<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><item href="/news/providing-accessible-learning-and-meaningful-connecstions-in-the-online-space.html" dsn="news"><title>Providing Accessible Learning and Meaningful Connections in the Online Space</title><item_date>01/05/2026 11:53:00 AM</item_date><author>Sarah Ferrara</author><image><img src="/news/images/mata-padhy-joury-penders.jpg" alt="Three women's faces side by side"/></image><image_caption>(L to R) Valery Mata, Nivia Padhy, Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA students, and NedaJoury-Penders, MPH, MA, graduate, Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA program</image_caption><thumbnail><img src="/news/images/mata-padhy-joury-penders.jpg" alt="Three women's faces side by side"/></thumbnail><summary>At a time when we are facing a shortage of mental health professionals, leaving approximately one third of the United States’ population living in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) for mental health, access to high-quality education and training is a priority to expand the workforce. </summary><category>Around Campus</category><featured/><tags><tag>Around Campus</tag></tags></item>