Trained in developmental, educational, and counseling psychology, my work is at the intersection of optimal development, learning, and mental health. For twenty years, I have taught, counseled, mentored, and coached teens and young adults, and provided consultation to parents, educators, and athletic coaches. As a college professor, I have taught about typical and atypical development, risk and resilience, intergenerational addiction and psychopathology, and the impact of early experience on later development, particularly developmental trauma. My expertise with working with teens and young adults to build resilience and support wellness is the culmination of this education and experience and my own personal journey toward wellness.
It is my goal to empower teens and young adults to master social and academic challenges, and to support parents, educators and mentors in their role as guides for our youth.
It is my goal to empower teens and young adults to master social and academic challenges, and to support parents, educators and mentors in their role as guides for our youth.
Education
Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship, Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
PhD Developmental and Educational Psychology, Boston College
MA Counseling Psychology, Boston College
BA Psychology, College of the Holy Cross
Memberships and Certifications
Registered Yoga Teacher RYT-200, Yoga Alliance
Member - International Association of Yoga Therapists
Member - Institute of Coaching, McLean Hospital, Harvard Affiliate
Certification in School Counseling, Grades 5-12
CIAC Certified Athletic Coach
Registered Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator
Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship, Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
PhD Developmental and Educational Psychology, Boston College
MA Counseling Psychology, Boston College
BA Psychology, College of the Holy Cross
Memberships and Certifications
Registered Yoga Teacher RYT-200, Yoga Alliance
Member - International Association of Yoga Therapists
Member - Institute of Coaching, McLean Hospital, Harvard Affiliate
Certification in School Counseling, Grades 5-12
CIAC Certified Athletic Coach
Registered Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator
Testimonials
On behalf of the HMTCA administration and staff THANK YOU for sharing your expertise. Staff was very impressed and feel more equipped and informed as they continue to understand and effectively respond to the needs of our middle and high school aged learners. Thank you again and HMTCA looks forward to the opportunity to work with you again. - administrator at Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy
I thought this was a great workshop. I liked the content and the way Susan shared in a deep and personal way. I enjoyed the great sharing and discussion with everyone who participated. - participant from the Yale Child Study Center
As the Director of Athletics in West Hartford, I have had the good fortune to employ Dr. Susan Averna as a member of our coaching staff over the past four years. During Dr. Averna’s tenure she has been an invaluable resource and an annual presenter for our Drug and Alcohol Education Night for our parents and student-athletes. We are extremely grateful and fortunate that Dr. Averna shared her expertise in the area of psychology with the Conard High School community. Dr. Susan Averna is a dynamic and charismatic speaker who delivers useful strategies for parents of adolescents on how to tackle the challenges of drug and alcohol use during the high school years. Each year numerous parents have commented about Dr. Averna’s helpful, relevant and dynamic presentations. As the Director of Athletics, I have also appreciated Dr. Susan Averna’s genuine and sincere approach that allows her to connect and develop strong rapport with adolescents. - Elizabeth Remigino-Knapp, Director of Athletics, West Hartford Public Schools
On behalf of the HMTCA administration and staff THANK YOU for sharing your expertise. Staff was very impressed and feel more equipped and informed as they continue to understand and effectively respond to the needs of our middle and high school aged learners. Thank you again and HMTCA looks forward to the opportunity to work with you again. - administrator at Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy
I thought this was a great workshop. I liked the content and the way Susan shared in a deep and personal way. I enjoyed the great sharing and discussion with everyone who participated. - participant from the Yale Child Study Center
As the Director of Athletics in West Hartford, I have had the good fortune to employ Dr. Susan Averna as a member of our coaching staff over the past four years. During Dr. Averna’s tenure she has been an invaluable resource and an annual presenter for our Drug and Alcohol Education Night for our parents and student-athletes. We are extremely grateful and fortunate that Dr. Averna shared her expertise in the area of psychology with the Conard High School community. Dr. Susan Averna is a dynamic and charismatic speaker who delivers useful strategies for parents of adolescents on how to tackle the challenges of drug and alcohol use during the high school years. Each year numerous parents have commented about Dr. Averna’s helpful, relevant and dynamic presentations. As the Director of Athletics, I have also appreciated Dr. Susan Averna’s genuine and sincere approach that allows her to connect and develop strong rapport with adolescents. - Elizabeth Remigino-Knapp, Director of Athletics, West Hartford Public Schools
Last night was the sixth athletic presentation that my husband and I have attended. I am writing to tell you that it was by far the best one to date. We both thought the speaker was excellent and did a great job educating parents and children alike. She was a charismatic speaker and held both the parents' and children's attention. She went out of her way to be informative and entertaining. An example would be including the lyrics to a hit song in the presentation. Both my girls were quoting things she said as we discussed it on the way home. Just wanted to compliment you on a great program! - parent at Conard High School
Dr. Susan Averna, the speaker, is absolutely captivating. Valuable observations and wisdom come from her as a mother and a professional. - mother at Central CT parenting meet-up