Professor, Co-assistant Chairperson, and Master’s Graduate Coordinator
231 Stouffer Hall
Â鶹ÊÓƵ
Indiana, PA 15705
907 Pittsburgh East
Pittsburgh, PA 15705
412-824-3225 — Office
bpollard@iup.edu
Professional Background
Brittany Pollard-Kosidowski (“Dr. PK”; she/her/hers) joined the Â鶹ÊÓƵ faculty in fall 2015 and currently serves as the co-assistant chairperson and master’s graduate coordinator in the Department of Counseling and Human Development. In this role, she oversees all master’s programming and serves as the department’s CACREP liaison. Dr. PK completed a dual BA in magazine journalism and sociology at Syracuse University, an MEd in clinical mental health counseling at Lincoln Memorial University, and a PhD in counselor education at the University of Tennessee. Her dissertation focused on the small group experiences of master’s-level counselors-in-training learning about group work facilitation.
Dr. PK’s primary research interests include the use of experiential learning methods within counselor education and the training of master’s and doctoral students in specialty areas such as group work and social justice advocacy. She has most recently presented on the decolonization of various counseling constructs and is currently leading a study of how doctoral students in counselor education and supervision are trained to serve as leaders and advocates.
Before joining Â鶹ÊÓƵ, Dr. PK provided individual and group counseling services to clients living with HIV in a variety of community and clinical settings. She also spearheaded testing, diagnostic, and therapeutic initiatives in maximum-security prisons throughout the greater East Tennessee region. She is active in a number of professional organizations, including the American Counseling Association and the Association of Counselor Education and Supervision. She also served on the board of the Association for Specialists in Group Work for several years and is a past-president of the Pennsylvania Association for Specialists in Group Work.
Dr. PK presents regularly at national, regional, state, and local conferences and has won several awards for her teaching and scholarly achievements. In 2023, she won the O’Hana Award, presented by the national organization Counselors for Social Justice, a division of the American Counseling Association. In 2022, she won an ASGW Presidential Award for her work in co-leading a special preconference initiative serving LGBTQ+ youth in Jacksonville, Florida. She again won the Presidential Award in 2024 for her work in co-developing and co-facilitating ASGW’s first-ever Leadership Institute. She is especially passionate about mentoring students by engaging them in collaborative scholarly and service efforts that enhance their professional identity and further their career development.
Dr. PK teaches in the master’s and doctoral programs at both campus locations, with Counseling Theories, Systems Theory, and CES Professional Identity among her favorite courses to instruct. She thrives on using her creativity to develop new electives, which have recently included Ecotherapy Applications, Social Justice Advocacy, Using Humor in Counseling, Pop Culture and Media in Counseling, and Counseling LGBTQ+ Populations. During her free time, she most enjoys spending time with family and friends and her chocolate lab puppy, Sage. Dr. PK loves traveling and exploring new cultures, attending various sporting events, playing tennis, reading, writing poetry, and getting out on the water whenever she gets back home to Michigan.
Feel free to stop in and say hi when you see her on either campus! :)
Selected Publications
(*indicates work with current student(s); **indicates work with program alumni)
Edited Works
Guth, L. J., & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2023). Special Issue: Group work innovations in a transforming world. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 48(1), 1-80. https://doi.org/
Book Contributions
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2025). Facilitating group work with marginalized populations. In Corey, G. (Ed.), Creating your counseling journey. Cognella Publishing.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2025). Integrating social justice advocacy into students’ professional identity. In Corey, G. (Ed.), Creating your counseling journey. Cognella Publishing.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., & Stephens, A. F. (2024). Aromantic individuals. In Dermer, S. B., & Abdullah, J. (Eds.), The SAGE encyclopedia of multicultural counseling, social justice, and advocacy. SAGE Publications.
Stephens, A. F., & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2024). Chosen family. In Dermer, S. B., & Abdullah, J. (Eds.), The SAGE encyclopedia of multicultural counseling, social justice, and advocacy. SAGE Publications.
West, S. C., Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Wood, C., & Stephens, A. F. (2023). Counseling individuals with addictive behaviors. In Capuzzi, D., & Stauffer, M. D. (Eds.), Career counseling: Foundations, perspectives, and applications (4th ed.). Cognella.
Pollard, B. L., West, S., & Figurelli, K. M.* (2020). Developmental issues of students. In Oberman, A., & Studer, J. R. (Eds.) A guide to practicum and internship for school counselors-in-training (3rd ed., pp. 222-251). Routledge.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Kaule, M. E.*, Uphold, H.*, Losinger, C.**, & Stephens, A. F. (2024). A qualitative exploration of counselors’ group practicum training experiences. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 18(1), 1-17.
