This spring, VCU’s Department of Rehabilitation Counseling welcomed Kaitlyn Pascuzzi as its new program coordinator, a role in which she will provide administrative and operational support to one of the nation’s leading rehabilitation and mental health counseling programs.

Pascuzzi brings a professional background that bridges clinical counseling work and higher education administration. Originally from the greater Harrisonburg area, she earned her master’s degree in creative arts therapy from Nazareth University in Rochester, N.Y., followed by a patient-facing role at a residential eating disorder center.

She soon discovered an interest in program operations and student support within higher education, leading her to pivot to a student affairs role at a small New York college. However, an opening at VCU Rehabilitation Counseling presented an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

“I really wanted to be back in the counseling world,” she said. “I’m very passionate about mental health, and the ability to combine my therapy skillset with my higher education administrative background was just what I was looking for.”

In her new role, Pascuzzi supports student scheduling, administrative processes tied to internships and clinical placements, promotional efforts for courses and certificates and coordination related to grant-funded initiatives. Her familiarity with licensure pathways and program structure has helped her quickly acclimate to the department’s curriculum and requirements.

As she continues to settle into the role, Pascuzzi is focused on becoming a consistent, knowledgeable point of contact for both prospective and current students. She is especially eager to support milestones within the department, including commencement: “Being able to celebrate our students and everything that goes into earning their diplomas will be very gratifying.”

Now firmly based in Richmond, Pascuzzi and her husband are enjoying the city’s arts and sports scenes, having become home-game regulars for the Richmond Kickers soccer team. “There’s so much opportunity to build a community here,” she said.

by John Battiston