- Impact of trauma on clients/patient coping mechanisms
- Impact of provider social attitudes and myth adherence on clinical outcomes
- Impact of stress and adversity on providers and their decision making
- Focus on well-being of family units during and post complex trauma exposure
Stephen DiDonato, PhD, LPC
Associate Professor
Assistant Dean, Faculty Engagement and Development
Associate Professor
Assistant Dean, Faculty Engagement and Development
RESEARCH & CLINICAL INTERESTS
Education
- PhD, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, International Psychology (2017)
- MS, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Counseling/Clinical Psychology (2012)
- Certification, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy Therapist, TFCBT.org (2012)
- Certification, Child and Family Trauma Secondary Intervention, Yale University (2012)
Most Recent Peer-Reviewed Publications
- Creation of a Novel Virtual Reality Simulation to Increase Nursing Skills in Management of Workplace Violence
- Interprofessional Simulation Learning Using Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Counseling Students
- An Innovative Trauma-Informed Care Curriculum for Nurse Practitioners
- Implementation and Outcomes of the Trauma Ambassadors Program: A Case Study of Trauma-Informed Youth Leadership Development
- Exploring Medical Student Experiences of Trauma in the Emergency Department: Opportunities for Trauma-informed Medical Education
LICENSURE
- Licensed Professional Counselor, Pennsylvania and New Jersey
FUNDING (last five years)
- 2024-2027, DiDonato, S. (PI), Ryan, J., Hand, D., McLaughlin, K., Bellot, J., & Gannon, M. (Co-I’s) Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) PCSS-U Project TINES (Trauma-Informed Nursing Education on Substance Use)
- 2022-2024, DiDonato, S. (PI), Banegas, A., Jimenez, L., & Felter, J. (Co-I’s) Caroline A. Buck Foundation. Transformational Support Grant Standardized Trauma-Informed Resource Parent Pre-Certification Training Curriculum
- 2022-2023, DiDonato, S. (PI), Banegas, A., Jimenez, L., & Felter, J. (Co-I’s), Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood Standardized Trauma-Informed Resource Parent Pre-Certification Training Curriculum
- 2022-2023, Co-PI, Thomas Scattergood Foundation Jefferson Trauma Education Center Development
- 2022-2023, Co-PI, Thomas Jefferson University SEED Grant Perinatal Support Needs of Women in Maternal OUD Treatment
- 2021-2022, Co-PI, Stratton Foundation Primary Stakeholder Evaluation of Acute Care Induction Period Women Entering Substance Use Treatment
- 2019-2020, Investigator, Methodist Hospital Foundation Fortifying Furness: Building Capacity to Address the Trauma-Related Needs of Students
AWARDS & HONORS (selected)
- 2022-2023, Fellow, Jefferson Smart & Healthy Cities Fellowship: Designing a center of excellence for urban child welfare in Peru, Thomas Jefferson University