Dr. LeAnn Obrecht
director of Counseling Care, 308.865.8248; Ismael Torres, health educator, 308.865.8092
Faithe Kroll, a mental health practitioner at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, has received the Nebraska Counseling Association (NCA) Newcomers Award.
The NCA Newcomers Award is awarded annually to recognize a newcomer who, in a short period of time, has significantly contributed to the counseling profession. Kroll holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNK. The bachelor’s degree is in psychology; the master’s, in counseling. In addition, she completed internships with the St. Francis Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center and with Burke and Associates in Kearney.
According to Dr. Kiphany Hof, a mental health practitioner at UNK, Kroll looks for opportunities to improve the services at UNK and coordinates with campus police, residential life, probation and the Kearney community to ensure that quality care is being delivered.
“I have heard several of her clients speak to her kindness, support and genuine concern for their well-being,” Dr. Hof said.
Kristin Chamness, UNK associate director of counseling and a mental health practitioner, noted that Kroll worked as clinical therapist at South Central Behavior Services where she gained skills in working with complex drug and alcohol addiction as well as mental health issues before accepting a position with the campus as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.
According to Chamness, Kroll has also started a stress and anxiety management group on campus that has been well attended and co-led with an internship student.
“She has worked a lot this year to firm up a partnership with the athletic departments at UNK to better serve a high risk population,” Chamness said.
Dr. Christine Chasek, an assistant professor of counseling and school psychology, said, “Kroll is dedicated to helping students overcome the challenges that face them in a college environment and works many hours advocating for students. She has also worked in the community mental health center in Kearney and was a very valuable member of the clinical team that provided services to those who otherwise would not be able to afford counseling services.”
