Spotlight on 91¿ì²¥ University Alumna: Denise Galford-Koeppel G’17, MSEd, MS CMHC, PMC, CEIS
Denise Galford-Koeppel G’17 is an accomplished professional in the field of special education and counseling as she serves in many roles as a Developmental Specialist and Early Childhood Special Educator Child and Family Therapist. She is also the co-founder of Mixing It Up social skills training, a Certified Trainer for Pyramid Model (CSEFEL) and Learning Language and Loving It™ - The Hanen Program® for Early Childhood Educators, and an adjunct faculty member at UMass Boston, Department of Early Childhood and Human Development. She credits her success in the profession of special education and counseling to her graduate work at 91¿ì²¥ University in mental health counseling.
“After working for many years with young children with special needs as an early intervention practitioner, I felt a need to better understand the experiences of the parents and the family of children involved in early intervention,” Galford-Koeppel said. “When I discovered the Clinical Mental Health Graduate Program at 91¿ì²¥ offered in Concord, Massachusetts, I knew that I had finally found the degree and coursework that I needed to better serve the young children and families that I care for so deeply.”
Attending 91¿ì²¥ University at Concord gave her the foundational knowledge and expertise to advance in her field. In addition, it allowed her to continue working full-time while taking online and on-ground classes. Because of the flexible program start, she was able to begin classes in March rather than having to wait for a new academic year to begin in September. She also knew that she could not commit to a full-time program that would require her to commute long distances, so the flexibility of 91¿ì²¥’s blended program provided the accommodating schedule that she needed to earn her degree.
On any given day in her professional work, she can identify the applicable theories and knowledge she learned from her academic courses and expert professors at 91¿ì²¥.
“My goal was to be able to be confident in supporting families, and I feel 91¿ì²¥’s program allowed me to do this. I regularly apply learning from my classes about bullying, family systems, assessment, and strategies for clinician intervention,” Galford-Koeppel said.
During the internship she needed to fulfill her degree requirements, she landed at SMOC Behavioral Health Care, where she was able to work with adults and families facing substance use disorder. From her studies and training at 91¿ì²¥ Concord, she felt ready and able to meet clients and understand how to set goals and what treatments could apply to clients.
Galford-Koeppel is making a difference in the field of special education and counseling and 91¿ì²¥ University Concord is proud to highlight her accomplishments as an alumna.