Hempstead, NY - The Hofstra University Department of Athletics is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Rebecca Bertuccio as the department's first associate director of athletics for mental health services. Dr. Bertuccio will assist the Pride's more than 400 student-athletes in all aspects of their mental health and wellness. The appointment was announced today by Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr.
With the appointment, Dr. Bertuccio becomes the first full-time mental health specialist within the Hofstra University Department of Athletics. Dr. Bertuccio will work closely with the University's Student Counseling Services, led by Dr. John Guthman.
"We understood so greatly the need for this position in our department and today is a major step forward for us and the needs of our student-athletes," commented Cole. "There is nothing more important to us than the mental health and wellness of our student-athletes and we are thrilled to add someone of Dr. Bertuccio's caliber to our staff. Her expertise will be an asset to our coaches, staff, and all those who serve our student-athletes on a daily basis."
"I am so excited and honored to join such a dedicated team of staff and students," mentioned Bertuccio. "I can tell how passionate and enthusiastic everyone is about Hofstra Pride, and I am looking forward to being a part of it!"
Bertuccio earned her Ph.D. in school psychology from The Pennsylvania State University in 2020.
Bertuccio joins Hofstra after most recently serving as a psychotherapist with the New View Psychology Group on Long Island. She has also worked as a psychologist and postdoctoral therapist with LifeStance Health, Inc. in Wilmington, Delaware, and as a graduate research assistant with the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness in University Park, Pennsylvania.
She has performed a variety of volunteer work associated with her profession over the past six years, including at Penn State's department of educational psychology, Centre County Women's Resource Center (Centre Safe), and the Mid-State Literacy Council.
Bertuccio has her M.Ed. in school psychology, also from Penn State (2017), and earned her undergraduate degree in psychology, Spanish, and English from Manhattan College in 2015. She earned her degree from Manhattan with summa cum laude distinction.
Bertuccio is a member of the American Psychological Association and is a nationally-certified school psychologist.
