Office: (732) 932-3580
FAX: (732) 932-8181
Email: mlasala@rci.rutgers.edu

B.A. State University of New York at Binghamton
M.S.W. School of Social Welfare, State University of New York at Albany
Ph.D. School of Social Welfare, State University of New York at Albany

Research Interests

Because I have extensive training and clinical experiences in various schools of family therapy,  I am interested in how these therapy models apply and how they might need to be altered to address the complex societal, familial, and interpersonal challenges faced by gay and lesbian families.  I have completed research on the impacts of intergenerational relationships on gay and lesbian couples and I have also completed a study examining and comparing the extradyadic sexual agreements of partnered gay men.  Currently, I am interviewing out gay and lesbian youth and their parents about the impact of the coming out experience on the family, and how parents react and adjust (or not) to the discovery that their child is lesbian or gay.  I am also currently examining how family variables might affect young gay men's decisions regarding HIV-risk behaviors.

Practice Interests

I have over 17 years of clinical social work experience with children and families, and  I currently practice part-time with gay and lesbian clients at the Institute for Personal Growth in Highland Park, New Jersey.  I believe my previous and current practice experience helps me to engage in research that is highly useful to fellow practitioners.  I also believe this background helps me to impart practical skills along with theory to my students.

Teaching Interests

I strive to integrate my extensive practice and research experiences along with my understanding of various models of practice to provide information which students find highly practical and relevant to their work.  I present many case example during class and I encourage students to do the same.

Other Links

Advanced Direct Practice 1 Syllabus
Diversity and Oppression Modules