Summary of OTHER Qualifications
In addition to her therapeutical practice, Dr. Belle McDonnell has a distinguished twenty-five year career combining business expertise with teaching experience in psychology, education, organizational development and motivational counseling. Her experience includes substantive training or working with trainers in developing strong interpersonal and personnel management leadership skills in a multidisciplinary team environment.
She has had significant experience and knowledge in applying social science research (qualitative and quantitative research methods, evaluation) on findings from demonstration projects and the overall coordination of management for NGO’s, for-profit organizations and education/academic settings.
Prior to joining the faculties of University of New York (Prague), Anglo American College, University of Northern Virginia (satellite) and Vysoka Skola Financi in Prague, Czech Republic, she held various academic and executive management positions. These provided managerial support to staff on research projects documenting program approaches, results, lessons, and proven practices. She is a skilled media relation professional and free lance journalist with expertise in developing media strategy for regional and international sectors of business and non profit organizations.
Education
Dr. McDonnell holds a PhD in psychology from Saybrook Research Institute and Graduate school in San Francisco, California where she specialized in designing and delivering training in multicultural principles and innovative teaching strategies for adult and adolescent learners.
PhD Psychology, (2004), Emphasis in Mind/Body/Clinical Interventions and Behavior Modification for Specialized Populations, Saybrook Research Institute and Graduate School, San Francisco, CA.
MA Social Science, (1990), Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
BA Social Work, (1986), Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA.
Professional History
Private Practice Therapist, 1986-Present; Assessment and treatment counseling for adults and adolescents with psychological concerns. Experienced in many forms of counseling including behavioral, cognitive, art and family systems therapy
Teaching, Psychology of Leadership, winter 2009 under Anglo American University, Lecturer; Prague; Introduction to Psychology, Fall 2008, Intercultural Communication, Fall 2008; Psychology of Leadership, Spring, 2008; Intercultural Communication and Diplomatic Protocol (BA and MA); Spring and Fall 2007: Global Human Resource Management (MA & BA sections); Humanities Public Policy & Business Administration Programs; Summer 2006: Knowledge Innovation, Production and Creativity for the New Cultural Society (MA) Spring 2006: Leadership, Culture and Change in the Era of Globalization; Thesis Advisor to MA students in Applied Public Policy and Social Analysis.
Ruzyne Airport, Prague, spring 2008, Educational Consultancy with Marta Gutova, Executive Director Airport Services
University of New York, Prague. Czech Republic, Lecturer, spring 2007: Psychology of Motivation.
Moroccan Embassy, Prague, fall 2006; Educational Consultancy with Ambassador Iridissi Koutani, Moroccan Ambassador to Czech Republic.
Vysoka Skola Financi (City University Prague), winter 2006 – Lecturer, Writing for the Business Professions: Business and Administrative Communication. Course which taught Czech and Slovak students writing skills, qualitative and quantitative research methods and criteria for effective business communication and reports.
University of Northern Virginia, Prague Campus, (2005). Lecturer, Psychology of Management. Course which focuses on the study of psychology of organizations, the study of human behavior within organizations and the function and nature of groups in organizations.
New Europe Productions, Prague (2005). Editor, Czech Republic Business Guide. Develop new client relationships for business magazine. Writing expatriate articles to facilitate understanding of specific issues related to integration into culture of Czech Republic
Westat, Inc, Rockville, MD, (1991-2004). Educational Research Consultant, Project Team Supervisor, Independent contractor in research evaluation and project management for national longitudinal studies. Managed teams of data collection specialists on research projects across the United States. Ensure coordination between the main project office and field staff; Interview respondents; Brief and debrief experts.
True-to-Life Children’s Services, Sebastopol, CA, (1998-2000). Behavioral Cognitive and Expressive Psychotherapist, Assessment and treatment counseling for SED adolescents in residential treatment settings.
Northcoast Children’s Services, Arcata, CA, (1992-1996). Administrative Manager, Program planning, development and implementation of educational programs in l8 school districts covering three rural counties in No. California. Supervised administrative staff, Designed and developed IT management structures, community needs assessments, prepared administrative reports and large grant applications.
Humboldt State University, Department of Sociology and Social Work Arcata, CA, (1989-1997). Faculty Instructor; Developed and taught courses and graduate seminars, in sociology, psychology, counseling and interdisciplinary studies.
