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HFC welcomes ALS Counselor Adriza Caesar

The mission is personal for HFC Assisted Learning Services (ALS) Counselor Adriza Caesar. She has always had a strong desire to help people, especially those with disabilities.

“I have an older brother with severe cognitive and physical disabilities,” said Caesar. “Having that personal exposure to individuals with disabilities ignited my passion for working in this profession.”

Born in Kentucky, Caesar – the second of six children – grew up in southwestern Michigan and graduated from Dowagiac Union High School. A two-time alumna of Michigan State University, Caesar earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor.

She is working on her Ph.D. in rehabilitation counselor education at MSU, and expects to graduate next year. She lives in Oakland County with her partner and their daughter, 11.

Caesar has been in the counseling field for more than 17 years. Her first day at HFC was May 9. She reports to HFC Associate Dean of Counseling Dr. Ibrahim Atallah. Caesar replaces Dr. Maureen Webster, who retired.

“HFC is a professional environment that allows me to use my professional background, while learning new skills,” she said. “I support students with disabilities in their personal, career, and educational development, and facilitate full participation in College programs and services.”

Empowering students to have self-determination

Webster and fellow HFC counselor Imad Nouri spoke highly of Caesar.

“I think Adriza is a great addition to our counseling center and especially to the ALS, where she brings tremendous experience, skills, and knowledge,” said Nouri.

Added Webster: “We are delighted to welcome Adriza Caesar to HFC as our new Licensed Professional Counselor in ALS. She brings 17 years of experience working with clients who have a variety of disabilities. Previously, she was a Michigan Rehabilitation Services manager in the Oak Park office for six years, after completing 11 years as an MRS counselor. Her wealth of experience with adaptive equipment, employment opportunities, counseling, and administrative strategies, as well as her excellent communication skills, make her a perfect fit for her new position.”

For Caesar, the best part of her job is assisting students with various disabilities toward achieving their academic goals, while empowering them to have self-determination.

“As a new team member at HFC, I am taking this opportunity to learn as much as possible. New challenges will lead to opportunities to find solutions,” she said. “Everyone I have encountered has been kind and welcoming. I like that my role in serving students with disabilities is so meaningful here. That is a very rewarding feeling.”