Maria E Vilanova

Maria E Vilanova is a Senior Instructor and Director of Clinical Internship at Mercy University's School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. A graduate of Mercy University's Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program, she brings over a decade of clinical expertise working with individuals, couples, and families across public and private sectors.

Research Focus: Her work centers on trauma recovery, life cycle transitions through family systems theory, cross-cultural relationships, and leadership development. She specializes in military/veteran mental health, addressing mental illness, addiction, and reintegration challenges for service members and their families.

Clinical Leadership: As Assistant Director at Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service, she oversees youth mental health programs while providing direct therapy for teens/adults dealing with anxiety, depression, and family conflicts. She actively expands community mental health resources and partnership networks.

Teaching: Maria teaches Group Experience (PSYN 644), MFT Practicum I-III (PSYN 640-642), and Clinical Research Project (PSYN 710), mentoring emerging therapists through academic and professional development.