The member spotlight highlights individual achievements, contributions, and unique qualities within the group work community and as members of ASGW, fostering recognition, connection, and inspiration. It acknowledges members' efforts, motivates others through their successes, and builds camaraderie by sharing personal stories. Additionally, spotlights promote diversity, inclusion, and knowledge-sharing while reinforcing ASGW’s core values. This practice strengthens community bonds and aligns group members with shared goals through platforms like newsletters, social media, and events.
Emma Quadlander-Goff, Ph.D., LPC, NCC
Dr. Emma Quadlander-Goff (“Dr. Goff”) is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Interpreter Training (CRIT) at Troy University in Alabama. Dr. Goff is passionate about group work because shared insight and connection create healing that isn’t possible alone. To Dr. Goff, this is essential because people grow deeply when supported by others. In practice, she facilitates groups where members learn from each other and strengthen their resilience together.
Dr. Goff received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Auburn University (2023), her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University (2019), and her B.A. in Psychology from Southwestern University (2017). She also holds a graduate certificate in Program Evaluation from Auburn University. She teaches and supervises in Troy’s CACREP-accredited counseling program. In addition, Dr. Goff serves as the department’s Assessment Coordinator and the liaison for the Chi Sigma Iota International Honors Society.
During her second year of her Ph.D. program at Auburn University, Dr. Goff was grateful to be connected with Dr. Carolyn Thomas, an influential leader in ASGW who also had great impact on advancing ALASGW. Dr. Goff was deeply inspired by Dr. Thomas’ work and modeling of leadership, resulting in Dr. Goff pursuing leadership service in group work.
Dr. Goff is currently serving in her second term as President of the Alabama Association for Specialists in Group Work (ALASGW), the state’s group-work branch. For ALASGW, she has expanded continuing education opportunities for group therapists, raised funds to help nonprofits offer group services, and strengthened member connections through social events. After the conclusion of her first term, Dr. Goff received the Outstanding Member Award (2023) from the Alabama Counseling Association (ALCA) for her excellence in service to ALASGW. She continues to focus her time on the advancement of group work practice by ensuring that resources, connections, and continuing education are available regionally, as she recently joined the Membership Committee as Co-Chair for ASGW.
Dr. Goff is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor with experience conducting groups in residential facilities, private practice, and community mental health centers. The majority of her group work is psychoeducational, including educational groups, skill-training groups, and groups focusing on self-understanding. Dr. Goff is proud to have facilitated the following groups: Survivors of Sexual Abuse, Starting Strong: A Freshman Support Group, and Navigating Life After Loss. Dr. Goff’s research centers on grief and unexpected loss, which informs her interest in how group dynamics vary across different types of bereavement.
As a counselor educator, Dr. Goff is committed to teaching counseling students key developmental theories, leadership skills, and ethical considerations in group work. Her recent work includes developing group therapy pedagogical experiences and serving on the committee that shapes course design and residency planning, ensuring students gain strong hands-on training and exposure to leading professionals in the field. Dr. Goff provides guidance to local licensed clinicians in developing mock group-work plans used in student residencies. Strengthening connections between community professionals and counseling students is a central priority in her work. She frequently teaches the department’s Group Dynamics & Counseling course.
A counseling student recently shared: “Dr. Goff is an empowering and deeply supportive educator who brings out the best in her students. Throughout the residency, she consistently checked in with us, ensuring that we had what was needed to be successful both academically and personally. Her dedication was also evidence in her detailed, thoughtful feedback on every assignment, helping us grow with each submission. Whether through facilitating meaningful group work or in her role as a professor, Dr. Goff clearly leads with intention, warmth, and excellence.”
Dr. Goff recently received a Research Award (2025) from the ALCA for her contributions through publications focused on counseling and the human development profession and ability to stimulate future research. Dr. Goff’s most recent peer-reviewed journal articles include publications in The Journal of Rehabilitation, OMEGA – Journal of Death and Dying, and The Professional Counselor. Within the last two and a half years, Dr. Goff has produced six peer-reviewed publications, and an intellectual contribution of an encyclopedia entry. She has consistently presented her research at international, national, and state conferences. Dr. Goff currently serves as a Co-Editor for the ALCA Journal and is a Clinical Researcher for Harmonex Neuroscience Research. She holds a board position on the Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Junior Board. Presently, she serves in multiple leadership capacities across troy University, including roles in institutional governance, curriculum development, assessment, and student engagement. Dr. Goff contributes to several professional organizations through service in areas such as advocacy, research, and membership development.
