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Letters of Recommendation
2023 - MAKING US #CAPELLAPROUD - Excellence in Peer Support
I would like to recognize Dr. Stephanie Brooke for her best practice of holding Dissertation Research Pods during her time serving as Counselor Education Dissertation Coordinator for the CES and MCHC programs. Stephanie inspired confidence as she held regular meetings with mentors and pod leaders to not only support but also to align everyone with dissertation processes. I had the pleasure of being asked to serve as pod co-leader with another core faculty member. I had an excellent opportunity to mentor new faculty in their roles as dissertation mentors. I often thought, “I wish I had this wonderful resource when I was a new dissertation mentor.” Even experienced dissertation mentors find the dissertation processes daunting with the many changes. Having time to connect with new faculty was motivating and inspiring and being able to connect with another core faculty was meaningful. Although Stephanie’s tenure in this role has expired, hats off to a job well done!
Dr. Konja Klepper, Core Faculty, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
2023 - It is with distinct honor and privilege I offer my full support of Dr. Stephanie L. Brooke. Dr. Brooke has an established record of superior achievement in mentoring and has proven to be an incredible asset to the Counselor Education program at Capella University. To date, and to her immense credit, Dr. Brooke has ushered 35 individual Ph.D. mentees to final dissertation success and graduation, and she has been recognized by the university on ten separate occasions for her excellence in teaching and mentoring. In 2022, Dr. Brooke was awarded the Faculty Excellence Award for Dissertation Mentoring and the Jerome Halverson Distinguished Mentor Award at Capella University. Dr. Brooke served as the Dissertation Coordinator for the Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) program, and currently, she is a Program Reviewer and School Reviewer for CES at Capella.
Dr. Brooke truly distinguishes herself from other mentors with her positive, supportive, “We are in this together” approach which serves to foster the type of collaborative and respectful relationship we promote to support mentee success throughout the duration of their academic experience. Her unique ability to constructively evaluate and collaborate with her mentees while remaining positive and empathetic in her interactions nurtures open and honest communication, which challenges mentees to achieve their full academic and scholarly potential. Dr. Brooke is wholly committed to her mentees, and she works tirelessly to improve their skill sets to meet their dedicated goals. She makes herself highly available to her mentees with the understanding that each mentee possesses very different and distinctive needs. Here, Dr. Brooke actively listens to her mentees and provides clear explanations about the requisite expectations and skills required to successfully complete the dissertation process, while simultaneously assisting her mentees with setting reasonable, measurable, obtainable goals and holding them accountable. As a result, mentees frequently exceed their goals, which bolsters mentee confidence in their ability to meet the rigors and demands of advanced doctoral work. Lastly, Dr. Brooke ensures mentees are highly prepared to respond to potential concerns from committee members or others by considering all possible aspects of the research project in advance; and challenging mentees through constructive critique about specific action steps they might implement to proactively prepare for these probable eventualities and encounters.
In immeasurable ways, Dr. Brooke is a foundational pillar of our doctoral program, and she is instrumental to our mentee’s success. She inspires and supports her fellow mentoring faculty and models for all the genuine characteristics of leadership in the mentoring role. Dr. Brooke genuinely reflects and extols the virtues of selfless spirit and student-focused values and I wholeheartedly recommend her to your attention without hesitation.
William C. Attridge, Ph.D., LPC, NCC | Core Faculty – Counselor Education
2023 - I had the utmost pleasure of working with Dr. Brooke-Werley as a mentee at Capella University for my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. She is the most proactive, patient, and knowledgeable all the while passing along her expertise to the dissertation family. I valued the help, guidance, and advocacy of Dr. Brooke-Werley throughout my Ph.D. dissertation journey. Her characteristics and attributes added to my pedagogy as Dr. Brooke-Werley was a true model of what a compassionate professor is. Although there were some hurdles along the way, Dr. Brooke-Werley was right alongside me rooting me on and keeping me focused on the goal- my Ph.D. Throughout the dissertation process, Dr. Brooke-Werley demonstrated resiliency and empathy by going out of her way to ensure that my final dissertation was on point and exceeded the requirements. Her unconditional support is shown through her understanding of the process and the information needed to guide others to their goals. I will never forget what was taught to me during the dissertation process and what goes into being a doctoral student, which will follow me throughout my career. Dr. Brooke-Werley is a gift to the field and a valuable asset to Capella University. It was a true honor working with her. Thank you Dr. Brooke-Werley for all that you do and who you are!
