Issue link: http://ncumarketing.uberflip.com/i/1464553
4 MFT Clinical Coordinator— Danielle Foster N O R T H C E N T R A L U N I V E R S I T Y: N C U M F T S U P E R V I S O R C O R N E R Tell us about yourself. I have been working for NCU, in a few different capacities, for over seven years. I have always been drawn to working with our Marriage and Family Therapy students. I have been in Student Services since 2014, where I made my debut as an advisor. I have always loved learning about the unique nuances to the different state requirements, programmatic differences, and evolution of our MFT programs, as well as seeing students reach their end goal of graduation. I have spent most of my career as an academic and finance advisor and team lead for our dissertation folks. I have been able to really dive into different roles of supporting students— hands on—and instrumentally with scheduling courses, assisting with financial questions, and partnering on student development. I have considered myself a mentor in my roles. It has always been a passion of mine to help develop students and see that they grow, not just as students, but as future therapists and people. What drew you to the position? The clinical coordinator position has always intrigued me, and I have wanted to work as one of the key contributors for this team for a while. As a long-standing goal of mine, I have always loved the idea of focusing solely on the uniqueness of the clinical readiness process. I currently enjoy learning and growing in this field and especially find value with building on partnerships with students and staff to help support the clinical process. I am enjoying learning the different state licensure requirements, exploring different student scenarios, and guiding sites/supervisors and students on the clinical journey. What are you hoping to bring to/change about the clinical training process you are a part of? I love to help enhance interdepartmental communication and collaboration across all avenues of the "student life cycle." My passion also lies with connecting students, advisors, Dean's Office members, and clinical personnel/faculty together to work cohesively and systemically. I want to help support and develop different strategies to enhance the student experience and clinical readiness experience over time. What do you appreciate about working with NCU students? I value the NCU experience and have enjoyed watching it grow. We grow because of our wonderful students and faculty! Many of our students are full-time employees, parents, and hard-working adults eager to better society and themselves. It is quite clear with our NCU students one can see the care and sensitivity that the majority of them organically carry. Our student's ability to learn and challenge themselves in the field of MFT is extraordinary. I love being a part of their story and to be a support person for their journey. I have witnessed these students grow and overcome obstacles time and time again, and it inspires me to stay true to my own path and journey!