Malone professor receives Notable Names in Behavioral Health award from StarkMHAR and NAMI Stark County
The Notable Names in Behavioral Health: Professionals of the Year award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to mental health and wellness in Stark County, highlighting exceptional leadership, advocacy, and support for those affected by mental health and substance use challenges.
Christina Woloch, Ph.D. LPCC, LICDC, C-DBT, assistant professor of counseling and human development at Malone, has been recognized by StarkMHAR (Stark County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery) and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Stark County for her leadership and essential work providing hope, promoting recovery, and improving community wellness through education, advocacy, and collaboration.
“Through both counseling and teaching, Dr. Woloch shows a deep commitment to mental health and wellness,” said Jessica Headley, Ph.D., LPCC-S, Wellness Grove CEO who nominated Woloch for the award. “At Malone University, she mentors future counselors and guides their practicum and internship experiences. At Wellness Grove, she brings her passion for multicultural and social justice competencies into clinical practice. She truly embodies the idea of ‘practicing what you teach.’”
Woloch’s impact is recognized not only in her clinical work but also in the academic community, where her leadership continues to inspire both colleagues and students.
“Several years ago, I had the honor of joining Dr. Woloch on her vocational journey to become a counselor and counselor educator,” said Kara Kaelber, Ph.D., LPCC-S, dean of the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Malone. “From the time she was a graduate counseling student in our clinical counseling program to her current role as a professor in programs, Dr. Woloch has consistently demonstrated integrity, passion, a strong work ethic, and excellence. At Malone, she is highly respected and valued, and I am grateful that others have acknowledged her phenomenal work as a counselor by granting her this prestigious award.”
Woloch’s journey from student to educator and clinician is a testament to the lasting influence she has had on both individuals and institutions in the field of mental health.
“My commitment to the Stark County community is reflected in both my clinical counseling practice and my role as a counselor educator,” said Woloch. “I am passionate about promoting mental wellness, empowering clients/students, and preparing the next generation of counselors to serve with empathy, integrity, and excellence.”