Counseling Psychology

COE's Fall 2026 Newsletter Focuses on AI in Education

The College of Education's Fall 2026 newsletter focuses on the role of artificial intelligence in education, emphasizing the critical role human connection plays alongside emerging technologies.
- Counseling Psychology
- Special Education
COE Welcomes New Faculty Members Grenier and Mauer

The College of Education (COE) has announced the addition of two new faculty members this fall, expanding its programs in counseling psychology and special education. Nuutari Grenier joins the faculty as a Teaching Assistant Professor in Counseling Psychology, while Emily Mauer will serve as an Assistant Professor in Special Education.
- Counseling Psychology
- Global Programs
Melissa Gonzales: From Global Educator to Children's Author

With over 15 years of dedicated experience in global education, Melissa Gonzales’s career is defined by her deep love for diverse cultures and a calling to impact young lives. Melissa began her teaching journey in 2006 in Texas, where she specialized in inclusion, Pre-K, and primary education (Grades 2 and 3).

Driven by a desire to experience the world and expand her pedagogical perspective, she moved to the United Arab Emirates in 2016, teaching in both Al Ain and Dubai. Backed by a degree in Psychology alongside extensive studies in Sociology and Early Childhood Education, Melissa brings a profound understanding of human development to her current graduate studies in Lehigh’s International School Counseling program.
- Counseling Psychology
- Research
Lehigh professors receive grant to help address mental health care language gap with AI training tool

At a time when many people seeking mental health care still struggle to find a clinician who understands their language and culture, two Lehigh University researchers, along with a third from George Mason University, have received grant support from Lehigh University for a project aimed at helping train providers to close that gap.
- Counseling Psychology
- Research
Ganss Studies Behavioral Health Workforce Shortage

Counseling Psychology Ph.D. student Elyse Ganss recently published “Policy recommendations to address the behavioral health workforce shortage” in Psychiatric Services. Ganss conducted the study, along with Counseling Psychology assistant professor Vanesa A. Mora Ringle, fellow Lehigh graduate students Temma Schaechter and Kofi Adutwum; Torrey A. Creed from the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; and Cherry Du and Natalie Dallard from the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services, City of Philadelphia.
- Counseling Psychology
- Research
Lin Studies Link Between Chronotype and Mortality in Older Adults

Zhuozhi Lin recently published research looking at the "biological clock" (chronotype) of middle-aged and older adults to see if being a "night owl" vs. an "early bird" correlates with lifespan. Published in the Journal of Sleep Research, Lin, along with colleagues Matthew J. Reid, Darlynn M. Rojo-Wissar and Adam P. Spira, followed 2,261 participants and recorded 650 deaths during the study. A statistically significant link between chronotype and mortality was found in two of the three age groups studied.
Lehigh University College of Education Launches "Inspire" Scholarship Program to Address Pennsylvania's Educator Shortage

New initiative offers 15% tuition discount on master's degree programs in five high-need certification areas beginning Summer 2026
Patterson Looks at Eating Disorders through CBT Lens

Traditional eating disorder treatments have a blind spot, and College of Education (COE) alumna Shannon Patterson is shining a light on it.

Alongside fellow clinical psychologists Jennifer Averyt and Lauren Muhlheim, Patterson has released The Weight-Inclusive CBT Workbook for Eating Disorders. The workbook isn't just a guide; it’s a new approach that prioritizes healing over thinness.
- Counseling Psychology
Alyssa Perez: Fostering Belonging Through School Counseling

Alyssa Perez is a graduate student in the COE's School Counseling program. Her passion for the field grew from her desire to support students, not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. Her professional goal is to help create safe, supportive environments where all students feel seen and valued.
Building the Next Generation of Educators, Together

Professor and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies Brook Sawyer shares the challenges facing education and outlines a path forward—including two COE-sponsored events scheduled for this week.