September 2015
Courtney L. Vierstra, Ph.D., CRC
405Q White Hall, P.O. Box 5190
Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001
Office: (330) 672-5798
E-mail: cvierstr@kent.edu
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
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Ph.D., Special Education (Emphasis in Rehabilitation), Kent State University, Kent,
Ohio, 2006
M.Ed., Rehabilitation Counseling, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 2002
B.S., Sociology, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 1998
CERTIFICATION

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Effective 4/03, CRC # 00056679
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2007 – Present, Rehabilitation Counseling Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
Assistant Professor
 Teach master’s level courses in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program.
 Advise students in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program.
 Conduct applied and basic research regarding the psychosocial and vocational
implications of disability.
 Write and manage grants.
 Serve on committees.
2004 – 2007, Center for Disability Studies, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
Research Associate
 Developed and implemented funded projects related to the employment and education
of people with disabilities.
 Administered budgets and prepared progress reports to funding agencies.
 Conducted applied research in the fields of rehabilitation, higher education, special
education, and disability studies.
 Coordinated sampling and data collection activities.
 Delivered presentations of project findings at national conferences.
 Maintained a national project website, the Classroom Accommodation Network, for
students, faculty, and administration in higher education related to disability issues and
accommodations.
 Supervised project staff and graduate assistants.
 Provided technical assistance and direct services to employers, faculty members,
advocacy organizations, and people with disabilities.
 Prepared manuscripts for professional publication.
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September 2015
2004 – 2007, Rehabilitation Counseling Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
Instructor
 Taught master’s level courses in the Rehabilitation Counseling Program.
 Supervised students in Practicum and Internship.
2003-2005, Louis Stokes Department of Veterans Affairs, Brecksville, Ohio
Research Associate, Research and Education Division
 Recruited veterans for the Restless Legs Sleep Study.
 Interviewed veterans via telephone.
 Traveled to community based outpatient clinics.
 Entered data into Access database.
2002- 2003, VocWorks, Inc., Columbus, Ohio
Case Manager
 Conducted intake assessments.
 Corresponded with Bureau of Worker’s Compensation.
 Coordinated and attended medical, psychological appointments with injured
worker.
 Maintained case records.
 Monitored case progress.
2001 - 2003, Center for Disability Studies, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
Research Assistant
 Participated in data collection and analysis activities.
 Participated in the development of applied research projects related to
employment of people with disabilities.
 Provided direct career and counseling services to people with disabilities.
 Prepared and edited manuscripts for publication.
 Developed grant proposals.
 Assisted with administration of federally funded projects.
2000-2001, Trumbull County Board of MR/DD, Niles, Ohio
Supported Living Service Coordinator
 Monitored services for 25 individuals with disabilities.
 Coordinated team meetings for individualized planning.
 Team Leader and facilitator of interdisciplinary team meetings.
 Maintained client files.
 Corresponded with medical and psychological professionals
1998-2000, Hope Homes, Inc., Stow, Ohio
Supervisor: Adult Day Center
 Managed Adult Day Center facility for 27 seniors with disabilities.
 Supervised staff of 13 for Adult Day Center.
 Team member for 27 individuals.
 Provided training to staff.
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September 2015
 Maintained staff and client files.
1993-1998, Hope Homes, Inc., Stow, Ohio
Supervisor: Supported Living Home
 Managed supported living residential home for 4 women with severe disabilities.
 Supervised staff of 11 for the supported living residential home.
 Facilitated the interdisciplinary team meetings for 4 individuals.
 Provided training to staff.
 Coordinated medical, psychological, and financial services.
 Maintained staff and client files.
PUBLICATIONS
Articles in Refereed Professional Journals
Luft, P., Vierstra, C., Copeland, C., & Resh, N. (2009). How staffing patterns impact employment
outcomes across diverse D/HH consumers. Journal of the American Deafness & Rehabilitation
Association, 210-219.
Higgins, K., K., Koch, L.C., Boughfman, E.M., & Vierstra, C. (2008). School-to-work
transition and Asperger syndrome. Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment, and
Rehabilitation, 31, 291-298.
Koch, L., Rumrill, P., Hennessey, M., Vierstra, C., & Roessler, R. (2007). An ecological approach to
facilitate successful employment outcomes among people with multiple chemical sensitivity. Work: A
Journal of Prevention, Assessment, and Rehabilitation, 29, 341-349.
Vierstra, C. V., Rumrill, P. D., Koch, L. C., & McMahon, B. T. (2007). Multiple chemical sensitivity
and workplace discrimination: The national EEOC ADA research project. Work: A Journal of
Prevention, Assessment, and Rehabilitation, 28, 391-402.
Koch, L., Vierstra, C., & Penix, K. (2006). A qualitative investigation of the psychosocial impact of
multiple chemical sensitivity. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling, 37, 33-40.
Cowan, R., Hennessey, M., Vierstra, C., & Rumrill, P. (2004). Perspectives on scientific inquiry: SmallN designs in rehabilitation research. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 20(2), 203-211.
