Monmouth University students and faculty from the Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies and the Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences recently participated in a service-learning trip to Delhi, India.
Professional counseling graduate students Khloe Crimando, Emily Miller, Kayla Breeden, Makaela Andes, and Kevin Egler, and undergraduate student Mary Jodry gained hands-on experience working with nonverbal children from diverse cultural backgrounds through One Life to Love, a non-governmental organization dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing home for abandoned, orphaned, and disabled children, as well as education and care for local migrant children. The trip also helped strengthen interprofessional partnerships and opportunities for the University’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program, including the development of assistive technologies, creation of occupation-based programming for children with disabilities, and staff training to enhance therapeutic care at the organization’s facilities.
“This trip is a continuation of our commitment to interprofessional education and community impact. By leveraging the long-standing relationship, the Professional Counseling Department in the School of Humanities has with One Life to Love, we are opening doors for our OTD students to make a difference internationally while gaining invaluable practical experience,” said John Patro Jr., OTD, chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy and OTD program director.
The initiative, supported by the University’s Global Education Office, is part of the Transformative Travel course. Joanne Jodry, Ed.D., associate professor and director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, spearheaded the trip, while Patro attended to explore interdisciplinary opportunities for OTD capstone students.
The partnership with One Life to Love provides students with an opportunity to integrate clinical and academic training in real-world settings. Students gain firsthand experience in culturally responsive care, supporting the University’s mission to prepare compassionate, globally minded professionals who can work with children and support caregivers at the organization’s facilities.
“Monmouth University students have an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in hands on learning with other ways of knowing and doing. By bringing together professional counseling and occupational therapy, we can continue to contribute to the multifaceted needs of the communities that One Life to Love serves, while providing a transformative educational experience for our students,” said Jodry.
While this trip is typically based in Delhi, this year’s itinerary included visits to Amritsar, Dharamshala, Jaipur, and Rishikesh along the Ganges River, where students participated in cultural immersion and spiritual activities to foster cultural humility. Looking ahead, plans to formalize the partnership between the OTD program and One Life to Love will include sending students to Delhi to collaborate with professional counseling students and local teams, further solidifying Monmouth’s role as a leader in global health care education.
“Our collaboration with One Life to Love offers a perfect opportunity to expand our students’ horizons while making a meaningful difference. I look forward to seeing how this partnership evolves and how it continues to enhance the lives of both the students and the communities,” said Patro.
One Life to Love was founded by New Jersey native Courtney Lalotra, whose work serves as an inspiration to students, demonstrating the impact of serving underserved communities. The organization’s mission aligns closely with Monmouth’s values of compassion and global engagement. Founded on the belief that every child deserves a loving home, One Life to Love provides residential care, education, and resources to all children in need, as well as support for individuals with disabilities.
The OTD program also participates in an interdisciplinary initiative with the School of Social Work, allowing students to collaborate on addressing the complex needs of underserved populations in Vietnam. Through this latest effort, the University continues to demonstrate its commitment to interdisciplinary education and global engagement, ensuring its students are prepared to meet the challenges of a diverse and interconnected world.






