Nick Cioe, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Director of Rehabilitation Counseling program; Coordinator of Special Ops: SMVF Program
Education
Ph.D., Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, 2012
M.S., Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, 2009
B.A., College of the Holy Cross, 2005
Classes Taught at Assumption
Foundations of the Rehabilitation Counseling Profession
Practicum Experience and Counseling Ethics Seminar
Advanced Counseling Practice Disability & Treatment: Polytrauma
What are some of the challenges you encounter within your field both inside and outside the classroom?
There are not a lot of people who know what rehabilitation counseling is or what we do. Most assume it is only related to addictions, but the truth is that counselors are trained to provide holistic counseling and related services to individuals with all types of disabilities, whether acquired or congenital. This profession puts meaningful and productive activity at the top of the treatment planning process to address the complex and challenging needs of our clients/consumers.
What is something about you that others would be surprised to discover?
I grew up in the smallest state as the child of Italian parents who were also raised there. People are generally surprised to learn that my wife and I are high school sweethearts and that we managed to survive having our first two kids 19 months apart during my doctoral program. I play guitar, so I love classic rock and jam bands like the Grateful Dead and Phish, but I also love classical, jazz, blues, and hardcore gangsta rap like Wu-Tang and underground artists from the late ’90s and early 2000s.
We hear you’re a fan of yoga. How does this help you in your line of work?
The combination of mindful breathing and sequenced movements results in simultaneous exertion and relaxation. It really helps me to feel centered and to remain relatively physically fit. It allows me to effectively model self-care, which is something I teach students the importance of to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy life balance.
You are a strong advocate for Veterans and have recently helped develop several initiatives on campus. Why are you so passionate about this work?
I have tremendous privilege in my life because of the decisions of my ancestors and those in this country who have served in the military. I feel the responsibility to make sure that those who serve (which goes beyond the Veteran to include their family and dependents) get the best this country has to offer because none of it would be possible if not for their (and others’) choice to serve.
What is your greatest career achievement?
I am proud about the role I played chairing the Brain Injury Association of America’s white paper on “Brain Injury Rehabilitation Outcomes.” I’m also proud of the work I am doing to improve services for people in Rhode Island. The development and launch of the institution’s Special Ops: SMVF Program is also something I am very excited about. For where I am in my career, my hope is that the efforts I am making now will lead to truly meaningful and great accomplishments.
