About Us

Hours Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk In Hours: Monday through Friday, 2 to 3 p.m.

Contact Information
Location: Donnelly Center, Lower Level >Campus Map (pdf)

Mailing Address:
Aquinas College Career & Counseling Services 1607 Robinson Road S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49506-1799

Phone: (616) 632-2905 Fax: (616) 732-4435 E-mail: careerservices@aquinas.edu

Professional Counseling Staff

Sharon E. Smith, M.S.W, L.C.S.W, A.C.S.W.
Director, Career & Counseling Services
Phone: (616) 632-2902
E-mail: smithsha@aquinas.edu

Sharon E. Smith, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., A.C.S.W., is the Director of Career and Counseling Services. Sharon is also an adjunct assistant professor of sociology and education. In these roles, she works with individuals with career and personal issues and teaches. In addition, she works with profit and non-profit organizations, as well as working in system thinking, diversity issues, group dynamics, and strategic planning. Sharon graduated from Aquinas College and received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University. She is a licensed social worker. Sharon has twenty-nine years of experience in employment and training, human resources, the human services field and higher education.

Lauretta K. Simpson, M.A. L.P.C.
Associate Director, Career & Counseling Services
Phone: (616) 632-2901
E-mail: simpslau@aquinas.edu

Lauretta K. Simpson, M.A., L.P.C., is the Associate Director of Career & Counseling Services. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University and earned her Master's of Arts in Counseling from Michigan State University. In addition, Lauretta is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Michigan.

Lauretta teaches in the co-curricular program and is the internship coordinator. She also provides career counseling and resume writing advice. Her areas of specialization include; sports counseling, career development in the sciences, and mentoring in the sciences. Prior to working at Aquinas, Lauretta worked, as support staff in medical and psychiatric hospitals and as a psychiatric social worker.

Traveling is a strong interest of Lauretta's. In November 2005 she participated in a People to People Delegation to China with members of the National Career Development Association from across the country. As a People to People delegate, Lauretta visited Beijing and Shanghai, China to discuss current trends and issues in career development. She was able to meet with government officials knowledgeable of labor issues and statistics, college career development professionals, and representatives from job training social service agencies. It was her honor and privilege to represent her professional organization, the United States and Aquinas College.

Meghan Cupka, MAC, L.L.P.C
Counselor
Phone: (616) 639-2906
E-mail: cupkameg@aquinas.edu

Meghan E. Cupka, MAC, L.L.P.C., is the personal counselor who works with students to overcome personal issues that may arise during their time at Aquinas. She earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Aquinas College and a Master's degree in Counseling from Spring Arbor University. She holds a Limited License in Professional Counseling.
Before working for Aquinas College, Meghan worked as support staff in several area residential mental health facilities. These experiences allowed her to gain insight into the complexities that mental illness brings into the lives of individuals affected. She also worked as a Case Manger in a residential program for pregnant and parenting teenage girls. In this position, she worked closely with the local school system and Department of Human Services to empower the young woman on her case load to complete their high school education. She also assisted with material support services for the young woman on an as needed basis. She also empowered her clients to develop successful work habits and employability skills. This encouraged a holistic support system for both the Mother and her children.