Kay M Vitro

Kay M Vitro is an Assistant Professor in Mental Health Counseling at Mercy College's School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Her research focuses on grief, complicated grief, and cultural components of grief, with a strong emphasis on multicultural competency in counseling. She is based in Mahoney Hall, Room 210, and can be contacted at kvitro@mercy.edu.

• Teaching Focus: CNSL 650 (Counseling Application I), CNSL 660 (Group Counseling Theory/Practice), CNSL 667 (Assessment in Counseling), CNSL 673 (Research and Evaluation in Counseling)
• Clinical Experience: Provided counseling at a psychiatric correctional facility in Texas for inmates across all security levels
• Editorial Role: Assistant Editor of The Family Journal, the flagship journal of the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors

Research Trends: Her work spans counseling theory, mental health promotion, and policy analysis, integrating humor in counselor education, addressing grief complexities, and advocating for equity in educational systems.

Scientific Awards:

• 2023 AADA Outstanding Adultspan Article Award (national recognition for counseling research)

Additional Contributions: Dr. Vitro has presented at state and national conferences, contributed to academic journals and a book chapter in Australia, and consulted with counseling agencies on cultural competency training.