Daniel Stroud is the coordinator for the Clinical Mental Health, M.S. in Counseling program at OSU-Cascades. He loved teaching so much as a Ph.D. student that he decided to seek it out full time. Now, he guides the diverse students at OSU-Cascades through a program that gives them hundreds of hours of experience working within the Bend community. We recently had the chance to talk with Stroud about his job at Cascades, his students and living in the Bend community. 

Faculty, Counseling Department, Clinical and Mental Health Program Coordinator

What made you decide to go into counseling, and teaching?

I’ve always had a goal of helping people. When I was working on my PhD I had the opportunity to teach and supervise in the graduate program. I enjoyed it so much that I sought out a full time faculty position.

What do you appreciate most about the students at Cascades?

There are a lot of things I appreciate about our students here. The passion and energy they bring into the classroom makes it a positive experience.

Our graduate program might be a little unlike others. Most of the individuals who come into the program are not 22 and right out of undergraduate studies. These individuals typically have quite a bit of life experience. But the trend is that they have a calling for helping others. In the classroom it’s conversational with an emphasis on social learning.

For me, it ends up being a conscious move in the classroom away from a “stand and deliver” lecture style. It’s very interactive and experiential.

Are there common character traits you see among the students you work with?

They have a wonderful ability to listen, to be present with another person, and the ability to empathize. That and a non-judgmental way of being. They work with people who have battled a lot of things. And they can do it in a way where they still have positive regard for the person behind the negative behaviors, which is really important.

What do you like most about the Cascades community, and Bend?

We’re really fortunate at OSU-Cascades in that the collegiality among faculty and staff is at a level I have never experienced before. There’s a lot of positive interaction and collaboration among faculty and staff. It’s palpable.

Bend in general is a dream come true for me. I engage in as many outdoor activities I can. I’m either waist-deep in a river or on the side of a mountain. When I do step away from work I take advantage of the natural environment. It’s a really well-rounded, balanced existence.

How do Cascades students get to interact with and help people in the community?

Students have a practicum and an internship experience that they complete. That ranges from between 600 to 900 hours at various schools and mental health agencies and nonprofits in central Oregon. By the time they’ve completed their program they’ve worked over a year on average 20 to 30 hours a week with various populations in central Oregon. 

How do you envision the program growing in the future?

We have a booming number of students, and they’re well placed in the community in terms of the services they provide for their practicum and internship. One of our opportunities for growth in connecting with the community is providing more workshops, seminars and training. We want to become a hub for continuing education in central Oregon.

What are your goals for your students?

My broad goal is to help students find their approach to practice – the method to their madness, so in their practice they’ll be clear to their clients or patients about what they believe and why, while also being open to additional perspectives and approaches.

An important part of our program is social justice and advocacy, so it’s key to have an appreciation for plurality, for differences, and then advocate for individuals who are less fortunate who could benefit from our efforts.