SHU Names New Director of Counseling & Collegiate Recovery

FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Sacred Heart University has promoted Jeffrey LaBella to counseling and collegiate recovery director in the University’s counseling center. He previously was director of counseling, has years of experience working with students and has proven his dedication to ensuring their mental health needs are met. 

The University hired LaBella in 2019 as a counselor and alcohol and substance abuse program coordinator following his internship at SHU in 2017. He provided counseling to undergraduate students, along with supportive counseling and intervention to students struggling with alcohol and substance abuse.

“Jeff has played a vital role here in the counseling center over the years,” said James Geisler, executive director for wellness services. “His teamwork, energy and fresh perspectives leave me confident in his ability to take the collegiate recovery program in a promising direction. I am excited to learn alongside him in this new journey.”

Prior to joining SHU, LaBella worked as a residential counselor at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, delivering counseling and support to adolescents and adults in a residential alcohol, drug and behavioral health facility. He also worked as program director at the nonprofit Courage to Speak Foundation in Norwalk, and he was a mental health counselor for UWill, which offers telehealth counseling to graduate students at universities across the state.

In a question-and-answer interview, LaBella discussed his career and goals.

What attracted you to SHU?

I was drawn to SHU initially by my desire to work in a higher education setting. I felt a close connection to college students and the daily challenges that university life can present. During my internship, this dynamic and innovative institution was undergoing rapid change and growth, which inspired me to want to contribute to its success.

What does your new role involve?

In addition to my current duties overseeing the counseling center’s day-to-day operations, I also will manage the collegiate recovery program. I will create a supportive environment for students in recovery, supervise staff and help coordinate programming and recovery support services. This will involve overseeing the collegiate recovery houses, managing budgets and ensuring sustainable admission, recruitment strategies and fundraising efforts. Additionally, I will serve as a liaison to external agencies to promote the recovery program and develop strategic community partnerships.

How will your previous counseling work help you in this new position?

My previous work has equipped me with a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges facing young people today. This experience will be invaluable as I step into the role of counseling and collegiate recovery director. I believe my background in counseling and residential treatment will enable me to develop and implement a recovery program tailored to the specific needs of our student population.

What do you like about working in the mental health and counseling field?

Working in this field is profoundly rewarding and meaningful to me. I am always learning and challenged to be the best version of myself. It is a privilege to be a witness to student growth and change; their perseverance and resilience in the face of some of life’s most challenging moments is inspiring.

Recovery programs can make a significant difference in a young person’s life. What does it say about SHU that it has invested resources in this valuable program?

By investing in collegiate recovery, SHU demonstrates its commitment to creating a campus environment where all students feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed. It sends a powerful message that recovery is not only possible but celebrated and supported within our University community.

About Sacred Heart University

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 389 Colleges: 2024 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu