About Breanne Cahoy

As a counselor educator, it is an honor to have the opportunity to guide others on the journey from student to professional counselor. I believe that students are at the center of their journey. My goal is to foster a positive self-concept in students and encourage curiosity, humility, and self-exploration as they work toward their professional goals. My lens is ecological and contemplative, viewing career and wellbeing as an intimate part of the human existence.  I encourage every student at Adler Graduate School to honor their personal journey and whole self in the process of self-discovery.

I have worked in college career counseling and EAP settings, providing high quality interventions for students and employees facing complex home and work life issues. In addition, I have provided clinical supervision to graduate counseling students teaching in career readiness programs. I have also worked in a campus setting as a sexual assault victims advocate and am passionate about social justice.

I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Minnesota and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). In addition, I have received my Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy certificate from the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA).

Recent Courses Taught

  • 504 Abnormal Psychology & DSM 5
  • 505 Developmental Psychology
  • 509 Comparative Theories Through an Adlerian Lens
  • 513 Comparative Theories of Personality & Psychotherapy
  • 533 Clinical Assessment
  • 534 Behavioral Neuroscience
  • 562 Foundations of Career Development

Research Interests and Specialties

Holistic wellness, career development for underrepresented populations
Ecopsychology
Campus ecology
Social justice and advocacy
Wellbeing
Mindfulness
Contemplative studies

Distinctions & Associations

  • American College Student Personnel Association
  • Minnesota Rehabilitation Association
  • Chi Sigma Iota, National Honor Society, Rho Delta Alpha Chapter (2013-2014)
  • Association for Counselor Education and Supervision

Selected Publications and Presentations

Hiivala, B., & Lewis, J. (2020, in progress). EcoWellness at work: Integrating nature in career development and counselor education. Proposal accepted by NCACES, October 2020, Omaha, NE.

Hiivala, B., Britton, R., & Player, A. (2019). Exploring the world within: The ethics of self-awareness in developing cultural competency. Presentation at the Minnesota Rehabilitation Association (MRA) Fall Conference, Mankato, MN.

Lewis, J., Kaasa, H., Eaton, R., Coursol, D., & Hiivala, B. (2018) Providing culturally responsive supervision by addressing the intersectionality of identities. Presentation at the North Central Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (NCACES) Fall Conference, Cleveland, OH.

Lewis, J., Baker, C., Hiivala, B., Kaasa, H., Coursol, D., & Lindstrom Bremer, K. (2017) Career beliefs of counseling students: Implications for the training of future counselors. Presentation at the Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Fall Conference, Chicago, IL.

Lewis, J., Hiivala, B., Lindstrom Bremer, & Coursol, D., & Kassa, H. (2017). Undergraduates’ career beliefs and happenstance: Implications for advising and retention. Presentation at the American College Student Personnel Association (ACPA) Spring Conference, Columbus, OH.

Hiivala, B. (2016). Be kind and unwind: The professional ethics of self-care and well-being, Presentation at the Minnesota Rehabilitation Association (MRA) Fall Conference, Duluth, MN.

Lewis, J., Hiivala, B., Kaistha, N., & Baker, M. (2016). Integrating Social Justice and Advocacy into Graduate Preparation: Lessons Learned through Collaboration. Presentation at the American College Student Personnel Association (ACPA) Spring Conference, Montréal, CA.

Baker, M., Hiivala, B., & Kaistha, N. (2016) Queering Safe Space: An Integrative Examination of Safe Zone Programs. Presentation at the American College Student Personnel Association (ACPA) Spring Conference, Montréal, CA.

Hiivala, B., & Lewis, J. (2015). Covert Matters: A Critical Examination of Gender Based Microaggression and Its Relevance in the Preparation of Counselor Educators and Trainees. Association for Counselor Education Supervision (ACES) National Conference presentation, Fall Conference, Philadelphia, PA.

Hiivala, B., Kehrweld, K., Felten, B., Foss, J., & Moore, A. (2014). Low-Income, High Potential: Promoting Equity and Success for Low-Income Students. Minnesota College Personnel Association presentation, Fall Conference, Minneapolis, MN.

Haller, K., Hiivala, B., Roberts, H., & Young, R. (2013). Issues and Ethics related to Modern Technology in Rehabilitation Counseling. Presentation at Minnesota Rehabilitation Association (MRA) Spring Conference, Hinkley, MN.

Educational Background

Minnesota State University Mankato, Mankato, MN
Ed.D., Counselor Education and Supervision
St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN
M.S., Rehabilitation Counseling
St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN
B.A., Psychology