Dina Agliata

Proudly, I am a First-Generation who grew up navigating her own way through the world of academia with parents who had limited knowledge and resources.  Now, I am teaching many first-generations enhancing my level of empathy for their experiences.  Currently, I have over 25 years of real-world experience in the field of education working with various age groups from multicultural and diverse backgrounds.  My strong desire to help the youth with their academic, personal, emotional welfare, and special needs.  In addition, I have also worked extensively with students in higher academia at a university level.  As a graduate, counseling intern at Kean University, I realized that one of my greatest strengths is the ability to increase students’ tolerance of frustration when he/she becomes overwhelmed and feels incapable of succeeding. Helping students realize their potential by focusing on their accomplishments and reflecting on past successes helps promote positive self-concept and in turn, promotes academic success. Specifically, I believe my exposure to a college community and having an awareness of what students may encounter as he/she progresses up the academic ladder towards pursuing higher levels of education will only serve as a positive foundation for counseling.

Furthermore, in additional to having a Master’s of Science Degree in Education specializing in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction (K-12) and a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) from a Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Program (CACREP), I earned a certification in School Counseling at Kean University.  During practicum and internships at Kean University as I completed my graduate degree in mental health, I gained the opportunity to work extensively with a wide range of diverse age groups while working in the university’s Student Retention & Intervention Department as well as their Career Development & Advancement Center.  During this time, I worked extensively with those at-risk students who were on academic probation or in danger of being dismissed from higher academia.  Being an Academic Coach, I fostered a program called “Step It Up” where I have provided guided weekly counseling sessions, conducted various workshops geared towards improving time-management skills, establishing better study habits, and coping skills that would enhance students’ abilities to succeed.  In addition, provide career services to students who need to declare a major by administering interest inventories in deciding major area of study, help with resume writing, interviewing, and cover letters.

In addition, in an elementary school setting, I have developed Character Education activities, provided mentorship, and continue to provide group as well as individual counseling sessions for the last three years that have helped students improve their study skills, goal setting, time-management, and social skills.

I believe with my experience along with my qualifications and educational background has provided me with the opportunities to gain insight in how there is no “one-size fits all” approach in counseling.