Michelle De Rosa is the new director of counseling, following previous Director April Christman’s departure from the position
Michelle De Rosa, a former counseling intern in 2018, returned to campus this September as the new director of Counseling and Student Health. Since her internship, De Rosa said her dream job has been to work with the demographic of college students. Now given that opportunity she said she is striving to recreate the same space and community she benefited from as an intern.
“When I was an intern here the community was so supportive, through the students, the vibes of campus, and the progressiveness, it just really allowed me to grow into the person and clinician I am,” De Rosa said.
De Rosa received her Bachelor of Psychology at Dallas Baptist University and Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regent University, along with earning her National Certified Counselor license. De Rosa is licensed to provide clinical mental health counseling in the states of Virginia and Maryland.
After De Rosa’s internship, she worked as a counselor for a private practice called Integrative Counseling and Wellness. Continuing on her journey as a clinician, De Rosa started her own practice, which she still owns, called Pathway Psychotherapy. It includes specializations in trauma, anxiety, OCD, chronic illness, disability and neurodivergent communities. Her experience within these fields can be transferred over to help create a safe, helpful and supportive environment for students.
Laura Patrick, a counselor in student services, described De Rosa as being “passionate about creating a space that is welcoming, inclusive, and uses evidence-based treatments to serve students.”
De Rosa said coming into this position has been a full circle moment for her. She wants the counseling center to be a place where individuals can allow their own personal identities to shine through, an aspect she was grateful for during her time on campus. She wants to create this space not only for students, but for interns, new therapists and new social workers.
With De Rosa taking this position, some smaller adjustments that come along with the switching of directors in general may come up.
“I think any director is gonna have their own flair, their own style, just their own identity. So there might be some changes to just the vibes and feel of the counseling center,” De Rosa said.
Patrick expressed what she is looking forward to with this change.
“It is always great to have a fresh set of eyes on the team to find areas of improvement,” Patrick said.
De Rosa said she will be bringing more events to the student body, geared toward different demographics.
April Christman, former director of Counseling and Student Health, offered some perspective on opportunities to reach students, including hosting events.
“When it comes to serving our VWU student community, I encourage her to have fun and spend time with the students, particularly outside of the therapy room,” Christman said. “Engaging the students in the campus community is a great way to build that trusting and supportive relationship with the student body.”
De Rosa is also committed to leaning into student voices. She is looking to update the “Zen Zone,” which is a space located in student services where students can stop by to relax when things get a little stressful. It has bean bag chairs, lights, relaxing music and some fidget toys. De Rosa is considering surveying students on what they would like to see come into this space to make sure it is comforting and inclusive. She wants students to feel free to stop in when they need to take a break, or just want to get comfortable with the office space and staff.
“I want the counseling center to be a resource and support for students the way that I would have wanted when I was in undergrad, it would have made such a difference in my life,” De Rosa said.
As De Rosa works towards making student services more welcoming, she gave her advice to students who may be nervous about utilizing available counseling services.
“It is what you make it. So there’s no expectation to have it look a certain way. There’s no homework here, so it really is just kind of low key,” De Rosa said.
De Rosa spoke highly of the counselors in student services who are always available to help, meaning students can make appointments with them as needed.
“We’ve got some really great providers here who are learning alongside you, but also just have a huge heart for supporting you and whatever you may be going through,” De Rosa said.
De Rosa is working hard to ensure students feel the student services office is a safe space they can visit when they need to talk, are looking for guidance or need a place to relax. De Rosa said herself and the counseling services staff are ready to work with and support the student body, however that may look.
By Kami Wisenhunt
