University of Pittsburgh

About

Kathleen Rafferty

Kathleen Rafferty

"Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity." —Christopher Morley

The path that has led me to my current position of Academic Advisor has been marked with diverse experiences in various cities, contexts and roles. My academic career began at Franklin & Marshall-a small liberal arts college in Lancaster, PA-where I was a dual Business and Psychology major. I was very curious as a student, consciously seeking out people and ideas outside of my normal world view. I spent my junior year studying in Limerick, Ireland, and then backpacking throughout Western Europe. During my adventures, I learned to appreciate cultural differences and-at the same-I realized just how much people have in common with one another.

After graduation, I worked as a research assistant-first for a Social Psychologist at Carnegie-Mellon University, and then later at Magee-Women's and Children's hospitals. Soon thereafter, I had the opportunity to return to Ireland, this time living in Dublin, which is a cool, vibrant and historically rich city. While I was there, I was immersed in Irish culture through a different channel: I worked as a temp in various organizations ranging from advertising agencies and law firms to the now-infamous Arthur Andersen.

When I got back to the United States, I worked with a career counselor who helped me to find the link between my background in psychology and my interests in dance and the creative arts. I made the decision to attend graduate school at Antioch New England, where I earned an MA in Dance Movement Therapy, with a Minor in Counseling Psychology. After completing my degree, I worked as a therapist in various clinical settings in Philadelphia and throughout New England. While it was gratifying to work with people who were trying to effect positive change in their lives, I wanted to return to the vibrancy of the academic environment, where I could share in students' growth by helping them to work toward their academic, personal and professional goals. So, after moving back to Pittsburgh, I jumped at the opportunity to work as an Academic Advisor and Liaison to the CBA Living Learning Community! I love my job, and I'm very happy to be a member of the Pitt Business community.

When I'm not at work, I take dance, yoga and pilates classes, speed walk, drum, read, watch films and go camping. I also love spending time with my pre-school aged nieces, who are constant examples of creativity and innocence, our innate drive toward constant learning and growth, and our instinct to play. A member of the independent radio station, WYEP, I am tuned in to the local literature, arts, and music scene.