Gabriella Simon

Gabriella Simon is an Associate Professor and Head of Department at the Center for Continuing Education in Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Károli Gáspár Reformed University. With a PhD in Educational Science from ELTE (2018), her research focuses on mentoring, mental health in educational settings, and teacher development.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Educational Science (2018), ELTE - Dissertation: "Attitudinal components of mentoring competencies"
• MA in English Language Teacher (1998), ELTE BTK
• MA in Hungarian Language and Literature Teacher (1986), ELTE BTK
• Supervisor qualification (2021), Károli Gáspár University
• Teacher's professional exam (2007), Károli Gáspár University
• Mental health professional (2005), Károli Gáspár University
• Mediator (2003), CSAGYI - IM

Dr. Simon's research spans mental hygiene and mental health development in educational settings, with a particular focus on online counseling approaches. She has pioneered work in introductory programs for beginning teachers and internship programs, developing evidence-based mentoring frameworks. Her scholarship examines the attitudinal components of mentoring competencies and their impact on teacher development. She also investigates mediation techniques within educational contexts and their role in conflict resolution.

Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on mentoring models and mental health in educational settings. Her 2024 work establishes a dynamic-transitional model of personal support in mentoring, building on her earlier research about humanistic approaches to helping. She has extensively studied school mental hygiene, publishing two major works on the topic in 2023. Her research also examines the relationship between parental involvement and school performance, drawing on national assessment data from Hungary.

Her notable recognition includes:

• Béla Buda Award (2023) from KRE BTK

Dr. Simon has served as Principal Investigator for the National Competency Assessment Research Group (2018) and has led multiple significant research projects including the Innovations in Teacher Training and Public Education Research Group (2020-2022) and the Support for institutions at risk of student dropout project (2018-2020). She has been involved in major Hungarian educational initiatives including TÁMOP 3.1.5 support for teacher training (2013-2015) and HEFOP 3.1.4 development of educational program packages (2005-2008).

Dr. Simon leads the Center for Continuing Education in Psychology at Károli Gáspár Reformed University. She has coordinated the Online Mental Health Counseling Specialized Continuing Education Program since 2016. Her work connects with the Hungarian Mental Health Association (where she serves on the board) and the Association of Teacher Educators.