- Sociology Curriculum Development, Soc 699, (winter l990)
- Seminar in Social Topics: Social Psychology in the Community, Soc 680 (March l988)
- Organizational Development, Psych 699 (Fall 1987)
- Community Development, Psych 699 (Spring l987)
- Interviewing and Counseling techniques, Psych 654 (Summer, 1986)
- Seminar in Social Topics II: Psych 699, Adult Matriculation and Re-entry (Summer 1986)
Humboldt State University, Upward Bound Program, Arcata, CA Counselor and Lecturer, and (1991-1998). Conducted expressive therapy course with adolescent populations enrolled in leadership skills training program at Humboldt State University.
Beartooth Wilderness School, Denny, CA. Counselor, (1992-1993). Conducted one-to-one and group counseling. Taught wilderness skills, interpersonal communication and Self-esteem enhancement to at risk youth in wilderness setting.
Adult Re-entry Center, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA. Founder/Director (1986-1987). Coordinated all aspects of re-entry program for new and matriculating older students. Recruited and trained counselors and support staff in academic planning and orientations. Produced administrative reports on FTE’s generated and success rates of new students. Served as faculty liaison on campus committees and developed campus/community partnerships.
Beartooth Wilderness School, Denny California. (Summer l986-87)Wilderness counselor for adolescents struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. The program developed resiliency skills for independence necessary to be successful in an environment that taught both survival and interpersonal relationship skills.
Freelance Journalist, (1987-present). Published journalist in local and national and international print media for individual clients, businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Northcoast Journal of People, Politics and Art, Arcata, CA. Monthly art columnist, (1988-1991).
Research and Grants
Novy Prostor EQUAL, Winter 2006. Contract Grant Consultant; Collaboration and development of methodology for research evaluating new organizations operating on a “social business” basis throughout six European Union countries.
Organizace Pro Pomoc Uprchlikum, (2005). Prague, Czech Republic. Independent research with unaccompanied minors seeking asylum in the Czech Republic. Therapeutic intervention project.
Dissertation Project (2003). A qualitative and quantitative exploration into creative expressive arts interventions for emotional healing and development: Implications for women coping with depression and adolescents at risk.
Research Practicum (2000-2002). Part of transpersonal clinical research team that searched and documented extensive literature databases on the frequent occurrence of religious and spiritual issues in clinical practice. This lead to a new DSMIV category on spiritual emergencies--forms of distress associated with spiritual practices and experiences.
True-to-Life Children’s Services, (1989-2000). Sebastopol, CA. Conducted a doctoral creative arts therapy/research project utilizing educational, creative arts therapy and behavior modification techniques with severely, emotionally damaged adolescents in group residential placement settings.
Project Upward Bound. (1991-1998). Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA. Conducted pilot study investigations examining the impact of an expressive therapy program called Creative Tools for Self-Esteem.
Northcoast Children’s Services, (1992-1996). Arcata, CA. Member of research/administrative team that acquired 3.5 million grant to improve services for parents of young children. This established an Early HeadStart program on the Northcoast of California.
Adult Re-entry Center, (1986-1987). Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA. Founded and directed resource/referral program for older, matriculating students that became institutionalized campus program.
Family Focus, (1983-1985). Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA. Development of advocacy and mentoring program grant monies for teenage parents on university campus. Transitioned the program model for county wide services to teens.
Publications
2005-2007 – Articles for International Association of Women in Prague, Lifestyle section.
2005, - Various articles and editing for 11th edition of Czech Republic Business Guide, Prague, CZ.
October, 1995 - Art just for the sidewalk; Times Standard, Eureka, CA
January 1994 - Toys R Art; Northcoast Journal of People, Politics and Art, Arcata, CA
April 1993 - Capturing Nature Drenched with Light; Northcoast Journal of People, Politics and Art, Arcata, CA
March 1993 - Head Start Readies for New In-Home programs: Care for the Child; Times Standard, Eureka, CA
October - 1993 Pastels: A circle of Color; Times Standard, Eureka, CA
May 1993 - A Woman’s Business: Helping Future Women Entrepreneurs Find Success; Times Standard, Eureka, CA
Spring 1992 - Lori Goodman: Showcase Column; Vision Art Quarterly
March 1992 - Getting a Head Start: A Family’s Success Story; Times Standard, Eureka,
March 1991 - A Young Mother Looks Forward; Times Standard, Eureka, CA
April 1990 - Dancing Toasters; Northcoast Journal of People, Politics and Art, Arcata, CA
March 1990 - Healing Wounds with Art, Times Standard, Eureka, CA
January 1989 - Art to Moralize, Tenderize: A portrait of Joe Cusimano; Northcoast Journal of People, Politics and Art, Arcata, CA
February 1989 - Vietnam Vets Exorcise War with Art; Northcoast Journal of People, Politics and Art, Arcata, CA
November 1989 - Duning Gate Series Explores Mystic Union; Times Standard, Eureka, CA
Curated Gallery Exhibits
January 2000 - Journey of the Feminine Soul: Transformations through Art; Jubilee Studio, Healdsburg, CA
July 1998 - Rainbow soup with a pinch of light”; Reese Bullen Gallery, HSU, Arcata, CA
August - 1998 Art as Healing; Ink People Gallery, Eureka, California
July 1997 - Expressions of the Soul; Reese Bullen Gallery, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA.
