Dr. Dawn Simone is retiring from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota after 30 years of service to the MA in Counseling and Psychological Services program and students.
Dr. Simone began her time at Saint Mary’s when she was recruited and hired by former MPY Program Director, Dr. Christina Huck, as the Associate Program Director and Practicum Coordinator in 1994. Dr. Simone, along with Dr. Huck, were instrumental in developing and strengthening the MA in Counseling and Psychological Services program through their work on curriculum and policy development. One of Dr. Simone’s most important contributions to the program was her establishment of a strong practicum program for the department. Dr. Simone initiated and nurtured relationships with community practicum sites, many of which have continued to this day. After leaving her administrative role and returning to clinical practice, Dr. Simone remained a trusted and reliable adjunct faculty member, teaching practicum courses nearly every semester for many years. In times of transition, Dr. Simone has always graciously come to the aid of the program providing support in various roles including administrative assistance, student advising, managing practicum completion students, and overseeing the program’s oral exam process. The MA in Counseling and Psychological Services Program has undoubtedly tremendously benefited from Dr. Simone’s legacy and her many years of loyal service. Dr. Simone’s characteristic kindness, dependability, creative problem solving, and unfailing integrity have been a true gift to her colleagues and students. We wish her well as she embarks on her next adventure–retirement!
A celebration of her many contributions to the MA in Counseling and Psychological Services program will be held on Thursday, October 10th 2024 at Luna and the Bear at 18 W 26th St, Minneapolis, MN 55404. All are invited to attend.
