Virginia

Durnford

Academic Title

Lecturer, Master of Social Work

Research Interests
  • Treatment of trauma
  • Providing services for children and adults with special needs.
Research Summary

My research interests are centered around the providing therapeutic services for students with special needs in trauma-sensitive schools. Specifically I am interested in strategies that support educational teams to support students struggling with Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders.

Education
  • Ed.D., Teacher Education and School Improvement, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • MSW, Social Work, Boston University
  • MA, Special Education, University of Connecticut
  • BA, Psychology, Trinity College
Areas of Expertise
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Providing therapy for children and adults with special needs
  • Experience in providing therapeutic services in schools and in Private Practice
Professional Experience

Dr. Durnford’s research interests center around PTSD and the increased risk for learning difficulties. She has used resiliency training with youth and young adults to help them decrease stress and anxiety and improve their quality of life. Her experiences teaching in special education settings and counseling in high needs schools informs her practice. As the Director of School Counseling at Virginia’s previous college, she had the opportunity to create and teach courses, supervise student counselors in the field, and develop relationships with a variety of schools and community service centers.