Rumrill, P., Roessler, R., Unger, D., & Vierstra, C. (2004). Title I of the Americans with
Disabilities Act and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission case resolution
patterns
involving people with multiple sclerosis. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 20(3), 171-176.
Rumrill, P., Roessler, R., Vierstra, C., Hennessey, M., & Staples, L. (2004). Workplace barriers and
job satisfaction among employed people with multiple sclerosis: An empirical rationale for early intervention.
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 20(3), 177-183.
Roessler, R., Rumrill, P., Hennessey, M., Vierstra, C., Pugsley, E., & Pittman, A. (2003).
Perceived strengths and weaknesses in employment policies and practices among people with multiple
sclerosis: Results of a national survey. Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment, and
Rehabilitation, 21(1), 25-36.
Chapters
Rumrill, P., Bellini, J., Cowan, R., Staples, L., Hennessey, M., & Vierstra, C. (2009). Quantitative
research designs. In P. Rumrill & J. Bellini, Research in rehabilitation counseling: A guide to
design, methodology, and utilization (2nd ed.). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.
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September 2015
PRESENTATIONS
National Professional Meetings
Vierstra, C. Career and community studies at Kent State University: Intellectual disabilities and
college . Annual Conference of the National Council on Rehabilitation Education; Poster
Session. San Franscisco, California, April 2012.
Vierstra, C. An analysis of the employment discrimination experiences of Americans with
multiple chemical sensitivity 1992-2008. Annual Conference of the National Council on
Rehabilitation Education; Concurrent Session. Manhattan Beach, California, April 2011.
Vierstra, C. & Rumrill, P. Access to quality higher education: A demonstration project. Annual
Conference of the Association of Higher Education and Disability; Poster Session.
Denver, Colorado, July 2010.
Vierstra, C., & Luft, P. Case studies of deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) adults. Annual
Conference of the National Council on Rehabilitation Education; Concurrent Session.
Manhattan Beach, California, April 2010.
Minton, D., Stauffer, C., & Vierstra, C. Effective strategies to ensure students with disabilities
receive a quality higher education, 2009 NASPA Annual National Conference;
Concurrent Session. Seattle, Washington, May 2009.
Luft, P., Vierstra, C., Copeland, C., & Resh, N. How staffing patterns impact employment
outcomes across diverse DHH consumers. Biennial Conference of the American
Deafness and Rehabilitation Association; Concurrent Session. San Antonio, Texas, April
2009.
Stauffer, C., Koch, L., & Vierstra, C. Faculty learning community on disability issues. Annual
Conference of the National Council on Rehabilitation Education; Poster Session. San
Antonio, Texas, February 2009.
Koch, L., & Vierstra, C. Emerging disabilities: Psychosocial challenges and vocational
considerations for consumers and service providers. Pacific Rim Conference on
Disabilities; Poster Session. Honolulu, Hawaii, April 2008.
Vierstra, C. Preparing rehabilitation counseling students to work with emerging disabilities.
Annual Conference of the National Council on Rehabilitation Education; Concurrent
Session. San Antonio, Texas, February 2008.
Vierstra, C., & Savickas, S. Using the Work Experience Survey (WES) to assist people with
disabilities in career maintenance. The National Career Development Association Global
Conference; Round Table Discussion. Seattle, Washington, July 2007.
Vierstra, C., & Koch, L. The experiences of people with multiple chemical sensitivity: Strategies
to assist in assessment, planning, and placement. Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities;
Poster Session. Honolulu, Hawaii, March 2007.
Vierstra, C., & Rumrill, P. A support group for postsecondary students with Asperger’s
syndrome. Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities; Concurrent Session. Honolulu, Hawaii,
March 2007.
Vierstra, C. Psychosocial and vocational implications of multiple chemical sensitivity. Annual
Conference of the National Council on Rehabilitation Education; Poster Session.
San Diego, California, February 2007.
Vierstra, C., & Rumrill, P. Interdisciplinary alliances across campus: Professional development
institute impacts faculty members’ interactions with college students with disabilities.
Annual Conference of the National Council on Rehabilitation Education; Poster Session.
San Diego, California, February 2007.
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September 2015
Vierstra, C., Koch, L., & Hennessey, M. Multiple chemical sensitivity and barriers to
employment: Implications of recent research findings for assessment, planning, and
placement. National Rehabilitation Counseling Association Professional Development
Symposium; Concurrent Session. Albuquerque, New Mexico, October 2006.
Vierstra, C., & Penix, K. The mentoring relationship: Conducting research through a working
alliance. National Council of Rehabilitation Educators; Concurrent Session. San Diego,
California, February 2006.
Vierstra, C., & Koch, L. The vocational and independent living experiences of people with
multiple chemical sensitivity. American Counseling Association; Poster Session, sponsored
by American Rehabilitation Counseling Association. Atlanta, Georgia, April 2005.
