Ellen Ritter

Academic leader with proven track record in curriculum development, faculty mentoring, and student engagement. Strong focus on collaborative team efforts and achieving measurable results. Skilled in strategic planning, educational program management, and adapting to evolving academic needs. Known for fostering inclusive and dynamic learning environment.

• Ritter, E, Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Return to Work Rehabilitation, International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals conference, Chicago, IL, 2017
• Basch, B., Ritter, E., Developing a Disability Ally Program, Association of Higher Education & Disability, ILLOWA AHEAD conference, Champaign, IL, 2016

• Wanaga, K., Chan, F., Tansey, T., Strauser, D., Ritter, E., Bishop, M., Brooks, J., Working alliance and stages of change for employment: The intermediary role of autonomous motivation, outcome expectancy and vocational rehabilitation engagement, Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 29, 315-324, 2019, 10.1007/s10926-018-9787-5
• Phillips, B., Strauser, D., Ritter, E., Notaro, S., Jones, W., The influence of social capital and social role on starting wage for people with and without disabilities, Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 2018
• Davis, J., Berry, D., Ritter, E., Smith, D., Menard, C., Roberts, B., Substance use outcomes for mindfulness based relapse prevention are partially mediated by reductions in stress: Results from a randomized trial, Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2018
• Ritter, E., Strauser, D., O'Sullivan, D., Reid, J., Khosravinasr, S., Cronin, T., Theories of career development and work adjustment, D. Strauser, Career Development, Employment and Disability: From Theory to Practice, Springer Publishing, New York, 2014
• Ritter, E., Book review – Psychosocial aspects of disability: Insider perspectives and counseling strategies, Rehabilitation Research, Policy and Education, 26, 2&3, 283-284, 2012

• Coordinator/Facilitator, Mindfulness Discussion Group (MDG) Program, UIUC Education Justice Project, 08/01/15, Present, Supervise ten MDG volunteers, Co-develop each semester’s curriculum for a mindfulness discussion group program
• Coordinator/Facilitator, Disability Ally Program, UIUC Division of Rehabilitation and Education Services, 08/01/14, 03/01/20, Develop and deliver a new program that aims to facilitate awareness, understanding, and competency of disability
• Coordinator/Facilitator/Co-Founder, Meditation Student Organization, UIUC Registered Student Organization, 01/01/14, 05/01/17, Founded and co-developed a student organization program that offered students, staff, and faculty access to weekly meditation opportunities
• Coordinator/Facilitator, Mindfulness Staff Training Program, UIUC University Housing, 08/01/17, Co-developed a new day-long staff mindfulness training program