Debra Kram-Fernandez, Ph.D., LSCW-R, MS- Dance Therapy, R-DMT, has been practicing in the fields of mental health and child and family welfare for over twenty-five years. Currently on faculty at the State University of New York-- Empire State College in the Human Service Division, some of her favorite course offerings include Creative Arts Therapy and Special Populations, Child and Family Welfare with Internship, Group Work, and Working with Children in Community and Human Services. She also enjoys teaching Cognitive Behavioral strategies with Children and Adults and Theory and Practice in the Helping Professions.

Dr. Fernandez’ primary areas of expertise include practice with people with Serious Mental Illness, (SMI), evidence based and other methods of treatment of trauma, and services for children and families.  

Research interests include intervention research, eating and body image problems, a recovery perspective in mental health, and integrating creative arts therapy in treatment programs.


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Degrees

  • B.A. in English and Theater from University at Albany - State University of New York
  • MSW in Social Work from Hunter College - City University of New York
  • M.S. in Dance-Movement Therapy from Hunter College - City University of New York
  • Ph.D. in Social Welfare from Hunter College - City University of New York

Publications

  • Gatz, M., Russell, L., Grady, J., Kram-Fernandez, D., Clark, C., & Marshall, B. (2005). Women's recollections of victimization, psychological problems, and substance use. Journal of Community Psychology. Special Issue: Serving the Needs of Women with Co-Occurring Disorders and a History of Trauma, Vol 33, (4) pp. 373–525. Issue edited by: Margaret Gatz, Paul Brounstein, Jane Taylor.
  • Kram-Fernandez, D. (2017). Psychodynamic Theories of Gender Development. The SAGE Encyclopedia of Psychology and Gender Sage Publications.
  • Kram-Fernandez, D. and Cabral, D. (2017). Gender and Health, An Overview. The SAGE Encyclopedia of Psychology and Gender. Sage Publications.