Kat has taught graduate & undergraduate courses at the following institutions:
- Rutgers State University (Camden & New Brunswick NJ)
- Rowan University (Glassboro, NJ)
- Temple University (Phildelphia)
- Middlesex County College (Edison, NJ)
Academic Professional Development Programs Taught:
Graduate Courses Written (Rowan Uni):
- Advanced Seminar in Clinical Practice: Substance Abuse
- *Fundamentals of Drug & Alcohol Abuse
- *Developmental Psychology of Alcohol & Drug Abuse
- *Psychological Evaluation of Drug & Alcohol Abuse
*Part of a state-certification program
Other Curricula Written:
- Addiction Studies Cert Program- wrote, developed and ran full program at Middlesex CC from 2013-2018
- Rutgers Center for Alcohol Studies, Bachelor’s-level Alcohol & Drug Counselor Certificate program
- Cultural Competence, Evidence-Based Strategies, and Culturally Affirming Substance Abuse Treatment for LGBTQIA Clients (as part of Master’s Thesis/requirement for National Certification)
Educational Philosophy
As an experienced educator & trainer, I employ a student-centered approach rooted in Humanistic and Progressive philosophies. My teaching methodology emphasizes personal growth, self-determination, and experiential/transformational learning, encouraging students to connect deeply with course material through their own lived experiences. By fostering autonomy in the training space/classroom and facilitating meaningful discussions, I guide individuals in identifying personal learning objectives and applying course concepts to their individual lives, thereby enhancing engagement and retention as adult learners. Lastly, I strive to help folks cultivate critical thinking and self-reflection skills preparing them for future professional challenges.
Values as a trainer, educator, & supervisor:
1. Creativity
Thinking outside of the box allows us to transcend proscribed roles and scripts and tap into greater potential and options than we had before. I challenge myself and my students/trainees/supervises to get creative in how they engage with and apply new ideas and paradigms.
2. Consciousness
Developing consciousness of our beliefs, biases, socializations, schemas, and values requires vulnerability and support. Engaging with collaborative spaces empowers us to do that work.
3. Authenticity
I challenge the folks I work with to get to know themselves and their various identities, while also developing their professional identity and authentic style and practice. I support my folks in showing up as full humans in this work, so that they may foster solid and connective therapeutic relationships.
4. Personal & Relational Empowerment
Doing this work requires ongoing commitment to learning, growing, developing, and maturing, both individually and relationally/in community. I empower my folks to be responsible for their own change processes, while also contributing to and deriving strength from community.