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Staff Spotlight: Carol Hanson

MSP is pleased to introduce Carol Hanson who is filling a new role on campus – Training Coordinator.  As MSP grows, we are lucky to have Carol’s expertise in supporting our students in navigating the clinical training process.  Carol was kind enough to answer a few questions below.

Carol Hanson headshotGive us a snapshot of your professional/academic background:

After attending OCC for one year after high school, I quit and decided to work full-time.  I began working at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice as a secretary and was encouraged by the judge I worked for and several employees to pursue higher education.  I eventually earned my bachelor’s degree and was able to promote into positions which required a degree after the judge retired.

Not happy to forever work in a cubicle,  I continued taking courses and pursued master degrees to elevate my career. Thankfully, I was able to pursue positions within the court system that provided me the opportunity to develop clinical skills, without starting from the bottom salary-wise. However, my goal after earning a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling was always to work in a college setting.

What attracted you to working at MSP?

I had driven by the campus several times over the years and was always curious about the school.  Once I read the job description and the history of MSP, I thought it would be the perfect fit for me as I had several years performing administrative duties as well as experience on the clinical side as I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and went through a similar journey (taking competency exams, locating a practicum and internship, juggling working at sites while working full-time, supervision and taking the state licensing exam).

Describe your role at MSP:

As the Training Coordinator for the Clinical Training Department, I will be working closely with the students overseeing clinical training documentation and evaluations as well as providing consultation to students during their practicum search and training experience.

I will also collaborate with Dr. Heidi Martin and the new Program Director, Dr. Shannon Chávez-Korell in coordinating the Continuing Education Program at MSP.

What has been your favorite part of the job?

Driving up into a beautiful, relaxed setting; feeling immediately welcome by staff and students; and after years of working in downtown Detroit, free parking!

What is one thing that people might be surprised to know about you?

I still get speeding tickets!