Debbie Lewis, PhD

I strive to create a non-threatening, safe, and respectful environment where students of diverse cultures and learning styles feel free to learn through collaborating, engaging in and application of knowledge presented in class and readings. Royse (2001) identified seven elements of teaching, which I hold as a standard for my role as counselor educator, supervisor, and advocate: creating a sense of community, viewing education as an interactive process between the instructor, supervisee, counseling student and peers, respecting each student/supervisee, maintaining instructor accountability, using appropriate humor, timeliness and maintaining current in my profession. My role is also infused with Jane Vella’s principles for adult education, which share many of Royse’s qualities.