Hennessey Lustica
Professor pioneering educational techniques in mental health and counseling, Hennessey Lustica is an esteemed Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development at the Warner School of Education, University of Rochester. With a robust academic background, she holds a PhD in counseling and counselor education from the University of Rochester. Her educational journey also includes a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in mental health counseling from Alfred University, a Master of Science (MS) in school counseling from Long Island University, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in psychology and education from the State University of New York at Albany. With two decades of experience in K-12 public schools, Lustica has dedicated 17 years to serving as a school counselor, where she has honed her skills in addressing the mental health needs of students. Her extensive experience in the field has fueled her passion for research, particularly in the areas of school counselor evaluation, mental health in educational settings, and child-centered play therapy. Her work is driven by a commitment to improving the mental health resources available to students and enhancing the effectiveness of school counseling programs. In addition to her teaching and research roles, Lustica is a seasoned grant writer. Her expertise in this area has led to the acquisition of over $16 million in funding for programs aimed at supporting school-based mental health practitioners across New York State. This significant achievement underscores her dedication to advancing mental health initiatives and providing essential resources to educational institutions. Lustica's contributions to the field extend beyond her research and grant writing. She is actively involved in mentoring the next generation of counselors and educators, guiding them to develop innovative approaches to mental health and counseling in schools. Her work is characterized by a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health issues in educational settings and a commitment to fostering environments where students can thrive. Her research has been published in various academic journals, and she frequently presents at conferences, sharing her insights and findings with colleagues and practitioners in the field. Lustica's dedication to her work and her students is evident in her ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that her findings have a tangible impact on the lives of students and educators alike. Through her pioneering work, Hennessey Lustica continues to shape the future of mental health and counseling in educational settings, making significant strides in improving the well-being of students and enhancing the effectiveness of school counseling programs. Her contributions to the field are invaluable, and her commitment to excellence in education and mental health is unwavering.