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
“Assumption is a place where great growth happens and where you will be part of a community. I’ve learned really important life skills that can be transferable to not only my personal life, but to my professional career as well. Some of the best years of a student's life will be spent here, so get involved! ”
Danielle Driscoll
Human Services BA 2014 / MBA 2015
AmeriCorps National Member Construction Crew Leader, Habitat for Humanity / Pursuing a Master of Business Administration, Assumption College
“I strongly value my education and how it opened my eyes to the joy of helping others. The service opportunity trips I was involved in showed me the value of service and are the reason I chose my course of study. All students should be involved and take advantage of every opportunity the University offers.”
Anthony Manzi
Human Services 2017
Assistant Area Coordinator, Brandeis University
“Assumption has given me the opportunity to become passionate about something I never expected. Through enriching courses, challenging leadership positions, and supportive faculty and staff, I found a passion in higher education and I found success in the classroom. Faculty and staff became my mentors and my inspiration, and they stood behind me every step of the way.”
Claire Keating
Human Services 2017
Social Worker, Department of Children and Families
“I was able to confidently walk into a full-time position as a social worker right after I graduated. My full-time internship at Worcester's Department of Children and Families guided my career goals. This opportunity wouldn't have been possible without Assumption College and the Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies internship program.”
Christina Benoit
Human Services 2017
Case Manager, Elder Services of Worcester
“The human services coursework was extremely valuable and set me up to be successful. I learned how to communicate effectively and use the skills I learned in the classroom. I feel Assumption fully prepared me to enter into my career as a Case Manager for the Elder Services of Worcester.”
Maya Ahluwalia
Human Services 2017
Pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of New England
“My professors provided me with a phenomenal education. The Assumption faculty taught me how to serve people with disabilities and ailments. In my final semester, I was able to apply these skills and broaden my clinical experience at my internship for Central Mass Physical Therapy and Wellness.”
Madison Shropshire
Human Services 2017
Intern, Assumption College Sports Medicine
“The small class sizes provided me with individual attention and an engaging learning experience. Through my internship, I learned how to apply treatment therapies and physical rehabilitation with student-athletes. This experience gave me essential hands-on learning under professional athletic trainer supervision.”
Isaac Brobbey
Human Services 2019
Youth Futures International - Internship in Ghana
“Assumption offers all the resources to make one’s dreams become reality. Students reach their highest potential here. I want to build and improve healthcare systems in developing countries, so I was able to complete my internship in my home country, Ghana, where l left six years ago. This is undoubtedly a dream I have always hoped for.”
Leah Cayer
Human Services 2019
School Counseling Intern, St. Peter-Marian High School
“As an HSRS major, I participated in a 400 hour internship. My interviewing techniques class helped me get the interview at St. Peter-Marian High School in addition to Professor Sabelli who advocated for me. Take advantage of all the opportunities and resources that are available to you!”
Alexander Richardson
Human Services 2019
Community Relations Assistant, Worcester Red Sox
“I want to give back to the community and give back to the youth since they are the next generation. I want to help youths ideally through sports. Whatever I can do to help people is what I want to pursue for a career. Through Assumption’s partnership with the Red Sox minor league baseball team, I’ve been given this opportunity.”
Olivia Thompson
Human Services 2020
Clinic Intern, Barrett Family Wellness Center; Pursuing Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology at MGH Institute of Health Professions
“Assumption was the best decision I’ve made and couldn’t imagine choosing anywhere else. The HSRS department was very helpful in securing my internship by conducting meetings about how to start the interview process and then facilitating the internship course. The sense of support from all members of the community made Assumption feel like home for four years.”
Kelly O'Laughlin
Human Services 2020
Intern, Flagg Street Elementary School
“Assumption provided me with an education and the skills needed to be prepared for my internship. The skills I learned in the classroom helped me navigate challenges and triumphs during my internship. Professors are influential and supportive and are also excellent sources for advice about post-graduation plans. ”
Kendra Sloan
Human Services 2016
Level 2 Teacher, New England Center for Children
“From day one as a transfer student, I felt welcomed on campus. My sophomore “pod mates” in a Worcester dorm became six of my best friends. Each professor made a point to get to know me too, by name and face, which really made me feel welcomed.”
Kathryn Morgan
Human Services 2020
Direct Care Position, Jeremiah's Inn
“Prior to graduating, I was hired at the same place where I completed my internship. Assumption helped shape me into the passionate and driven person I am. The diverse course offerings and driven, passionate professors helped guide me in exploring various human services professions. I can truly say Assumption will be there to help you find your passion. ”
First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting
Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.