An Ohio University alumnus who witnessed John F. Kennedy speak on the steps of the Baker Center and heard Robert Frost read his poetry at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium will return to Athens today. But this time, the spotlight will be on him.
Lynn Rinehart, a counselor and consultant, will present Parents Now: Pre- and Perinatal Psychology at noon today in 215 McCracken for the Spring Quarter installment of the McCracken Lecture Series.
Rinehart, who lives in Chicago, holds degrees from OU in human relations and community counseling. Much of his current work revolves around prenatal psychology. As a counselor, he treated many people suffering from trauma associated with birth issues. He said that when he retires he wants to focus on prevention rather than treatment. The first step is to change long-held views about parenting, he said.
There are no expectant mothers. That's a misnomer and it supports a folk tale that nothing happens until birth
he said. I believe parenting begins the minute a couple decides they want to have a child.
This mindset is important because babies are psychologically impacted from the moment of conception, Rinehart said. He hopes students will walk away from his presentation with a new perspective.
I decided to talk about what I thought was the most important thing in the world right now and the thing I'm most compassionate and passionate about he said. I hope (students will) take away the truth about pregnancy and birth.
Rinehart's presentation fits well with the goals of the McCracken Lecture series, which seeks to supplement curriculum for not only aspiring teachers but also counselors and human service workers as well, said Kaylin Kopcho, director of development for the College of Education.
The general consensus among our presenters is this - with a College of Education degree
you can go on to do anything
Kopcho said.
Rinehart was invited to return after he wrote a letter of congratulations to a College of Education professor who was focusing on prenatal topics; he said he was honored to return.
The presentation is open to all OU students, faculty and staff, and lunch will be served.
There are many opportunities beyond Ohio University to succeed with a College of Education degree and with an Ohio University degree
Kopcho said. These lectures illustrate to our students that the sky is the limit. There are countless possibilities.
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Rebecca McKinsey
