I was a clinical social worker at Magee Womens Hospital for 16 years counseling patients dealing with cancer, pregnancy loss, infertility, sexual assault and other issues. In 1990, I started a private practice and later taught at Robert Morris University and in the Master's in Social work program at the University of Pittsburgh.
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ARTICLES:
Journal of the National Perinatal Social Work Association (Development of a Pregnancy Loss Program)
Oncology Nursing Newsletter (Assessing Sexuality in the Gyn Onc Patient)
The Occupational Therapy Practice Journal (Addressing Sexuality in Adults with Chronic Disabilites).
https://jezebel.com/when-tight-becomes-too-tight-a-helpful-primer-on-vagin-1679485378 (vaginismus)
BOOKS:
Co-authored chapter in the Springer medical textbook "Gestational Trophoblastic Disease" (Psychological and Emotional impact on Patients and Families)
Authored chapter on sexuality and cancer for "Sexuality and Occupational Therapy: Strategies for Persons with Disabilities"
PRESENTATIONS-
To professionals and community groups such as; Grand Rounds to the physicians at Magee Womens Hospital, The American Heart Association , Gilda's Place, Magee Womens' Hospital Breast and Ovarian cancer Support groups, Us Too Prostate cancer Support group, , National Kidney Foundation
TEACHING -
Former field instructor, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Social Work
Adjunct Faculty The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Social Work
Adjunct Faculty Social Sciences Dept Robert Morris University
Guest Lecturer at the U of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on "Human Sexuality"
RESEARCH -
Group facilitator for National Cancer Institute study on breast cancer through the Psychology Dept at Carnegie Mellon University.
Co-investigator of study on sexuality of women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Consultant for pilot study of sexuality information needs of patients undergoing hip replacement. Stakeholder U of Pitt study-menopause and sexuality
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Media
Appeared on local TV, radio and newspapers
Traditional Gender Roles Playing Smaller Role in Modern Matrimony
WESA Pittsburgh's NPR station :Traditional marriage is rapidly evolving. Connie Lappa, psychotherapist and adjunct professor at Robert Morris University and The University of Pittsburgh and Dr. Christine Whelan, visiting Assistant Professor in the University of Pittsburgh Department of Sociology share their findings on modern matrimony and the most successful relationships.
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