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He Lost $500,000 Gambling. Now He Helps Others Who Can’t Stop.

Sean Fournia, a peer recovery specialist for the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, is part of a group of recovered addicts helping problem gamblers in Virginia. He shares his personal journey and the strategies he employs to assist those in need, emphasizing the importance of support systems and awareness in overcoming gambling addiction.

Virginia program shows rare success in addressing problem gambling

The Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH) has developed a treatment system for problem gambling. “What we’ve seen since 2019 to 2023, an increase of 973% of callers,” said Carolyn Hawley, Director of the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, part of the state’s effort to combat problem gambling.

Dr. Anne Chandler, long-time supporter, friend, and colleague of the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, passed away on Dec 1, 2023

We would like to share the recent obituary of a long-time supporter, friend, and colleague of the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling. As a testament to her dedication to the department and the work done by rehabilitation and mental health counselors, Anne started the "Anne Chandler Scholarship Fund" to support students working toward their master's degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. Anne was an incredible person and she touched the lives of countless people. 

Graduate Students Ariana Samuel and Taylor Davis presenting at the 2023 SCRA Biennial Conference on Community Research and Action

Ariana Samuel and Taylor Davis will be presenting a paper symposium with the VCU AYA research team titled, "Novel Approaches to Understanding Racial Socialization as a Resilience Factor for Black Americans" at the 2023 SCRA Biennial Conference on Community Research and Action. The team will be presenting a total of 4 papers that focus on racial socialization and coping among Black Americans and families. Ariana Samuel's paper is titled, "The Mediating Effect of Racial Socialization on the Relationship between Immigration Status and Black Identity Development." Taylor Davis' paper is titled, "The Impact of Discrimination and Racial Socialization on Black Emerging Adults' Trust in Institutions." 

Health Professions Scholarship Honors Disability Advocate

James Rothrock, former commissioner of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, spent his career advocating for people with disabilities. A sledding accident as a teenager left Rothrock paraplegic, yet anyone who met him most remembered Jim for his booming laughter and indomitable spirit.

Two students, Sonia Meyer and Sophia Hartman, have been accepted into the Virginia Counselors Association (VCA) Summer 2022 Leadership Academy.

Two students, Sonia Meyer and Sophia Hartman, have been accepted into the Virginia Counselors Association (VCA) Summer 2022 Leadership Academy. "The Virginia Counselors Association (VCA) Leadership Academy was designed to provide graduate counseling students with meaningful experiences that support leadership skill and competency development, and diverse opportunities to actively participate in VCA Executive Board meetings, serve on a committee, special committees, and/or engage in projects of interest, receive mentorship, build professional networks, and gain exposure to the responsibilities associated with fulfilling elected leadership positions. Overall, this experience is designed to help facilitate professional identity development as a leader in the counseling profession."