Jane E. Okech

Jane E. Okech, Ph.D., is a Professor of Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Vermont, where she also serves as Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs effective July 1, 2022. She is affiliated with the College of Education and Social Services and the Department of Counseling, Human Development and Family Science.

Dr. Okech earned her academic credentials from institutions across three countries:

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Counseling from Idaho State University (USA, 2003)
• M.A. in Counseling Psychology from United States International University-Africa (Kenya)
• B.Ed. in Education from Kenyatta University (Kenya), majoring in Philosophy of Religion and History

Dr. Okech's scholarship primarily focuses on advancing proficiencies in group psychotherapy and clinical supervision with diverse populations. Her work examines counseling micro and advanced skill acquisition processes and their contributions to complex relational dynamics that enhance therapeutic efficacy. She also explores models of clinical supervision and core intervention proficiencies across various clinical practice domains, with particular attention to their intersection with counselor training, professional ethics, and standards of practice.

Her research demonstrates consistent attention to multicultural competence, ethical practice, and social justice principles within counseling contexts. The trajectory of her publications shows increasing sophistication in examining how cultural identity and power dynamics influence therapeutic relationships and outcomes.

Dr. Okech has received several prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to the field:

• Counselor Education and Supervision Publication of the Year Award (2019)
• Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW) Fellow (2018)
• Article of the Year Award (2017)
• Outstanding Article Award (2015)
• Outstanding Faculty Award from ALANA Center (2014)
• John Dewey Educator's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2014)

Throughout her career at UVM, Dr. Okech has demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving in multiple capacities including Coordinator of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program (2003-2012, 2016-2017), Counseling Program Coordinator (2012-2015), interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Research in CESS (2015-2016), Chair of the Department of Leadership and Developmental Sciences (2017-2021), and CESS Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs (2021-2022). She is also the Editor-elect for the Journal for Specialists in Group Work, with her executive editorship taking effect July 1, 2023.

As an educator, Dr. Okech has taught over 70 courses using multiple modalities, including in-person, hybrid, and online formats, and has engaged in high-impact teaching practices with positive peer and student evaluations. Her teaching portfolio includes Advanced Group Counseling, DBT courses, Clinical Mental Health Internships, and courses on professional issues in counseling.