Maia Hawk is a second year student in the Masters of Counseling program at Waynesburg University and co-presented in a 90-minute-long presentation alongside Dr. Dennis Winkler titled “Advocacy for Adolescent Substance Users: Addressing the Stigma.” The presentation was hosted at the  Pennsylvania Counseling Association’s Annual Conference on Nov. 4, 2023, according to the Waynesburg University website.

“Raising awareness about the challenges faced by adolescents dealing with substance use issues and addressing the societal stigma associated with it, especially in school-based settings,” Hawk wrote in an email interview as the main message of their presentation. A lot of preparation and time was taken to display a presentation like this, and there were some challenges along the way. “I feel like the most challenging part was gathering all the work outside of work and classroom assignments,” Hawk wrote. 

Hawk also wanted to make it as informative as possible, adding anything she could to enhance and improve the presentation, even though that meant doing some extra work. “It is a topic I am very passionate about, but it did require a lot of research and learning on my part,” Hawk wrote. “I wanted to gather as much evidence and research as possible to support my ideas.” 

Hawk did not do this alone, however, as she co-presented with a member of the Waynesburg University faculty, Winkler. The two worked together in perfect harmony, and it did not go unnoticed according to Hawk. “Working alongside Dr. Winkler was great… he is so supportive,” Hawk wrote, “We met weekly working on this project, and he never failed to answer my questions or assist in any way possible.” 

Winkler was not only a partner to Hawk, but also a mentor, guiding her along her path during school. His knowledge and love for the topic helped Hawk to thrive and be pushed to her limits. “His unwavering support and guidance have allowed me to thrive throughout the entirety of this program,” Hawk wrote, “he is contributing to so much personal and professional growth by challenging all of his students to go above and beyond just the textbook.” During the time of the presentation, Winkler won an award labeled The Maxie T. Collier Phoenix Arising Award, which is given to those who “Impact the Mental Health And Substance Use In the Community by the Black Mental Health Alliance for Education & Consultation, Inc.” according to the Waynesburg University website. Hawk only had good things to say about Winkler. “Dr. Winkler is beyond deserving of the award and I am honored to be associated with such an accomplished individual who does so much for his community,” Hawk wrote.