Melissa Spriggs, Ph.D.- Former Capella Mentee
2023 - Completing a dissertation is an arduous process requiring mental and emotional endurance and having a strong mentor is crucial during this time. As a mentor, Dr. Brooke-Werley was not only strong and supportive but also extremely knowledgeable about the process. As a leader among educators, she offered tools that supported any learning style, which helped to unveil the dissertation process making it feel possible to complete. Her positivity was contagious because I could trust that her confidence in a piece of my writing, meant that it met the greater expectations of the university. Versatile in quantitative and qualitative methods, Dr. Brooke-Werley was able to provide numerous perspectives and expand my thoughts on future research studies. Best of all, she was understanding and encouraging and was always willing to go at whatever pace I was comfortable with. She is an amazing person and I am so grateful for her contribution to my professional growth.
Erin Guarnero, Ph.D., LPC-S, LMFT-S – Former Capella Mentee
2023 - Dr. Stephanie Brooke-Werley was my lighthouse serving as a beacon, drawing me closer to shore when I drifted. She believed in me, supported me, guided me, and nurtured me along the dissertation journey. Her help felt like a warm embrace, a safe place to come home to when the waves crashed around me. She was able to calm the storm with her wise, immovable presence. She was sure-footed when I was not, and I needed that. As a counseling practitioner trying her hand at scholar, I could not have completed the Ph.D. process without her. Her voice joins the chorus of others I have been blessed to call mentors and will forever ring through the halls of my heart and mind.
Ricki Bouska, Ph.D, LMHC, NCC - Former Capella Mentee
2023 - I consider myself fortunate to have worked with Dr. Brooke-Werley as my mentor and chair during the dissertation phase of my Ph.D. education. I requested to work with Dr. Brooke-Werley as my mentor due to her clear feedback and timely communication. I appreciate the time and space she creates for her learners to gather together as a group to present, support, and learn from each other. She was always encouraging and prepared me at each milestone for what to anticipate next, which was helpful for managing and maintaining realistic expectations throughout the dissertation process. Working with Dr. Brooke-Werley was truly a pleasure.
Tonya Molnar Ph.D., LMHC, MHP, NBCC - Former Capella Mentee
2023 - I had the good fortune to work with Dr. Brooke-Werley while attending Capella for my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. As a mentor, she displayed extreme patience and grace while making edit after edit to my manuscript. She did this in a timely manner and she always gave tremendous and constructive feedback. There was a method to everything she did and she always justified her decisions by knowing exactly what the committee was looking for. There were times when I was so discouraged I did not feel that I would make it to the end of the process but Dr. Brooke-Werley always provided a safe space to acknowledge my complaints and helped facilitate solutions. She challenged me to do my best and encouraged me when I thought my best was not good enough. Her professionalism and knowledge made me into the researcher that I am today because there were no shortcuts. Dr. Brooke-Werley ensured that this degree was earned every step of the way and in so doing, ensured that I ended up with a dissertation that I could be proud of. It is through her mentorship that I achieved something that I did not think possible. My gratitude for her standard of excellence, patience, and mentorship is immeasurable.
Tora N.Kincaid Ph.D., NCC, LCMHC, LCASA, CTMH - Former Capella Mentee
2023 - I would like to take this opportunity to share the outstanding mentoring experience I received at Capella University when completing my Ph. D. Dr. Brooke-Werley provided constructive feedback on each chapter of my dissertation with specific examples encouraging me to go above and beyond in producing a dissertation the committee members reported as the best dissertation they had reviewed. I could not have done this without Dr. Brooke-Werley’s patience, guidance, and expertise. Dr. Brooke-Werley’s pedagogy approach focused on my individual learning and guided me through the dissertation process. When there was doubt, I was provided the opportunity to reach out with questions and concerns with a turnaround of responses promptly within twenty-four hours. Since graduation and receiving my PhD, Dr. Brooke-Werley and I have established a partnering relationship in publishing together. I look forward to this new adventure and value Dr. Brooke-Werley’s contribution in my work.
