This month we are highlighting an international member of AUCCCD!  Please meet Stephanie Bonner, MSW, LICSW

Director, Personal Development and Counseling Services Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) Doha, Qatar Branch campus of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA, USA

Have you been to the AUCCCD conference? If so, what experiences at the conference made an impact on your work?

Yes! I attended my first AUCCCD conference this past October in Nashville, TN. One of the sessions that I was looking forward to attending was the Elements of Excellence Program: Surviving and Thriving as a New Director: An Introductory Leadership Institute. It did not disappoint! The workshop provided a unique opportunity to connect with seasoned professionals, fellow newcomers and fostered a supportive network that I have continued to rely on. Other sessions throughout the conference offered invaluable insights into best practices, innovative strategies, and emerging trends in the field of university and college counseling. I gained practical knowledge and new perspectives that enhanced my leadership skills and has helped to inform my approach to managing our counseling center. The collaborative environment of the conference encouraged the sharing of ideas and challenges, which helped me feel more confident in my role and more equipped to address the needs of our student population. I would encourage all Directors to attend the AUCCCD conferences. It lives up to its name as the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors!

In your Director role, do you see students for counseling?

Yes, in my role as Director, I provide direct counseling services to students. Assuming this role at VCUarts Qatar marks the first time that I am providing counseling services exclusively for Fine Arts majors (Graphic Design, Interior Design, Painting and Printmaking and Art History). In wanting to understand the unique needs of Fine Arts majors, I did quite a bit of research and was surprised to learn that students who study fine arts report higher rates of mental distress, stress and spend time on academic work than their peers who are non-art majors. Common reasons for increased mental distress are the constant critique of their craft, financial stress related to the cost of art supplies and uncertainty regarding job stability and career opportunities. This has informed our work with students and we have developed new initiatives that include art therapy, alumni connections and financial literacy.

Where do you go to relax? What place/type of environment, etc.

I love Escape Rooms. Being locked in a room with a few friends and given 60 minutes to escape is my idea of a good time! I try to visit an escape room everywhere I go. So far, I have been to escape rooms in Washington, DC, USA, Thessaloniki, Greece, Nashville, Tennessee, USA and Brussels, Belgium. And if this is not enough, the amazingly talented students of VCUarts Qatar recently collaborated with the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) to launch Qatar’s inaugural museum escape room! This innovative project represents a unique fusion of art, history and interactive entertainment that offers museum visitors an immersive journey through Islamic scholarship. The escape room’s concept revolves around the “Scholars of the Islamic World,” featuring themed chambers dedicated to Calligraphy, Islamic Science and Inventions, Astronomy, and the conservation of Islamic art objects. I am so excited that my two passions, escape rooms and VCUarts Qatar have been combined!

*My picture is a visit to an Escape Room while in Nashville, TN for the AUCCCD conference.

What is a book that you read in the last year that you wish more people would read?

Although I love getting my hands on a good book, I also listen to audio books to expand my opportunity to enjoy a variety of books. With this in mind, an audio book that I think is worth a listen is a fairly recent book by Brendon Burchard. The book is titled, “The 6 Habits of Growth: Get Unstuck and Create the Life of Your Dreams” The author uses his experience as a motivational coach to lay out a framework that emphasizes the importance of developing six essential habits: Motivation, Focus, Confidence, Energy, Purpose and Leadership. As I listened to this book, I thought it would be a great resource for busy students but I also think it will be enjoyed by general audiences as well.