Dr. Elizabeth Boland, PhD, CRC

she/her/hers, Academic Program Director Rehabilitation Counseling, Professor

About

Education

  • Ph.D. Rehabilitation Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • M.S.  Rehabilitation Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • B.B.A.  Marketing and Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Certifications

  • Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (#00011647)

Background

After receiving her Master's degree, Dr. Boland worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of Nebraska for three years. In addition to a general caseload, she was the liaison with the local rehabilitation hospital and was actively involved on the rehabilitation team for both the inpatient and outpatient programs. The caseload at the rehabilitation hospital primarily consisted of individuals with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. 

Upon completing her doctoral degree, Dr. Boland joined the faculty at the University of Florida's Department of Rehabilitation Counseling. During her 4½ years at UF, she taught undergraduate courses in Rehabilitation Services, graduate courses in Rehabilitation Counseling, and doctoral courses in Rehabilitation Science.

Dr. Boland joined the MA in Rehabilitation Counseling Program at Western Washington University as faculty and the Academic Program Director in December, 2004. From September 2010 until August 2015, she was also the Department Chair. Dr. Boland is also collaborating with the Northwest Indian College's Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Institute as the Assistant Director.

Areas of Focus, Research/Projects, and Interests

Dr. Boland's research interests are (a) rehabilitation counseling education, (b) return-to-work for individuals with significant disabilities, and (c) professional leadership.