The member spotlight highlights individual achievements, contributions, and unique qualities within the group work community and as members of ASGW, fostering recognition, connection, and inspiration. It acknowledges members' efforts, motivates others through their successes, and builds camaraderie by sharing personal stories. Additionally, spotlights promote diversity, inclusion, and knowledge-sharing while reinforcing ASGW’s core values. This practice strengthens community bonds and aligns group members with shared goals through platforms like newsletters, social media, and events.
Melissa Luke, PhD, LMHC, NCC, ACS
Dr. Luke is a Dean’s Professor in the unit of Counseling & Human Services within the School of Education at Syracuse University. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and both a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and certified School Counselor in the State of New York. Dr. Luke is an international leader in counselor education with over 200 publications and having delivered presentations and workshops in seven countries to date. Dr. Luke is a Fellow in the American Counseling Association and Association for Specialists in Group Work. In addition, she was the 2024 recipient of ACA’s Extended Research Award. Dr. Luke’s scholarship uses both critical qualitative and quantitative methods to explore anti-oppressive counselor preparation and practice to effectively meet the needs of underserved persons, as well as examining supervision and group counseling processes. Extending her group work scholarship, Dr. Luke has provided extensive training for faculty, staff, students, administrators, local communities, and international partners on diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-oppression (DEIAO). These multipronged training sessions aided educators and community partners in building anti-oppressive and anti-racist group skills for responsive practices in educational and community settings.
Dr. Luke, thank you for your contributions to the field of group work!
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