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 LaWanda Cook
Ph.D. Student
Master of Science, Human Resource Magement; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1990)
Bachelor of Science, Rehabilitation Services; University of Connecticut (1986)
Advisor: Dr. Kimberly Shinew
Contact:
lhcook2@uiuc.edu
Tel: (217) 351-9725
Research Interests
- Leisure behavior of human service professionals and the impact on service delivery
- Work/life balance of professionals with disabilities
- Constraints to participation in community-based integrated leisure for people with disabilities
- Impact of participation of people with disabilities in community-based integrated leisure on leisure-related businesses and on the non-disabled
- Use of leisure in rehabilitation (examples: assisting vocational rehab clients to find and participate in leisure that helps them to better tolerate employment that may be well-suited to their abilities but less than the level of work they were able to do prior to injury or illness; sober recreation for people in recovery; leisure as a way to help people adjust to disability)
- The impact of personal life deviant leisure (such as alcohol/drug use) on work and work/life balance
Professional Experience
State of Connecticut, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor (1997-2006)
- Lead Supervisor, assisted new supervisors with learning their responsibilities
- Supervised 10 vocational counselors in four different locations
- Interviewed, hired, trained, evaluated and provided clinical supervision to vocational counseling staff, ranging from Intern level to Senior Counselor
- Identified and encouraged the sharing of unique staff talents
- Prepared and delivered training 1:1 and in groups
- Collaborated with various state agencies and other organizations to develop policies and practices which help better serve our mutual consumers
- Provided direct VR services to consumers in partnership with or in the absence of caseload counselor
- Active member of the Bureau’s Community Rehab Providers (CRP) Committee
Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (1994-1997)
Vocational Rehabilitation Conselor (1992-1994)
- Specialized in working with consumers with brain injuries and histories of substance abuse
- Determined eligibility for services; provided vocational guidance and counseling
- Developed Employment Plans in partnership with consumers; coordinated required services
- Networked with the business community and District Placement Staff to enhance employment opportunities for consumers
- Promoted Agency through community education and outreach activities
- Mentored and supervised Counselor Interns
The Voluntary Action Center of Southeastern CT, Norwich, CT
Executive Director (1991-1992)
- Managed budget; created and implemented fundraising events
- Provided management training and technical assistance to non-profit agencies
- Supervised clerical staff, college interns and office volunteers
- Interviewed potential volunteers and court-ordered service workers and referred them to work with community agencies
Program Coordinator (DWI Community Service Alternative Program) (1988-1991)
- Interviewed, placed and monitored DWI offenders assigned community service
- Educated volunteer managers, court personnel and the general public about substance abuse and alternative sentencing
- Collaborated with Concern, Inc., The Department of Correction, and The Office of Adult Probation to ensure the needs of offenders and the community were met
Easter Seal Center of Southeastern Connecticut, Norwich, CT
Vocational Evaluation Supervisor (1988)
- Coordinated and delivered all vocational evaluation services
Vocational Evaluator / Department Head (1986-1988)
- Performed all supervisor and evaluator functions related to vocational assessment and results interpretation for people with disabilities
- Trained and supervised college interns
Professional Affiliations
Nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) (2004-present)
Board Member, Brain Injury Association of Connecticut (2005-2006)
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