About Me
I’m Rob—a lifelong learner, a curious thinker, and someone who believes in the power of connection. I’ve dedicated myself to corporate creativity in product management, sales, and marketing roles for years. These positions have allowed me to hone skills like problem-solving, communication, and understanding complex challenges. But along the way, I’ve discovered something deeper about myself: my true passion lies in helping others navigate their journeys with empathy and support.
My Professional Journey, So Far
In my professional life, I’ve had the privilege of working at companies large and small, from massive multinational corporations like KPMG to private equity-backed scale-ups. I’ve learned to tackle problems from multiple angles, manage complexity, and collaborate to create meaningful results. What I’ve found most rewarding are the moments of connection—mentoring one of my employees, helping a team overcome obstacles, or simply listening when someone needed to be heard.
Those experiences planted a seed in me: a realization that the skills I’ve developed and the values I hold could be used more personally and positively.
Why Counseling? My Motivation and Purpose
That realization led me to mental health counseling. It’s a field that combines everything I value: empathy, growth, and a deep commitment to understanding the human experience. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be to have someone listen without judgment, to guide someone toward clarity, or to simply hold space for someone as they process life’s challenges.
For me, counseling isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about creating a safe and supportive environment where people can explore their own strengths, heal, and grow. It’s about walking alongside someone as they uncover their resilience and redefine what’s possible.
Bridging the Gap: My Career Transition
This transition hasn’t been overnight—it’s a deliberate and meaningful shift that’s been years in the making. This summer, I will be starting Manhattan University’s Masters program in Mental Health Counseling, where I’ll be diving into topics like Techniques in Counseling and Therapy, Psychopathology, and Approaches to Multicultural Counseling.
What’s been most exciting is realizing how much my past experience aligns with this new path. The analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and people-centered approach I’ve developed over the last 20 years are all skills that directly inform my work as a counselor-in-training. I’m learning to bridge these worlds in ways that feel both natural and inspiring.
Look Ahead: My Vision for the Future
My ultimate goal upon completing my Masters program is to work in a clinical setting, helping those seeking recovery from substance abuse issues. Ultimately, my goal is to create spaces where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to embrace their own strengths, whether this is in a public institution setting or in private practice.
Along with my interest in substance abuse recovery, I am very fascinated by the world of Cyberpsychology. More specifically, in the ways new technologies (such as AI) or platforms like social dating apps have or can have an impact on someone’s mental health. These technologies, while becoming widely used, are very new, and the impacts they may have on our mental health need to be further understood. I may look to pursue a PhD in Psychology that will allow me to research and further the understanding of how these technological advancements are effecting our mental health. I’m excited to continue this journey and see where it takes me, both personally and professionally.
Let’s Connect
Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little more about me! If you’d like to connect, share your thoughts, or just say hello, feel free to email me. I’d love to hear your story, your insights, or even the questions that drive you. I’m also always interested in opportunities to collaborate on projects.
The Personal Column
You’ll usually find me reading, writing, exploring, or trying new and exciting things when I'm not working or studying. These moments keep me grounded, remind me to stay curious, and give me the balance I need to bring my best self to every part of my life.
Influential Books
