Education:
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Dr. Scala is the Program Director/Lead Faculty of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development in the Department of Human Services. He also oversees the NSU FCE&SCJ Simulation Program and is the Chair of the Human Services and Criminal Justice Curriculum Committee. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in child and adolescent development, educational psychology, developmental disabilities, mental health, and behavioral and counseling issues for medical professions including Speech-Language Pathology and Dental Medicine.
Dr. Scala has conducted research and was vital in obtaining grant funding in the areas of simulation education, Autism, adolescent issues, parent training, and working with United States Veterans. His work with victims/survivors of torture and presenting nationally on this topic has been helpful in providing supportive and therapeutic services to this population locally and nationwide. Other areas of research have included social-emotional learning, child development, developmental disabilities, and various mental health issues.
Dr. Scala has had clinical experience providing individual, family, and group therapy, as well as conducting psychological, vocational, and forensic evaluations at a variety of community mental health centers, educational facilities, and through private practice work in the South Florida area. He has also supervised doctoral-level psychology students, interns, and postdoctoral residents within the College of Psychology in the areas of assessment and intervention. His professional/clinical interests include psychological and psychoeducational assessment, working with the child and adolescent population, behavior modification, anxiety/depression, stress management, and family counseling.