News and Events

2022 News

(Scroll below for news archives.)

15th Annual Fiesta by the Bay for Autism Oct. 7, 2022

The funds raised at Fiesta by the Bay help CARD-USF provide free programs and projects throughout the year across 14 counties.

Tampa Midtown Rotary Club to Host 11th Annual Cycling for Autism

On Saturday, October 22, 2022, the Tampa Midtown Rotary Club will host its 11th Annual Cycling for Autism to support programs at the University of South Florida focused on helping individuals with autism and their families.

Get to know the New Chair of CFS: Q&A with Lise Fox

Lise Fox, PhD became chair of the Department of Child & Family Studies (CFS) in August. She has served in several roles within CFS over the past 27 years.

CFS Begins Fall 2022 with New Department Chair as Mario Hernandez Plans for Retirement

A "Passing of the Gavel" event was held July 29th for faculty, staff, family members and guests to recognize and thank Dr. Hernandez for his years of service to the department, and welcome Dr. Fox into her new leadership role.

CFS Assistant Professor of Instruction, Jillian Heilman, PHD, CRC Receives the Thomas "Tom" Ulvenes - Outstanding Community Service Award

The award recognizes individuals for outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the community through courageous advocacy, education and diligent persistence in pursuing goals that improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

Marriage and Family Therapy Master's Program Celebrates First Graduating Class

The MFT Program prepares students in both theoretical and clinical work with individuals, families, and couples in the community.

CFS Research Faculty Linda Callejas, PhD Receives Grant from Indiana Family and Social Services Administration

She and her team will evaluate behavioral health services for culturally diverse populations.

CFS Research Assistant Professor Amy Vargo and Program Director Pamela Menedez Receive $1.6 Million Grant from Florida Department of Children & Families

The new grant, Evaluation of Implementation to Fidelity of Evidence-Based Services, will Involve Conducting a Statewide Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Florida's Child Welfare System

Sarah Sheffield Receives Inaugural Bob Friedman Endowed Scholarship Award

An award established in honor of Dr. Friedman, long-time Professor and Chair in Child & Family Studies, is given to a graduate student in the last year of their study. 

CARD-USF Autism Friendly Team Recognized by Tampa City Council

Since 2017, CARD-USF and the Autism Friendly Tampa committee have worked together to make Tampa a welcoming and safe community for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

CRMHC and MFT Host Virtual Career and Licensure Panel

USF Assistant Professor of Instruction/MFT Field Placement Coordinator Lauren Baxley, PhD, LMFT was the moderator and 8 panelists shared their expertise, wisdom and tips with students in both CRMHC & MFT programs.

CFS Research Associate Stephanie Martinez Selected for 3-Year Term on Board of Association for Positive Behavior Support

APBS is a multidisciplinary organization made up of over 1400 professionals (teachers, researchers, university professors, and administrators), family members, and consumers who are committed to the application of positive behavior support within the context of the school, family, and community.

RMHC Students Receive People’s Choice Award from the USF Annual Graduate Student Research Symposium

Congratulations to RMHC students Callie Hill, Jessica Klein and Kevin Spath who won in the Social & Behavioral Sciences (including Education) category.

FCIC Releases COVID-19 and Vaccination Information Videos for People with Disabilities

The Florida Center for Inclusive Communities (FCIC) UCEDD, in partnership with Diane Wilkins Productions, and funded by a grant from the Administration for Community Living/CDC, is pleased to announce the release of a new series of free educational videos.

Fully Online Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Sciences Begins Fall 2022

Beginning Fall 2022, a new fully online Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Sciences (RCDS) will be offered at USF to meet the increasing demand for Certified Rehabilitation Counselors to work with persons with physical, mental, emotional, and chemical disabilities.

Instructor Jill Heilman Profiled as USF Boundless Bull

She is a driving force behind the creation of the new Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Sciences online master’s program, which prepares students for careers as rehabilitation counselors and professional disability specialists. She plans to share the stories of her children and invite other guest speakers with disabilities to speak with classes in the program to help end the stigma and stereotypes that those with disabilities face.

CFS Associate Professor Trina Spencer, PhD Shares Fulbright Experience in South Africa

After several starts and stops and a year and a half delay, CFS Associate Professor Dr. Trina Spencer finally made it to South Africa. She won a Fulbright award in 2020, but due to COVID-19, she was unable to begin her experience until 2022.

Haley Moss visits CARD and The Learning Academy to Share Journey through College and Career as Someone with Autism

As a lawyer, neurodiversity expert and author, she is a consultant to top corporations and nonprofits that seek her guidance in creating a diverse workplace, and a sought-after commentator on disability rights issues.

CFS Chair and Professor Mario Hernandez, PhD Featured in La Gaceta

The story explores Dr. Hernandez's childhood growing up in Ybor City to a Cuban father and Spanish and Sicilian mother and his experiences with racism against the Latin community.

CFS/RMHC Professor Marilyn Stern Honored as AAAS Fellow

Dr. Stern is recognized for her distinguished contributions to the field of psychology, particularly for development of parent-involved interventions for obese children and adolescents, pediatric cancer survivors, and at-risk youth.

CFS Associate Professor/ RMHC Program Director Contributes to Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program

The committee is organized by the Institute of International Education and encompass the diversity of U.S. academia

CFS Study Team is Conducting a National Online Survey of Former Youth Residents of Residential Treatment Facilities and their Parents and Caregivers

The survey is to help understand their experiences and perspective of the care received by the facilities. The types of facilities include programs such as therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness camps, residential treatment centers, and boot camps. 

RMHC Hosts Coffee Hour with Fulbright Scholar

Fulbright Scholar Dr. Ming Hung Wang, CRC shared the history of disability rights movement in Taiwan along with the evolution of the special education and vocational rehabilitation systems, both modeled after systems in the United States.

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