Melissa Brennan, PhD, LPC, CSC

Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health
Moye Hall, Room 208
210-528-6712
mabrennan@ollusa.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Areas of Expertise

My areas of expertise include school counseling, child and adolescent counseling, child and adolescent development, online instruction, online course curriculum and development, editing and revising, social justice advocacy (especially related to gender diversity), culturally responsive pedagogy, reflective and reflexive teaching practices, and academic advising and degree planning. 

Teaching Philosophy

My philosophy of teaching centers upon culturally responsive teaching practices through intersectional pedagogy, promoting equity and inclusivity for all (including historically oppressed or marginalized populations). I prioritize giving voice to all students by varying methods of content delivery and assessment, allowing for a great deal of individual choice in course assignments and activities. I strive to respect the diverse learning styles and needs of all students and believe that there should be more than one ‘right way’ to successfully achieve the learning outcomes of a course. I also aim to incorporate lessons and activities that promote open and authentic conversations among students so that learners are able to apply class concepts to their own personal experiences and consider the diverse perspectives of their classmates' personal experiences.

Outside Interests

I am the mother of three wild chihuahuas and have never met a dog I didn’t love. I enjoy working out, trying new restaurants, reading, writing, cleaning my house, bargain shopping, and spending time with my husband, who is also my best friend.