Twin Sisters Get Matching Graduate Degrees at Scranton

Twins Mary Lynn Massino G’20 and Maria Ehnot (née Massino) G’15 chose the same career and the same graduate school to help them achieve their goals.

They received graduate degrees in rehabilitation counseling at The University of Scranton. Both currently work as vocational rehabilitation counselors, Mary Lynn with the Hartford Insurance Agency and Maria with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation through the Department of Labor and Industry.

We recently talked to Mary Lynn (ML) and Maria (M) about their experience at Scranton and beyond.

How did you choose Scranton?

M: Being familiar with The University of Scranton and the excellent reputation the school has I knew this is where I wanted to apply and continue onto my master’s degree. Living just a few blocks from the campus too made the commute very easy.

ML: My sister told me a lot about the program and her positive experience which ultimately led to me to choose The University of Scranton. I felt very supported by my professors and always felt I had their guidance along the way.

What was your best experience here?

ML: My best experience at The University of Scranton was the support of the faculty and the other students I met throughout my program and the relationships I formed. I felt very supported by my professors and always felt I had their guidance along the way. It was also important to me to meet other students and build relationships in my program. I met so many wonderful people over the two and a half years. 

M: After reflecting on my experience, I would say that practicum has helped prepare me for my career which is crucial and just what I was hoping to achieve as I went through the experience. Typically, for counselors, this is the most stressful part of the program. Working long hours to fulfill the requirements of practicum was tough for sure, but overall the experience certainly helped prepare me for my future. My mentor at that time was Dr. Lori Bruch. The guidance I received from her was so professional and supportive. That meant everything to me!

"I felt very supported by my professors and always felt I had their guidance along the way." - Mary Lynn Massino G’20 

Tell us about your current position.

ML: I help individuals who are on short-term disability and long-term disability get back to work. My involvement is to provide vocational expertise knowledge to these customers to ensure they return to work safely and successfully. 

M: As a vocational rehabilitation counselor, I assist individuals with disabilities who have barriers to employment and help them prepare for, obtain or maintain competitive employment. I cover a rural area and have a mixed caseload of working with transition students with IEP’s or 504 plans as well as adults with achieving their employment needs for the workforce.

What do you enjoy most about it?

M: I mostly enjoy the rewarding feeling of helping someone achieve their goal and connecting/meeting with other community agencies.

ML: It is very rewarding being able to help others and to see my customers achieve their personal goals.

How did Scranton help you along the way?

M: The counseling professors have amazing connections with other counseling professionals and community agencies and helped guide me towards my position. As a vocational rehabilitation counselor, it’s crucial to develop working relationships with outside agencies and other professionals. I try to work on this as part of my professionalism as a counselor.

ML: Scranton helped me tremendously. The information I had learned in my program is being applied to real life in the work that I do every day. I really feel the rehabilitation counseling program prepared me to be successful in my role today as a working professional.