Diandra J. Prescod

President 

Dr. Diandra J. Prescod is an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Counselor Education at the University of Connecticut. In her previous role, she spent five years as an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education and Program Coordinator of Career Counseling at Penn State University. Dr. Prescod is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Certified Career Services Provider. From 2020-2023 she served as the National Career Development Association’s Trustee for Higher Education Career Counselors and Specialists and Secretary for the European Branch of the American Counseling Association. She won NCDA's Merit Award at the 2024 national conference.

Dr. Prescod’s research focuses on effective career development interventions for STEM undergraduate students and underrepresented students in higher education. She has over 15 years of counseling experience, over 80 academic presentations, numerous publications in academic journals, and $3M in external funding. 

  

Latoya Haynes-Thoby

Secretary

Latoya Haynes-Thoby (Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University) is an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education at the University of Connecticut. Her work explores the benefits of culturally-responsive trauma-informed counseling that promotes resilience and thriving, especially for marginalized children, adults, and communities. 

Dr. Haynes-Thoby’s research agenda is brought forth through applied research methods, including the exploration of culturally specific factors that contribute to resilience, and the operationalization of trauma-informed counseling that promotes success. She approaches her work using a trauma-informed lens, and that are rooted in Black-feminist and intersectional frameworks. 

Using critical frameworks, her research focuses on issues such as individual and community healing from trauma. Her commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and counselor development is evidenced through her scholarship, teaching, and service. Through her research, Dr. Haynes-Thoby aims to honor the clients who trust us with their stories, and the community-rooted protective factors that support their well-being.

Dr. Haynes-Thoby is a National Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor (CT & PA), and Approved Clinical Supervisor with nearly twenty years of experience working with women, children and families who have been impacted by intimate partner violence, homelessness, and other sources of trauma. She earned her PhD in counselor education and supervision, as well as her MEd in Counselor Education, with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health in Schools and Communities from the Pennsylvania State University.

Caitlin Grant

Treasurer

Caitlin Grant is a Connecticut native and entered the world of higher education in 2010. Caitlin has worked at Post University in Waterbury, CT for almost 15 years. She joined the Honors Team in early 2020, and was promoted to Director in October 2023. In addition to her full-time position, she is an Associate Faculty member for the Department of Communication and Media Studies and has taught honors courses for eight years. Caitlin holds a B. A. in Communication from Albertus Magnus College and an M.S. in Journalism from Quinnipiac University. In 2023, she completed the Facilitating Career Development training course and is a CCSP candidate. Additionally, she is a graduate of Leadership Greater Waterbury Class of 2022, a personal and career development program that creates lifelong partnerships and develops community awareness among future leaders in civic, professional, and community organizations in the Greater Waterbury area.

Qu Chen

Trustee

Qu Chen is presently an Assistant Professor at Southern Connecticut State University in the department of Counseling and School Psychology Programs. At Pennsylvania State University, Qu taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in Counseling, as well as courses in Job Search Skills and Career Planning for specific degree programs. Her supervisory experiences include that of Faculty Supervisor for Counseling students, Tele-mental Health Counseling Supervisor, Advanced Doctoral Supervisor, and Student Practicum Supervisor. While at Penn State, Qu served as a Career Counselor and Practicum Counselor in the Office of Career Services. She is a published author, has presented at numerous conferences, and has worked on a variety of grant projects. Qu holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology from Troy State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Instructional Technology from Fujian Normal University in China.

Emily Canto

Trustee 

Emily Canto has worked in the field of career services for over 30 years.  She is experienced in providing guidance to students within four year and two-year environments in both state-supported and private colleges and universities. 

She is a licensed LPC in the state of Connecticut.  Emily holds an earned M. Ed from the University of New Hampshire and a Bachelor of Arts with double majors in Psychology and Sociology from North Adams Sate College (Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.)  In addition, she has held leadership positions within professional organizations at the community colleges and state Connecticut Counselor Association organization.

Michelle Salvador

Trustee

Michelle Salvador, an accomplished professional in academic and business environments, is from Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from Ashland University with her BSBA degree, majoring in Broadcast Sales and Station Management with a minor in marketing, she began her career in advertising. She partnered with a variety of local businesses and regional advertisers to create and maintain effective multimedia advertising campaigns. 

She relocated to Connecticut and transitioned from a business environment to Higher Education. She has been part of the Post University Community for over 7 years, holding the positions of campus admissions advisor, online academic advisor for both undergraduate and graduate students, and her current (and favorite) position as Assistant Director of Online Honors Program. Working with the online student population, she strives to connect with her students, support and encourage them to challenge themselves, reach outside of their comfort zone, build their sense of community, and continue to be successful.