On April 15, 2024, Middlebrook Elementary School in Trumbull, CT, visited Fairfield University to participate in career preparation training to explore opportunities in the mental health and education field provided by the School of Education and Human Development (SEHD) faculty. The visit was funded by a grant awarded by the Town of Trumbull Business Education Initiative (BEI). 

“We were so happy to have future teachers, counselors, social workers, and psychologists visit campus to learn how they can achieve their dreams,” said Assistant Dean of the School of Education and Human Development and Certification Officer, Laura Whitacre.

Whitacre collaborated with the SEHD faculty listed below, to lead engaging writing and career workshops for the elementary school students.

The faculty included Associate Dean and Director of the Educational Technology Program Josh Elliot, EdD; Associate Professor of Educational Studies and Teacher Preparation Bryan Ripley Crandall, PhD; Director of Clinical Training and Assistant Professor of the Practice in Counselor Education Paula Lazarim-Marques; Associate Professor of Counselor Education, Stephaney Morrison, PhD; and Associate Professor and Co-Director of special education Emily Shamash, EdD. 

In addition to attending the career workshops, over 30 elementary students in grades three through five, along with members of the Middlebrook Mentors Club, participated in a campus tour of Fairfield University. This allowed the students to experience firsthand what it’s like to be a Fairfield University student.

“We look forward to continuing this partnership in the future,” shared Whitacre.