At the core of my teaching is the belief that counseling is a human relationship, and thus, teaching future counselors must honor the whole person. I view each student through a strength-based lens, recognizing and building upon their existing capacities, insights, and lived experiences. I strive to create a space where students feel seen and valued for who they are, encouraging them to take risks, reflect deeply, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

My teaching is grounded in a constructivist and experiential learning model, where students engage with course content through dialogue, case studies, simulations, and applied learning. I aim to bridge theory and practice by inviting students to apply conceptual knowledge to real-world scenarios and to reflect on their evolving understanding of the counseling process. Assessment is growth-oriented and formative, designed to highlight student strengths while also identifying areas for continued development.

I hold a strong commitment to multicultural competence and social justice, guiding students to critically examine how power, privilege, and systemic inequities impact mental health and access to care. A strength-based perspective helps students see resilience in their clients and communities, and I encourage them to become advocates who approach diverse populations with humility, empathy, and cultural responsiveness.

Ultimately, I view teaching as a transformative, relational process. I believe that when students feel supported, challenged, and recognized for their strengths, they are more likely to develop into confident, compassionate, and competent counselors. My role is not to provide all the answers, but to walk alongside students as they construct meaning, discover their voice, and prepare to serve others with integrity and heart.

Dr. Quittner earned her Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and a Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Miami. She holds advanced training in Traumatology, is certified in Hypnotherapy, trained in Snoezelen Therapy, and is Level 1 trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS).

Dr. Quittner's written work has been published widely, and she contributes to the field as a column editor for The Humanistic Counselor and as an editorial board member for several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Human Services, Journal of Adolescent and Family Health, and Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation.

Dr. Quittner combines academic rigor with heartfelt clinical practice to help individuals and families find healing, strength, and resilience.