Crystal Hammond-Morrow, PhD, NBCC, LPC - Former Capella Mentee
2023 - I had the honor of completing my dissertation with the guidance of Dr. Brooke as my mentor at Capella University. I am incredibly grateful for the encouragement and support she provided for me throughout my dissertation process. Dr. Brooke advocated for me and helped me press forward during challenging times. She is the perfect example of what a mentor should be. Dr. Brooke is professional, knowledgeable, compassionate, efficient, approachable, and kind. I am blessed to have had her as my mentor and dissertation committee chair. I am so thankful for Dr. Brooke. She is truly a jewel.
Tiffany C. Stovall, PhD - Former Capella Mentee
2022 – I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Brooke as my dissertation mentor as I pursued my PhD at Capella University. I began working with Dr. Brooke later in my dissertation journey, and working with her accelerated my progress significantly. Within the first submission of my previously approved work, I had zero doubt that I would have the opportunity to turn in a strong dissertation under her supervision. Her professionalism, dedication, and knowledge of the dissertation process gave me the anchor of expertise that allowed me to flourish. These remarkable skills and her learner-focused approach to the process made me feel she was as invested in my work as I was. I am forever indebted to her for her hard work, mentorship, and the many lessons that gave me growth as a person and a professional. I cannot commend her enough. She is a gift to Capella University and all the learners she serves, and I am forever grateful.
Ryan N. Vitatoe, PhD – Former Capella Mentee
2022 - I had the immense pleasure of learning under the guidance of Dr. Stephanie Brooke-Werley during my research internship- She is a phenomenal instructor who is dedicated to ensuring that learners get what they need. Dr. Brooke-Werley is extremely organized and responsive. She offers many additional tools to help doctoral learners with the dissertation process. Furthermore, she goes out of her way to reach every learner. Therefore, she provides a great mix of listening, speaking, and practical learning activities within a very safe, supportive learning environment. As a doctoral learner, I felt pushed to learn as well as to try out new competencies while being supported and gaining valuable feedback that helped me to improve and to grow.
Sabrina M., Capella Research Intern
2021 - Dr. Brooke was my dissertation mentor at Capella University. Working with her throughout the dissertation process was such an experience. I am so grateful for the support and encouragement she provided throughout my journey. Dr. Brooke was so dedicated to my dissertation process and pushed me to not simply develop a strong dissertation, but also develop into a strong scholarly practitioner. Her knowledge of the process helped me immensely as a first-generation Ph.D. student. She truly cares about the individuals she mentors not just from an academic or professional standpoint, but also from a human level. I deeply appreciate Dr. Brooke for believing in my work and believing in me.
Ang’elita Dawkins, PhD – Former Capella Mentee
2020 - It can be tough to put into words my gratitude for Dr. Brooke and the support she provided throughout my doctoral journey while attending Capella University. Dr. Brooke became my dissertation chair towards the end but was instrumental in helping me cross the finish line. I literally felt stuck and wanted to give up. Dr. Brooke’s gentle nature and qualitative expertise were what I needed to finish. Her feedback was detailed, structured, and designed to keep me moving along in the process. During my process, I struggled with imposter syndrome; she helped me develop confidence in my research and belief in myself that did not exist before working with her. Dr. Brooke is knowledgable, diligent, patient, compassionate, and the perfect example of what a mentor should be. Having her as a mentor was indeed a gift!
Brandy Carter, PhD - Former Capella Mentee
2015 - I first met Dr. Brooke when I attended track 1 colloquium, which was a requirement toward earning my PhD. Dr. Brooke made quite an impression on me. She is one of the most intelligent, knowledgeable, and brilliant people I have met thus far. I was very excited when I received an email that she was assigned to be my dissertation mentor. I knew I was in great hands. Dr. Brooke was enthusiastic about my topic, detailed with her feedback, and always guided me in the right direction. It was wonderful having a mentor who saw my potential and talent. Online classes can be difficult because you do not have the face-to-face communication. However, Dr. Brooke took the time to get to know me and I felt she cared about my work and wanted me to succeed in not only my dissertation but in life. I am forever grateful to Dr. Brooke for the doors she has opened and for helping me realize my talents. I have not encountered many instructors like Dr. Brooke who are so inspiring.
