New Director to Lead Florida Techs Family Learning Program

MELBOURNE, FLA.—At the start of the new academic year, this August, Dr. Paula Wolfteich takes over as director of Florida Tech’s Family Learning Program (FLP), a service to Brevard County families affected by sexual abuse. The post was vacated by a retiring Dr. Juanita Baker who initiated the program 23 years ago.

Most recently, Wolfteich was an assistant professor in Valdosta State University’s Department of Psychology and Counseling. She holds a psychologist’s license in Florida.

Previously, Wolfteich was with the Orlando Regional Healthcare System for 10 years where she held a variety of positions involving therapy, assessment and research with several programs for children and families. She worked with the Orange County child protection team, where she conducted psychological evaluations to assess the validity and impact of sexual or physical abuse of children aged 3 to 15 and determined appropriate treatment recommendations. From 1996 to 2003 she was an adjunct professor in University of Central Florida’s Department of Education and Department of Psychology. While there, she taught and supervised research and clinical work.

Wolfteich earned master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from Purdue University. She has written and presented extensively n a variety of topics including child maltreatment and children’s advocacy.

The Family Learning Program offers research-based psychological counseling and referrals. Funded by the State of Florida’s Children’s Medical Services, the program is designed to help family members learn and grow, and to restore their psychological well-being. Services are available on Florida Tech’s Melbourne campus and at a clinic in Cocoa.

Recently the program expanded services for all children who have been sexually abused, whether the abuse comes from within or outside the family.

“Paula will be a wonderful asset to the Florida Tech clinical faculty and to students, as a colleague, mentor, teacher and supervisor,” said Baker. “She has had extensive experience with the sexual abuse population throughout her career in private and public mental health outpatient settings. The program is very fortunate to have her.”