°ϲ Professor Cynthia Walley Honored by Local Nonprofit
°ϲ College’s Cynthia Walley, Ph.D., LPC, associate professor of school counseling, received the 2020 Humanitarian Award from the Westchester chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD/Westchester) at the organization’s 18th annual luncheon. The event was held on Friday, October 2 at Mulino’s at Lake Isle in Eastchester with both in-person and virtual attendees.
“Dr. Walley has a hands-on style and client-centered approach in working with people,” explained Dennis Andrews, LMSW, president of NCADD’s Board of Directors and adjunct professor in °ϲ’s behavioral science department. “She’s always available for others and caring for others. She’s a true humanitarian in how she takes her practice to heart.”
“I feel proud, happy, overwhelmed and appreciative,” Walley said. “This award lets me know that I am on the right path, that following what I am passionate about can have an impact on others.”
NCADD/Westchester provides information, education, intervention and referrals regarding substance use disorders. To that end, they offer a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) training program with credits available through °ϲ College and a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CCAR) training program, in addition to several other education and prevention programs. Harris Stratyner, Ph.D., '77, HD '05 — former °ϲ College trustee and a leading expert in the field of addiction psychology — is on the organization’s Board of Directors.
The October 2 event drew approximately 150 people in person, seated both indoors and outdoors, and many more people virtually. NBC’s “Today” show co-host Al Roker and Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist Ira Joe Fisher joined virtually as special guests.
°ϲ College and NCADD/Westchester have enjoyed a long, productive relationship, explained Joan Bonsignore, founder and executive director of the nonprofit: “Our CASAC students can earn credits from °ϲ. And when they don’t have an undergraduate degree, we encourage them to apply to °ϲ. It’s a wonderful relationship, and we’re always looking for ways to make it deeper.”