The Contagion of Fear: Understanding the Origins and Implications of Ageism

Sara W. Bailey, Ph.D. (she/her/hers), is a counselor educator, researcher, collaborator, and counselor with a clinical and research emphasis on issues of adoption, addiction, aging, and andragogy. She believes in and practices defying stereotypes and engaging in radical reflection in community with others. She is the Counselor Education Program Director at the University of Lynchburg and a counselor at Full Life Counseling and Recovery, PLLC. As an educator, Dr. Bailey seeks to demystify content knowledge and present novel material with humor, humility, and ample opportunity for engagement. As a supervisor and mentor, Dr. Bailey recognizes the power of authentic connection and relishes the opportunity to use her passion and life experience to link others with their “why” and support them in their dreams.

Dr. Mary Chase Mize (she/her/hers) is an assistant professor of clinical mental health counseling at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and is Certified in Thanatology – Death, Dying, and Bereavement (CT). Her research is focused on community-based suicide intervention and prevention efforts with older adults, equipping faith-based communities respond to suicide, and preparing counselors to work with older adult clients. In addition to her work in academia, Dr. Mize manages Seek and Find Counseling and Consulting, a small private practice where she provides counseling services to older adults and individuals experiencing grief, bereavement, death anxiety, major life transitions, and suicide ideation and loss. Dr. Mize also serves as a professional consultant and co-author to The Keep/Watch Project, an effort from the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta to equip religious and spiritual communities with suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention response skills.