April 1989 - Healing the Wounds: Vietnam Veterans and the Arts; Humboldt Cultural Center, Eureka, CA
Workshops and Conferences
September 2007: Wellness and Health Fair 2007, United States Embassy, Prague, Czech Republic.
March 2007: Creative Tools for Self Esteem, The English College in Prague, Grenaa School in Denmark and the Jan Kepler Gymnazium, Vysocany Town hall seminar on Psychology, Economics and History, Prague, Czech Republic.
November 2006: Motivation in the Workplace, Village Cinemas, Prague, Czech Republic
May 2006: Creativity in the Workplace, CMC School of Business, International Marketing, Čelákovice, Czech Republic.
January 2006: Creative Tools for Transitions, International Association of Women in Prague, Czech Republic.
January 2006: Wizardry of Social Business, Prague, workshop for partner country representatives of the EQUAL (EU) grant.
September 2005: Multicultural Diversity in the Workplace, University of Northern Virginia MBA program, Prague, Czech Republic
March 2005: Resiliency and Self-Esteem; Organizace Pro Pomoc Uprchlikum (OPU), Pribram, Czech Republic.
October, 2000: Creativity with youth-at-risk: Self-Esteem and Self-empowerment; Saybrook Research Institute and Graduate School, October Residential, Rohnert Park, CA
April, 2000: The Challenge of Establishing and Maintaining a Relational Self in a Stratified World: An Interpretive Account of Poverty. Utilizing Critical Theory and Depth Psychology; Paper presented as part of panel at University of Texas@ Arlington conference, ‘The Female Principle: Eclipses and Re-Emergences’.
October, 1998: Self-Esteem for Kids-At-Risk: A Creative Approach; Two seminars presented for Humboldt Arts Council ‘s “Arts in the Community Challenge Grant Coalition, Eureka, CA.
May. 1994: Creativity and Self-Esteem; Presented to Teenage Pregnancy
and Parenting Conference, Humboldt Childcare Council, Eureka, CA
April, 1993: Using Creative Tools to Enhance Self-Esteem, seminar
presented to members of the Humboldt County Self-Esteem Task Force,
under the auspices of Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, Eureka,
CA.
June, 1993: Using Creative Tools in the Grief and Bereavement Process; Hospice of Humboldt Healing Conference, Eureka, CA.
July, 1993: The Importance of Creativity in the Mental Health Field; Humboldt County Mental Health Advisory Board, Eureka, CA.
May, 1992: Building Self-Esteem in your Clients; Presented to staff and teachers for Northcoast Children’s Services, Arcata, CA.
February, 1991: Using Creativity to Handle Stress; Humboldt State University Veterans Center, Arcata, CA
April, 1991: Creative Tools for Self-Esteem; E.D.G.E. program at Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA.
March, 1990: Creative Tools for Self-Esteem; Seminar presented at the State Board of Education Early Childhood Development Conference, Burlingame, CA.
Spring 1990: Self Esteem and Women in Transition; Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA. Self Esteem Conference.
Awards and Honors
Women helping Women, Soroptomist International, Arcata, 1986
Nominated “Women of the Year”, HSU, Arcata, CA 1986
Volunteer Committee Activities
2005-2006 Evening Group Activity Committee, International Assoc. of Women in Prague, Czech Republic.
1994-1997 Public Relations Chairwoman, Humboldt Community Network (THE NET), Eureka, CA.
1994-95 Public Relations Coordinator, Parent Involvement Committee, Arcata High School, Arcata, CA
1992-93 Media Coordinator, The Humboldt County families, children and youth services and community development study task force, Eureka, CA
1992-93 Public Relations Chair, Women Entrepreneur Project, Eureka, CA.
1991 Watercolor workshops in Arcata Elementary Schools.
1988-1990, Northcoast Representative, California Advocates for Reentry Ed.
1988-90 Steering Committee, Citizens Advisory Board for GAIN, Eureka, CA
1988-89 Hospice of Humboldt, Public Relations Committee, Eureka, CA