Shirley Lathrop, MAT, M.S., is the program lead for the School Counseling program at Bushnell University. She brings to the role a wealth of direct school counseling experience and a heartfelt passion for supporting both future counselors and the youth they will serve. Lathrop, a native of the Eugene area, has a long history in education, having spent 15 years as a teacher before transitioning into counseling. She holds an M.S. in Counseling from Oregon State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Portland State University. Her journey has come full circle, as she now helps shape the next generation of counselors at Bushnell, instilling in them the wisdom to inspire and guide others.
Lathrop’s connection to Bushnell University runs deep. Her father attended the school when it was known as Northwest Christian College, and several family members have followed in his footsteps. This strong familial bond to Bushnell is what initially drew her to the university, but it is her passion for education and faith integration that aligns seamlessly with Bushnell’s vision of equipping students to answer God’s call in their lives.
After working in public education, Lathrop was excited to join the Bushnell community in 2023. “My desire is to be in a place where I can share my faith with fellow colleagues and train up counselors who will be equipped to support students in meaningful ways,” she says. As the program lead for School Counseling, Lathrop teaches a variety of courses, mentors counseling candidates, and supervises interns in the field.
We sat down with Lathrop to learn more about her journey, teaching philosophy, and how she integrates faith into her work at Bushnell. You can watch the full interview on Bushnell’s YouTube channel. Below, she shares her insights on the power of counseling, her hopes for aspiring counselors, and her advice for making the most of your time at Bushnell.
Building Relationships with Students
Lathrop’s teaching philosophy is centered around one key idea: building relationships. She explains, “It’s about being real and authentic with my students, sharing my experiences in a way that encourages them and helps them learn.” She believes that strong relationships are the foundation of effective counseling and teaching. As she works with counseling candidates, her goal is not only to teach them the skills they need but also to help them grow personally so they can better serve the youth they will support. She aims to instill in the candidates a deep understanding that their service is essential and has the power to create a lasting impact on the students they support, as well as on the broader school community.
Integrating Faith in the Classroom
Lathrop feels blessed to be in an environment where she can integrate her faith into her teaching: “It’s exciting to be able to talk openly about the Lord, to share His blessings, and to encourage my students through their faith.” She notes that being able to pray with students and openly support them in their spiritual journey is a gift she cherishes, especially after years of working in public education where she could not freely express her faith. This integration allows students to grow in faith and aspiration, becoming counselors who make an impact both professionally and spiritually, even if their spiritual guidance in public education settings must be more implicit through their characters and actions.
Why Counseling?
For Lathrop, counseling is not just a profession; it’s a calling. “Youth today face many challenges,” she says. “It’s a difficult time to be a kid, with so much coming at them. Counselors have the privilege and responsibility to be there for students, to listen to them, guide them, and pray for them.” She believes that those who enter the counseling program at Bushnell University not only gain professional skills but also experience personal growth as they reflect on their own lives and experiences. This self-awareness ultimately makes them more effective counselors and better equipped to support youth in need, fostering inspiration and aspiration for the future.
A Season of Growth at Bushnell
Lathrop encourages students to make the most of their time at Bushnell University. “College is a season of life that’s both energizing and challenging. It’s important to build relationships and get involved in the community while you have the chance,” she advises. She adds that the connections students make during their time at Bushnell can have a lasting impact, just as they did for her during her own college days. It is this sense of community and service that shapes students into leaders ready to make a difference.
Service Beyond the Classroom
Lathrop is deeply committed to service, both in her personal life and in her career. She believes that counseling goes beyond just academic support — it’s about meeting students’ emotional and spiritual needs as well. She says, “Sometimes students just need someone to listen. Whether it’s to talk through class challenges or deeper personal issues, I want to be available to support them.” Through her role at Bushnell, Lathrop strives to be a compassionate resource for students, helping them navigate their academic and personal journeys with wisdom and care.
Faith as a Foundation
Throughout her career, Lathrop’s faith has been a guiding force. She reflects, “It’s a blessing to be able to pray with my students and colleagues, to openly share my faith, and to encourage others in their journey with the Lord.” Her faith provides her with the strength to serve as a mentor and leader, guiding the next generation of counselors with both professional expertise and a deep sense of compassion, inspiring them to pursue a life of service and faith.
To learn more about Bushnell’s School Counseling program and how you can make a difference in the lives of youth, visit www.bushnell.edu/school-counseling.