Sager-Heinrichs, B.**, & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2023). Personal experiences with long-term recovery. Journal of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association, 24(1), 35-47.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., & Guth, L. J. (2023). Looking ahead to continued innovation. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 48(1), 78-80. https://doi.org/ (Commentary provided for co-edited special journal issue)
Stephens, A. F., Diambra, J. F., Shirley, D., & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2021). Burnout among new mental health counselors: Applying the Indivisible Self Model of Wellness. Journal of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association (21)2, 15-26.
Guth, L. J., Pepper, E. L.*, Stephens, A. F., Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., & Garrow, J. (2021). Ten tips for the facilitation of virtual groups. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 46(4), 309-321.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Diambra, J. F., Araoz, J. R.*, & Burd, C. K.* (2021). A qualitative exploration of using experiential groups to train future group counselors. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 14(2), 59-88.
Guth, L., Pollard, B. L., Nitza, A., Puig, A., Chan, C. D., Singh, A. A., & Bailey, H.* (2019). Ten strategies to intentionally use group work to transform hate, facilitate courageous conversations, and enhance community building. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 44(1), 3-24.
Published Interviews
Martens, R. (Founder). (2021, July). Expert advice [Virtual publication]. MSW Online.
Shook, M. (Producer). (2017, October 4). Utilizing creative and expressive techniques to give grief a voice: A conversation with Brittany Pollard and Tiffany Brooks [Audio podcast]. The Thoughtful Counselor.
Podcast Episodes (available wherever you stream podcasts)
Jencius, M. (Producer). (2024-2025). Series panelist [Audio podcast]. Circular Firing Squad.
Selected Presentations
Invited Presentations
Stephens, A. F., Messinger, E. S.**, Guth, L. J., & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2023, March). The history of ASGW’s Special Initiatives Committee. Invited to represent the Association for Specialists in Group Work at the international conference of the American Counseling Association, Toronto, Ontario.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Coombs, A. E.**, Buchanan, L., Resurreccion, A., Jancay, K.*, & Ciampa, T.* (2022, October). Empowering group members to become agents of change: A panel discussion. Invited to represent the Pennsylvania Association for Specialists in Group Work at the state conference of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association, Pittsburgh, PA.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Guth, L. J., & Messinger, E. M. (2022, April). Finding our virtual voices: Facilitating online groups during COVID-19. Invited to represent the Association for Specialists in Group Work at the national conference of the American Counseling Association, Atlanta, GA.
Ybanez-Llorente, K., Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Puig, A., Choudhuri, D. D., & Guth, L. J. (2022, April). Group work innovations in a transforming world. Invited to represent the Association for Specialists in Group Work at the national conference of the American Counseling Association, Atlanta, GA.
Stephens, A. F., Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Guth, L. J., Brown, J. J., & Messinger, E. M. (2022, February). Creativity and connection amidst COVID: The ongoing work of ASGW's Special Initiatives Committee. Invited to the national conference of the Association for Specialists in Group Work, Atlantic Beach, FL.
National Presentations
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., & Stephens, A. F. (2025, October). Ecotherapy education: Contemporary issues and relevant interventions. Accepted to the national conference of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Philadelphia, PA.
Coombs, A. E., & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2025, October). Centering multiculturalism andsocial justice during challenging sociopolitical times. Accepted to the national conference of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Philadelphia, PA.
Wilson, E.*, & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2024, January). The ethics of electives: Designing curriculum that is relevant, responsive, and representative. Presented at the national conference for Law and Ethics in Counseling (virtual).
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., & Rusoke, C.* (2024, February). Creating community: A group model for supporting international students in counselor education. Presented at the national conference for the Association for Specialists in Group Work, Portland, OR.
Guth, L. J., Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Cook, A., Murphy, K., Xiong, Y., Oursler, J., Luke, C., & Schimmel, C. J. (2024, February). Group work innovations in a transforming world: JSGW special issue author panel. Presented at the national conference for the Association for Specialists in Group Work, Portland, OR.
Stephens, A. F., Nuwagaba-K, R.**, Harrison, A.*, & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2023, October). Exploring one aspect of professional identity development: Leadership and advocacy training in CES. Presented at the national conference of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Denver, CO.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., & Rusoke, C.* (2023, October). Cultural critical incidents: Strategies for prevention, management, and follow-through. Presented at the national conference of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Denver, CO.
Wilson, E.*, & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2023, October). Seize the opportunity: Practical strategies for developing master's level electives. Presented at the national conference of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Denver, CO.
