Melissa Brennan, PhD, LPC, CSC
Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health
Moye Hall, Room 208
210-528-6712
mabrennan@ollusa.edu
Areas of Expertise
My areas of expertise include school counseling, child and adolescent counseling, child and adolescent development, online instruction, online course curriculum and development, editing and revising, social justice advocacy (especially related to gender diversity), culturally responsive pedagogy, reflective and reflexive teaching practices, and academic advising and degree planning.
Teaching Philosophy
My philosophy of teaching centers upon culturally responsive teaching practices through intersectional pedagogy, promoting equity and inclusivity for all (including historically oppressed or marginalized populations). I prioritize giving voice to all students by varying methods of content delivery and assessment, allowing for a great deal of individual choice in course assignments and activities. I strive to respect the diverse learning styles and needs of all students and believe that there should be more than one 鈥榬ight way鈥� to successfully achieve the learning outcomes of a course. I also aim to incorporate lessons and activities that promote open and authentic conversations among students so that learners are able to apply class concepts to their own personal experiences and consider the diverse perspectives of their classmates' personal experiences.
Outside Interests
I am the mother of three wild chihuahuas and have never met a dog I didn鈥檛 love. I enjoy working out, trying new restaurants, reading, writing, cleaning my house, bargain shopping, and spending time with my husband, who is also my best friend.
Certifications and Memberships
Professional Memberships:
- American Counseling Association
- American School Counselor Association
- Association of Counselor Education and Supervision
- Texas Counseling Association
- Texas School Counselors Association
- Texas Association of Counselor Education and Supervision
Certifications:
- Quality Matters - Certified Course Reviewer (Higher Ed)
- School Counselor Certification EC-12 (Texas Education Agency)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (Texas- 77833)
- Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor
The Rating System for Teaching Excellence is a faculty evaluation tool focusing on
teaching strengths and a commitment to continuous improvement. It assesses instructors
based on four key criteria, each rated on a scale of 1-5 stars. These criteria include
the clarity of instruction, organization of course material, ability to engage students,
and availability and helpfulness outside of class. Instructors are evaluated on their
clarity in explaining concepts, the organization of course materials, their ability
to engage and involve students, and their accessibility and responsiveness outside
of class. This system helps showcase and recognize exceptional teaching while promoting
ongoing enhancement of teaching skills.
Education
- PhD - Counselor Education and Supervision, University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Kentucky
- Master of Arts - Counseling, Specialization in School Counseling, University of Texas at San Antonio
- Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in Sociology, Texas State University