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Kean University to Shift to Remote Operations on Sunday, October 12

Kean University will shift to remote operations on Sunday, October 12, due to the State of Emergency declared across New Jersey in response to the forecasted nor’easter storm. All classes scheduled for Sunday on New Jersey campuses will move to remote instruction, and all in-person activities are canceled. 

Only essential personnel should report to work as required. Employees with questions should contact their supervisors for guidance. Keanu’s Kitchen on the Union campus will remain open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday to serve residential students. 

Dr. Rebekah R. Pender's primary area of research interest is centered on chronic pain and play therapy. Additionally, she is also interested in body image and self-esteem in adolescents.

Education

Ph.D.  Counselor Education and Supervision ,  St. Mary's University, Texas
M.A.  Community Counseling Psychology , University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Texas
B.A. Psychology, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Texas

Courses Taught

  • Counseling Skills
  • Internship in Counseling I & II
  • Internship LPC Option
  • Multicultural Counseling
  • Counseling Across the Lifespan
  • Child & Adolescent Counseling
  • Theories of Counseling

Selected Publications

Pender, R., Webber, J. M., Mascari, J. B. (Spring, 2015). Using play to help children cope with chronic pain: A new role for counselors. VISTAS.

Pender, R., Webber, J.M. (March, 2015). Playing through the pain. Play Therapy, 10(1), 10-15.

Areas of Expertise

  • Play therapy
  • Childhood chronic pain
  • Body image 
  • Acculturation

Teaching Philosophy

Each student is a unique individual and has the ability to bring something special and wholly their own to an environment that is cultivated to embrace that individuality while simultaneously encouraging connections and cooperation with others.