Heather A. Warfield is an associate professor in the School of Counseling, Psychology & Therapy. The focus of her clinical work has been adolescents, military veterans, global comparative mental health practices, and clinical supervision – – all underpinned by a narrative psychology paradigm. Dr. Warfield’s research broadly explores the psychological, therapeutic, and healing aspects of pilgrimage journeys and she is working specifically on pilgrimages to the Western Front of WWI. This work is positioned in the historical precedent of pilgrimages undertaken by military veterans, families, and official state delegations as well as the current pilgrimages happening to sites along the Western Front in Belgium and France. Dr. Warfield is a member of the ‘Ruines de guerre’ program funded through the French Agence nationale de la recherche (ANR) and an affiliate researcher of the Institut de Recherches Historiques de Septentrion at the University of Lille. She is the series editor of ‘Pilgrimage Studies’ (Peter Lang Publishing) and the editor for the forthcoming volume ‘Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Pilgrimage: Historical, Current, and Future Directions.’ Additionally, she is the creator and host of ‘Meaningful Journeys,’ which is a podcast dedicated to conversations with pilgrims, pilgrimage studies scholars, and people who live near pilgrimage sites.
Devona Stalnaker-Shofner received her Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision from Argosy UniversityAtlanta. Her dissertation research focused on wellness in graduate students as they transition to counselors-in-training and during clinical practicum. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Georgia, as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Devona has been in professional practice as a counselor since 2001, and her experience includes providing individual, group, and marriage and family counseling to clients presenting with treatment concerns such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders, as well as substance abuse, chemical dependency, and recovery. Additionally, her professional experience includes work with trauma, grief, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and self-mutilation/injury.
Devona has presented at a number of national conferences speaking on the topic of counselor wellness, as well as facilitating workshops in this area. Though her research interests have primarily been focused on counselor wellness, her other interests are in multiculturalism and family systems, and include the influence of acculturation, intracultural colorism, and factors influencing mate selection.
Devona is a member of Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology, as well as Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society. She is also a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), and the American Mental Health Counselor Association (AMHCA).
At the core of my teaching philosophy is that good teachers leave an indelible impression on their students. I view myself as a highly skilled practitioner, and my job as an educator is to make the abstract more accessible, essentially bridging the gap between understanding theory to the practical application of concepts and helping students to integrate the two worlds. Learning is based on synthesis and integration, not on regurgitation of facts. Consistent with my systemic theoretical orientation of practice, it is my belief that learning does not occur within a vacuum. The classroom is a microcosm of the professional world. In the capacity as the facilitator of the education process, it is my job to help the student to determine and find their future role within that community.
Amy holds a Doctorate in Expressive Therapy from Lesley University. She is a Board Certified, Registered Art Therapist, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Amy has taught in higher education for 15 years, she is an active artist and has a private practice. Amy specializes in individual therapy for adults, adolescents, and children and provides family therapy with all ages.
Amy’s research interests include children’s art-making for health and expression, empowerment, creativity, children’s rights, healthy development, and ethics. Amy has a particular clinical interest in attachment psychology, wellness and parenting, and life transitions during adulthood. Amy provides professional supervision for art therapists and clinicians working toward licensure for mental health counseling. She is an advocate for experiential, transformative learning, and integrated arts pedagogy and has presented nationally and internationally on these topics. In therapy sessions and in the classroom Amy creates a warm, nurturing, responsive environment where people feel listened to and leave with practical skills to improve their life situation.