Vierstra, C., & Rumrill, P. Employment discrimination complaint and case resolution patterns of
people with multiple sclerosis. National Rehabilitation Counseling Association
Professional Development Symposium; Panel. Little Rock, Arkansas, September 2004.
Invited State and Regional Professional Meetings
Vierstra, C. Qualitative research and rehabilitation counseling. (Guest Lecture). Kent State
University: Seminar in Disability Research. Kent, Ohio, April 2011.
Vierstra, C., & Cyphers, G. The 2010 crcc code of ethics – new and improved. Northeast Ohio
Rehabilitation Association. Independence, Ohio, January 2011.
Vierstra, C., & Cyphers, G. Putting ethics into action – practicing the 2010 crcc code of ethics.
Northeast Ohio Rehabilitation Association. Independence, Ohio, January 2011.
Vierstra, C., & Swan, J. Psychosocial aspects of sexuality and disability. Northeast Ohio
Rehabilitation Association. Independence, Ohio, January 2009.
Vierstra, C. Utilizing grounded theory in rehabilitation research. (Guest Lecture). Kent State
University: Seminar in Disability Research. Kent, Ohio, April 2005.
Vierstra, C. Disability rights and employment issues after stroke. Robinson Memorial Hospital:
Stroke Survivors Support Group. Ravenna, Ohio, June 2005.
Vierstra, C. The ADA: What you need to know, an overview for teachers (Guest Lecture). Kent
State University: Planning and Programming for Transitions. Kent, Ohio, November 2004.
Rumrill, P., & Vierstra, C. Issues in employment and career development for people with
multiple sclerosis. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Annual Training Conference. State College, Pennsylvania, October 2004.
TEACHING, ADVISING, AND SUPERVISION
Courses Taught
 Adjustment and Training Groups in Rehabilitation
 Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling
 Individual Counseling Practicum in Rehabilitation Counseling
 Individual Counseling Procedures
 Internship
 Introduction to Rehabilitation Counseling
 Measurement and Appraisal
 Occupational Aspects of Disability
 Psycho-social Impact of Disability
 Seminar: Research and Disability
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September 2015
FUNDED PROJECTS
 Career and Community Studies (Faculty Research Associate; United States Department
of Education [Office of Postsecondary Education]; 4 years, [2010-2014], $2,692,288)
 RCD Training Across Four Diverse DHHS Subpopulations (Co-Principal Investigator,
Co-Director; United States Department of Education [Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitation Services]; 5 years, [2008-2013], $500,000)
 The Access to Quality Higher Education Project II (Co-Principal Investigator; United
States Department of Education [Office of Postsecondary Education]; 3 years, [20052008], $1,049,366)
 An Empirical Investigation of the Employment Discrimination Experiences of Americans
with Multiple Sclerosis (Research Associate; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; 1 year
[2005-2006], $124,777)
 Prevalence and Outcomes of Restless Legs Syndrome Among Veterans (Research
Associate; US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command; 2 years [2003-2005],
$636,641)
DISSERTATION COMMITTEES
 Stafford, Linnea Carlson (2012, October). College student personnel professional
preparation program faculty perspectives about full-time, tenure-track faculty: A Q
methodology study. Doctoral dissertation, Higher Education Administration, Kent State
University. (Examining committee: Mark A. Kretovics, Susan V. Iverson, Courtney L.
Vierstra, and Steven R. Brown)
 Abaoud, Abdulrahman (2013, August). Elementary school teachers’ attitudes toward
willingness to teach students with ADHD in their classrooms in Riyadh City in Saudi
Arabia. Doctoral dissertation, Special Education, Kent State University. (Examining
committee: Lyle Barton, Andrew Wiley, Courtney Vierstra, and Albert Ingram)
SERVICE TO PROFESSION
Program
 KSU NRCA Student Chapter, 4 years of service, faculty advisor
 Rehabilitation Counseling Program Advisory Board / KSU Rehabilitation Counseling, 8
years of service, member
 Acting Program Coordinator of Rehabilitation Counseling Fall, 2011
School
 Curriculum Committee / Lifespan Development and Education Science, 6 years of
service, member and currently Chairperson 3 years
 Faculty Advisory Committee / Lifespan Development and Educational Science, 2 years
of service
College
 Curriculum Committee / College and Graduate School of Education, Health, and Human
Services, 4 years of service, member
 Diversity Committee / College and Graduate School of Education, Health, and Human
Services, 1 year of service, member
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September 2015
Community
 Summit County Traumatic Brain Injury Collaborative, 5 years of service, member
National
 National Council for Rehabilitation Educators, Rehabilitation Research Committee, 7
years of service, member
 Reviewer for Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment, and Rehabilitation, 3 year
Involvement in Professional Organizations
 National Council for Rehabilitation Educators, 8 years of service, member
 National Career Development Association, 4 years of service, member
 National Rehabilitation Counseling Association, 6 years of service, member
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