At the heart of the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Department of Counselor Education is a vibrant community of educators and learners committed to academic excellence, personal growth, and professional development. To support the program’s expansion, the university recently welcomed three new faculty members – licensed professionals and experienced practitioners who integrate the latest evidence-based practices into their teaching.

Through a rigorous blend of coursework, hands-on experience, and personalized support, students develop the knowledge and counseling skills necessary to build meaningful, therapeutic relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

As the demand for compassionate, well-trained mental health professionals continues to rise across Wisconsin and the nation, UW-Superior was recently selected by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to lead a statewide initiative aimed at increasing the number of licensed school counselors.

Building on this momentum, the university has expanded its Master of Science in Education – Counseling program to offer a broader range of specialized concentrations. Students can now pursue advanced training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Licensed School Counseling.

Meet the new instructors

Maryann Bonneville is an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Counselor Education. She has served children and families for over 25 years, with 18 of those working in K-12 public education. Bonneville brings with her a lifelong love for learning and a passion for the field of counseling, specializing in professional school counseling. 

Ye Ding, an assistant professor of counseling in the Department of Counselor Education, brings authenticity, openness and curiosity to her teaching, clinical practice and research. Her scholarship focuses on enhancing counseling services for underrepresented clients and strengthening counselor education for marginalized counselors and those in training. Originally from China, she earned her Ph.D. in education from the University of Rochester.

Craig Fehrenbacher is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling Education. He began his professional career in 2008 as a marriage and family therapist, working in both private practice and clinical settings with a focus on couples, families and relationship dynamics. In 2022, he returned to higher education and earned an Ed.D. in counseling education. Fehrenbacher has taught graduate counseling students at Viterbo University and undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.