The University of Pittsburgh Department of Counseling and Behavioral Health Nancy L. Oyler Student Award was established to honor the memory of Nancy L. Oyler (BA ‘63, MS ‘65), a Pitt alumna who best exemplified an enduring commitment to excellence of the rehabilitation counseling profession in service to persons with disabilities. The award is designed to support and encourage graduate-level training and clinical excellence in rehabilitation counseling.
Five scholarships were awarded this year. All those who apply to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are eligible and encouraged to apply for this award. Current counseling students may reapply for the award for a second year of support.
Learn more about the amazing awardees of 2025!
Emma DiMondi
Throughout her life, Emma DiMondi has been passionate about engaging with vulnerable communities. As a teenager, she volunteered with organizations and churches to serve others. Growing up with a parent who had a disability allowed her to witness firsthand the challenges and successes of living with one. As a future counselor, she aims to use her competencies to address the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding disabilities.
DiMondi began her undergraduate education at Liberty University, earning a bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in counseling. Under Anita Knight Kuhnley, PhD, she worked on a research team studying attachment styles, family systems and empathy, presenting their findings at a conference in Atlanta, Georgia. DiMondi also collaborated on publishing ”The Mister Rogers Effect,” a book which explores Fred Rogers’ approach to fostering secure attachments. This research deepened her passion for helping those with trauma, complex post-traumatic stress disorder and attachment wounds be able to move toward a more secure sense of self.
Beyond academics, DiMondi has pursued opportunities to build community. Since moving to Pittsburgh, she has volunteered with QMNTY Center, Lesbifriends and the Audubon Society, led a local queer book club and helped renovate a community garden in Regent Square. In her free time, she enjoys bird-watching, traveling and connecting with the world around her. She is excited to continue that passion through graduate studies at Pitt.
Chloe Noah
Chloe Noah, a first-generation college student, graduated from Penn State in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a strong passion for helping others through counseling and mental health advocacy. During her time there, she served as a teaching assistant for a Communication Arts and Sciences teaching assistant, she presented a lecture she developed on evidence-based techniques to reduce speaking-related anxiety and build confidence in communication.
Noah also completed a practicum at Penn State’s Child Study Center. In this role, she supported autistic and hyperactive children in developing peer relationships and communication skills using research-based teaching methods developed by Karen Bierman, PhD.
Beyond her academic experiences, Noah has always had a passion for helping others through volunteer work. She has volunteered with the Oakmont American Legion, which has strengthened her commitment to serving others and inspired her to pursue a career in counseling where she can provide compassionate support to underserved populations, including the elderly, individuals experiencing homelessness and veterans.
She is also an artist who enjoys painting and creating sculptures. She is currently working on a mural at the Oakmont American Legion to represent the importance of veterans and the many sacrifices they have made.
Keerthana Ramachandran
Keerthana Ramachandran is a Pitt alumna who graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology (BS ‘24) and is recognized for her academic excellence and leadership on campus.
Previously, Ramachandran worked as a registered behavior technician at Attain ABA (applied behavior analysis) therapy, where she implemented evidence-based interventions to support children with autism and their families. She also gained experience as a language instructor, tutor and undergraduate teaching assistant, enhancing student learning and developing tailored instructional content.
Beyond academics, Ramachandran is an accomplished traditional Kerala mural artist, using her art to support charitable causes. She has held multiple leadership roles at Pitt, including president of the Psychology Club and International Student Association, actively fostering diversity, equity and inclusion on campus.
Proficient in multiple languages and certified in research ethics and tutoring, Ramachandran brings a blend of cultural sensitivity, educational expertise and hands-on clinical experience to the field of mental health.
Grace Dakwar and Lily Bistline
Grace Dakwar and Lily Bistline have received this award for the second year. They were recipients of this scholarship in 2024. Read more about them here.