Developing Resilience in the Dynamic International Education Environment

Working in international education is a fulfilling career fueled by a dedication to making the world a better place. Although rewarding, the fluctuating nature of the field, demanding workloads, and a requirement to adjust to unanticipated challenges can affect your ability to take care of your own physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

In this NAFSA e-Learning seminar, psychology and counseling experts will discuss ways in which professionals can increase their resilience to cope with the dynamic nature of the field. Participants will learn how to apply proven methods to cultivate a supportive office culture; how to recognize and address burnout in themselves and others; and how to reclaim their professional and personal spark.

Learning Outcomes

After attending this NAFSA e-Learning Seminar, participants will be able to:

• Recognize and discern the symptoms of professional burnout, exhaustion, and fatigue;
• Develop proactive measures to control situations that often overwhelm staff;
• Promote role model behaviors that establish a supportive and caring environment;
• Create a self-care plan that helps build emotional resilience and wellbeing.

The content of this seminar will be relevant to professionals working within all aspects of international education. Feel free to invite your campus colleagues from the counseling and psychological services centers.

Speakers

Tamara Knapp-Grosz
University of North Texas

Tamara Knapp-Grosz is the senior director of the Counseling and Testing Center (CTC) at the University of North Texas. Before joining the CTC in October 2015, Knapp-Grosz served as Director of Counseling and Student Accommodations at the Savannah College of Art and Design for 16 years. Knapp-Grosz received her master’s degree in psychology from Long Island University and her PhD in counseling psychology with a specialization in marriage and family counseling from Seton Hall University. She has undergraduate degrees in psychology and nursing and completed her doctoral internship in clinical psychology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Her clinical interests include anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and positive psychology. A former corporate psychologist, she has opened more than 100 treatment programs across the United States. Knapp-Grosz is a past president of the Georgia College Counseling Association and the American College Counseling Association.

Amy Lenhart
Collin College

Amy Lenhart has worked at Collin College since 2000 providing mental health and career counseling to students. She has prior experience in a four-year university, as well as a domestic violence agency. Lenhart holds a master’s degree in counseling and psychology in education and graduated with honors. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and English. She is a licensed professional counselor in Texas and is also a nationally certified counselor. Lenhart is the past president of the American College Counseling Association (ACCA), has served on the board as a member-at-large, and was the first chair for ACCA's Community College Task Force. She currently serves as the chair and supervisor for the ACCA Community College Survey. Lenhart has also served on the Texas College Counseling Association as president, treasurer, and senator.