Lecturer, Master of Social Work
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.
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.
Wide receiver and kick return specialist Donovan Wadley ’26 was named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Walter Payton Award. He becomes the first player in Merrimack College history to be named to the preseason list for the award presented annually to the national offensive player of the year in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision.