NSU Horizons Fall 2010

Why I Became… 40 horizons Why I Became… is an ongoing Horizons feature about the people who make up the NSU community and why they chose a particular career path. Suggestions are welcome for future Why I Became… profiles. Send information to julies@nova.edu. By Felecia Henderson Sue Kabot, Ed.D. As the director of clinical programs at NSU’s Mailman Segal Institute (MSI), Kabot specializes in researching and developing programs for children with autism spectrum disorders. She also supervises two of MSI’s newest programs for children with autism, Starting Right and the Unicorn Chil- dren’s Clinic, and chairs NSU’s Interdisciplinary Council for the Study of Autism. Defining moment in her career: Kabot’s dream of pursuing a career in special education began when she was young. As a teenager, she worked at a summer camp for children with developmental disabilities. Later, she developed programs for children living in state institutions who were being moved into community-based group homes. But, Kabot said, none of her academic or professional training prepared her for the birth of her own son, Mike, who was born with autism. At age four, Mike began attending a special education program at MSI’s Family Center Preschool. When the Fort Lauderdale Oral School, now the Baudhuin Preschool, moved to NSU’s main campus in 1984, Mike, now in his thirties, became a student there. “NSU was—and still is—at the forefront of providing programs for young children with special needs,” Kabot said. Best thing about her job: “I have had many opportunities at NSU to develop a variety of programs in the area of autism. I have had the creative freedom to do what I thought best— to provide quality services to individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who work with them.” n Scott Poland, Ph.D. Poland, a licensed psychologist, is an associate professor at NSU’s Center for Psychological Studies (CPS). He serves as the coordinator of the Suicide and Violence Prevention Office, director of the Internship Specialist Program in School Psychology, and co-director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Why he chose psychology: A driving force in Poland’s desire to help others comes through personal tragedy. “I am a survivor of my father’s suicide,” said Poland. “I saw him struggle with alcoholism and readjustment after WWII. My first book was on suicide prevention, which has been my highest priority throughout my 30-year career.” Defining moment in his career: Leading a crisis team in Littleton, Colorado, in the aftermath of the Columbine massacre. “I vividly remember being the main speaker to over 3,000 Columbine parents, just days after the massacre. My message to parents was about, ‘reaching out and not preaching to their children’ and truly being there to listen.” Best thing about his job: “I have had my voice heard at the highest levels of our government,” said Poland about offering counseling in the aftermath of school shootings in Oklahoma, Washington, and New York. “I always felt proud of what I and other members of national crisis teams were able to do to assist those in great need. My experiences provided me with the opportunity to advise the President of the United States about school violence and to testify before the U.S. Congress.” n