Dr. Pia Smal is an associate teaching professor at The Pennsylvania State University, where she has dedicated her career to educating and mentoring undergraduate students in Rehabilitation and Human Services. With a background in counseling and rehabilitation, she brings real-world experience into the classroom, preparing students for careers in human services, rehabilitation, mental health, and advocacy. Her commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom—she has a strong track record of mentoring undergraduates as they transition to graduate school or the workforce. She is the faculty advisor for an inclusive musical theatre student organization and established a mentorship program that provides undergraduate students with valuable experience as teaching assistants, reinforcing her dedication to hands-on learning and professional development. Pia coordinates the undergraduate internship program in RHS and developed and teaches a class to prepare students for internship and work.
Her scholarly contributions include multiple publications on career development and counseling, particularly for marginalized populations and she has provided numerous trainings on increasing LGBTQ+ inclusion and competency. Clinically, Pia has worked with a wide variety of individuals, with a specialization in working with individuals with substance use disorder, survivors of intimate partner or sexual violence.
Dr. Smal is also a trained restorative practitioner and has been a restorative conferencing facilitator since 2020. Pia is active in community based social justice work and is a founding member and past board member of the first LGBTQ+ nonprofit in Centre County. She currently serves on the board for the Center for Alternatives in Community Justice nonprofit.