Coombs, A. E.**, & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2023, February). Moving beyond the classroom: Social justice and ethics in the practicum counseling experience. Presented at the national conference for Law and Ethics in Counseling (virtual).
Nice, M., Stephens, A. F., & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2022, February). Using photovoice as a group work intervention. Presented at the national conference for the Association for Specialists in Group Work, Atlantic Beach, FL.
Messinger, E., Stephens, A. F., Smith, A., & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2022, February). Unmute yourself! Helping online groups to find their voice. Presented at the national conference for the Association for Specialists in Group Work, Atlantic Beach, FL.
Regional Presentations
Messinger, E. S.**, Coombs, A. E.**, Pursell, R. M.*, Stephens, A. F., & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2024, September). Promoting parallel process: Using group work to enhance counselor training. Accepted to the regional conference of the North Atlantic Region Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Atlantic City, NJ.
Sager-Heinrichs, B.**, Stephens, A. F., & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2024, September). The intersection between trauma and entry to long-term recovery: A research study. Accepted to the regional conference of the North Atlantic Region Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Atlantic City, NJ.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Cifone, A.,* Ulizio, A.,* & Garland, R.* (2022, November). Deconstructing, decolonizing, and demystifying professionalism. Presented at the regional conference of the North Atlantic Region Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Pittsburgh, PA.
Stephens, A. F., Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Harrison, A.*, Sarra, S., & Nuwagaba-K, R.* (2022, November). Promoting the change we wish to see: Leadership and advocacy training in CES. Presented at the regional conference of the North Atlantic Region Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Pittsburgh, PA.
Siler, A.*, L’Amoreaux, N., Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., & Nice, M. L. (2022, November).Welcoming Generation Z students and intergenerational considerations for counselor educators. Presented at the regional conference of the North Atlantic Region Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Pittsburgh, PA.
State Presentations
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Buchinger, A*, & Noble, N.*. (2024, October). The role of spirituality in counseling. Accepted to the Pennsylvania Counseling Association statewide conference, Harrisburg, PA.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2024, October). Exemplary leadership: An alternative model for counselors and CES professionals. Accepted to the Pennsylvania Counseling Association statewide conference, Harrisburg, PA.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., & Spisak, T*. (2024, April). Every picture tells a story: Encouraging advocacy through photovoice. Presented at the Chi Sigma Iota statewide conference, Slippery Rock, PA.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., & Nice, M. L. (2024, April). Experiential education: Designing applied elective courses for master’s counseling students. Presented at the Chi Sigma Iota statewide conference, Slippery Rock, PA.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., & Ciampa, T.* (2023, November). It begins with us: Decolonizing our approach to counselor education. Presented at the Pennsylvania Counseling Association statewide conference, Harrisburg, PA.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., & Nuckols, B.* (2023, November). Tuning into our own experiences: An exercise in embodiment. Presented at the Pennsylvania Counseling Association statewide conference, Harrisburg, PA.
Rectenwald, R. A.*, Ciampa, C. L.*, & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2023, April). Can we decolonize CBT without losing CBT? Practical strategies for doing just that. Presented at the Chi Sigma Iota statewide conference, Indiana, PA.
Rusoke, C.*, Nuwagaba-K., R.*, & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2023, April). Self-care and social justice: Finding the balance between advocacy and personal wellness. Presented at the Chi Sigma Iota statewide conference, Indiana, PA.
Sager-Heinrichs, B.**, & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2022, October). An exploration of personal catalysts for change and the links between trauma, addiction, and long-term recovery. Presented at the Pennsylvania Counseling Association statewide conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Cifone, A.,* Ulizio, A.,* & Garland, R.* (2022, October). Decolonizing group therapy: From forming to adjourning. Presented at the Pennsylvania Counseling Association statewide conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
Local Presentations
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Buchinger, A.*, & Noble, N.* (2025, March). Addressing guilt andshame: Creative group interventions for exploring complex moral emotions. Presented at Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Counselors for Social Justice in-house conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Withers, E.*, & Buchinger, A.* (2025, March). Poetry as therapy: Creative strategies for self-exploration and perspective taking. Presented at Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Counselors for Social Justice in-house conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L., Noble, N.*, & Ciampa, T.* (2024, March). Snapshot social justice: Photovoice for collective focus. Presented at Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Counselors for Social Justice in-house conference, Pittsburgh, PA.
Sager-Heinrichs, B., & Pollard-Kosidowski, B. L. (2024, March). Thinking outside the box: Creative ideas to bring to group counseling classes. Presented at Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Counselors for Social Justice in-house conference, Pittsburgh, PA.