Student Spotlights

EDUCATION:

• M.Ed. Counselor Education, Specialization: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Florida Atlantic University

TITLES / EMPLOYMENT:

• Graduate Research Assistant, FAU Clinical Rehabilitation Program’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) grant
• Past-President of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Beta Rho Chi Chapter, FAU’s counseling honor society

BIO:

Mr. Shirley is a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) who has served as a research-focused clinical rehabilitation counselor and team facilitator. He has worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, managing a caseload of over 150 clients with mental and physical disabilities and providing essential job placement services, such as interviewing skills, resume building, and assessment of the local job market. He has recently been employed as a Vocational Expert, consulting on disability cases.

RESEARCH INTERESTS:

Through the participation in several grants, Mr. Shirley has developed educational programs revolving around self-employment services for individuals with disabilities and serious mental illness, as well as for federal and state agencies that serve individuals with disabilities. Mr. Shirley has two publications pending, a presentation seen by over 200 federal personnel, and an invitation to join a similar program with the Federal Bureau of Prisons working with inmates soon to be released.

AWARDS / PUBLICATIONS:

Awards:

• 2019 - recognized as a Top Performing Rehabilitation Counselor in job placement with his employer (Greenacres Vocational Rehabilitation)
• 2022 - Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year, Department of Counselor Education, Florida Atlantic University

ONE THING EVERY FAU STUDENT SHOULD EXPERIENCE:

I believe every student should take advantage of the opportunity to join and serve a professional organization. The friendship and fellowship I've received serving Chi Sigma Iota has been a fundamental part of my success at the graduate level here at Florida Atlantic University.

ADVICE FOR FELLOW STUDENTS:

Stay open-minded and hungry for new opportunities and success.

EDUCATION:

• M.Ed., Ed.S. Counselor Education, Specialization: Mental Health Counseling. University of Florida, December 2016.
• B.S. Psychology. University of Florida, May 2014.

TITLES / EMPLOYMENT:

• Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Counselor Education, Florida Atlantic University (August 2018-August 2019; January 2021-present)

RESEARCH INTERESTS:

• Eating Disorders
• Multicultural/social justice issues in counseling and counselor education

AWARDS / PUBLICATIONS:

Grants:

• Labarta, A. & Emelianchik-Key, K. The Development and Validation of the Multidimensional Eating and Body Image Screening for LGBTGEQIAP+ Individuals. Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC) Sponsored Scholarship Program Grant (Student PI Category). Funded: $2,127.98.

Awards:

• 2021 Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year, Department of Counselor Education. Florida Atlantic University.
• 2021 Grand Prize Winner of the American Counseling Association Tomorrow’s Counselors Essay Contest.
• 2020-2022 Southern Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES) Emerging Leader.

Peer-Reviewed Publications:

• Irvine, T., Labarta, A., & Emelianchik-Key, K. (2021). Using a Relational-Cultural and Adlerian framework to enhance multicultural pedagogy. The Professional Counselor, 11(2), 233-247. https://doi.org/10.15241/ti.11.2.233
• Emelianchik-Key, K., Labarta, A., & Glass, B. (2021). Infusing Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills into supervision to address challenges and enhance performance. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2020.1870599
• Emelianchik-Key, K., Labarta, A., & Irvine, T. (in press). Understanding education in sexuality counseling from the lens of trainees: A critical examination and call for increased attention and training. The Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education.

Book Chapters:

• Labarta, A. & Glass, B. (2019). Prevention and treatment strategies in community settings. Chapter in Emelianchik-Key, K. & La Guardia, A., Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Through the Lifespan: A clinician’s guide to treatment considerations.

ONE THING EVERY FAU STUDENT SHOULD EXPERIENCE:

Every FAU student should become a member of a student organization to connect with others who share common interests and passions. Joining the Beta Rho Chi Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (professional academic honor society for counselors) allowed me to network with other counseling students and professionals and enhance my leadership skills. These experiences helped me feel more confident in my development as a future counselor educator while contributing to the counseling profession in a meaningful way.

ADVICE FOR FELLOW STUDENTS:

The journey of becoming a professional counselor is a long, yet rewarding one. Be patient with yourself, practice self-compassion, and always maintain a “beginner’s mind.” Even the most seasoned counselors are always learning and growing. Remind yourself of your purpose for pursuing this degree, and use that as a mantra to guide you through challenging moments. The more that we allow ourselves to be present with the process, the more enriching our graduate school experience can be.