Dorothy A. Miraglia, PhD - Former Capella Mentee
Co-Editor of Using the Creative Therapies for Grief and Loss Issues
2013 - You may have tried the rest, now try the best. In my experience, Dr. Stephanie L. Brooke is the three P’s of mentorship: precise, purposeful, and pointed. At the onset of my doctoral program, I was lost. From the first stage—Comprehensive Exam, through the Scientific Merit Review process, Dr. Brooke’s support and guidance has proven invaluable overall. Simply, Dr. Brooke has helped me through this stringent, detail-oriented process with grace and finesse for which I will forever be grateful.
Theresa C. Dawson, PhD, MSW – Former Capella Mentee
2012 - I have known Dr. Brooke for several years. She was my mentor when I was enrolled in the doctoral program at Capella University. Dr. Brooke is a great mentor. She inspired 
me to continue the program when I was discouraged. She did this by setting goals and coaching me until I met the required deadlines. Her leadership style is hands on, and direct, for example, she told me what was wrong with my dissertation rather than hinting about my errors. Her ability to assist students in meeting the requirements for graduation is unsurpassed. I would recommend her services simply because she is the best.
Jennifer Medlin, PhD – Former Capella Mentee
2012 - It is an honor and privilege to submit this letter on behalf of Dr. Stephanie L. Brooke. Dr. Brooke was my Mentor during the dissertation phase of the PhD program. During this time, she was precise, productive, and proficient. Dr. Brooke provided excellent APA editing and proofreading, valuable feedback, and gave me tremendous insight to remain focused during so many difficult times throughout this phase. Dr. Brooke’s encouraging words were so instrumental. She made herself available consistently on a weekly basis by way of: conference calls, one-on-one coaching, and moral support to ensure I stayed on track. Additionally, Dr. Brooke was precise when responding with feedback, questions, or concerns presented by mentees. Another area that made mentees successful in my opinion was, once a mentee had approval of their proposal/dissertation, Dr. Brooke would ask her mentees to post the approved piece in the classroom to assist other students who may be struggling. This process was very helpful and it spelled success for a lot of students. I valued the weekly communication between me and Dr. Brooke. It demonstrated a level of commitment and professionalism that connected me to her. I am forever indebted to Dr. Brooke for believing in me and pushing me through the dissertation process. I was encouraged by the spirit she showed and continued to offer. Her words of encouragement were a milestone all by themselves. I want you to know that she has truly produced a believer that will continue to excel in life. For that, I am truly grateful.
Mallory Struggs, PhD – Former Capella Mentee
2011 - Dr. Brooke works at Capella University. She became my mentor when I re-enrolled in the program after taking a full year off. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed and felt like I was faced with an impossible task. Dr. Brooke was incredible in helping me pick up exactly where I left off a year earlier. She was always available when I needed support, had a question, or just needed to brainstorm. Dr. Brooke has a way of explaining everything so clearly and making suggestions that are easy to follow. Dr. Brooke moved me through the dissertation process quickly by getting me to work consistently, guiding me through each step, and helping me stay focused. I currently work as a school psychologist and have gone on to offer editing and coaching services to doctoral students!
Limor Tintweiss, PhD – Former Capella Mentee
2009 - It is with great pleasure that I submit this letter on behalf of Dr. Stephanie L. Brooke. Dr. Brooke was my mentor during the dissertation phase of my Ph.D. program. During this phase, Dr. Brooke provided valuable feedback, superb APA editing and proofreading, and overall guidance that encouraged me to stay focused during the dissertation process. She was available for conference calls that consisted of not only guidance on structure, organization, and one-on-one coaching but also emotional support. In addition, Dr. Brooke always responded in a timely manner with feedback and to questions, concerns, or problems presented by her mentees. She was dedicated to the success of her mentees. Dr. Brooke’s dedication to the success of her mentees was also expressed through the abundance of helpful resources she provided in the course room and consistently working with her mentees between quarters. In addition, the required weekly communication really showed that Dr. Brooke wanted to stay connected to her mentees. Dr. Brooke, I would like to say, thank you for seeing me through the dissertation process, words of encouragement that you offered and that you continue to offer, and for always being just a phone call away during the process. You showed me what it means to be “truly” dedicated to your students, and for that I am grateful.
Andrea Scott, PhD - Former Capella Mentee
Recommendations