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My career at Antioch was bookended by Dr. Z, in my initial interview and then in my final internship supervision, and I could not have asked for a better teacher, leader, person, and ambassador to the program and the field at large. He was a master at counseling (duh) as well as pedagogy. He made every student feel welcome and instilled confidence that we could (believe it or not) be effective in the field. I never wanted to miss his classes/lectures as he always exuded wisdom and humor. I have taken to heart so many lessons and philosophies from him that I know will live on for the rest of my career in counseling. I can only imagine what his loved ones have been going through and I offer my sincerest condolences, and please know that Dr. Z's impact on this planet will live on for generations to come.

I'd like to add that Dr. Z modeled the teaching and clinical work that I was craving, which was to SHOW, rather than tell. He demonstrated how you could "feel felt", how you could build rapport and understand safety.

He also modelled for us humility, advocacy, and humor. He's a part of so many of us now, which I think is exactly what he was striving for :)

May his memory be a blessing 💚

Dr. Z, Thank you so much for being my first professor in graduate school, for believing in me, for teaching from personal experience. I have thought of you often in the time since we had class together and you will always have an impact on me, on the counselor I am becoming, on the human I am. Your passing still does not feel real and I cried when I heard, because I know the world is suffering a huge loss without your presence. I am not sure I would have been able to make it in this program if I had not had you for class on that first, nerve-wracking, fateful day. You were and continue to be a bright light whose warm energy is felt by all those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with you. I will honor your memory by being the very best counselor I can…

Dr. Z- my heart is heavy. I have been sitting with the news of your passing for a little while now. If I could tell you one thing, it's that I am so grateful to have known you. As a therapist now, I still think about things I learned from you about being with clients. Thank you for your humor and empathy. Thank you for your solidarity and advocacy. Thank you for the wealth of knowledge you shared. Steady, easeful, heartfelt. That's how I think of you. You will be so missed, but the impact you've had on this community is everlasting. <3

I've started this post a few times now, wondering how I could possibly pay tribute to you when what I'd really like to do is call. I meant to text a few weeks back to check in...It's curious, the effect you had, and continue to have on me. After the first class, I knew you were trustworthy because you shared so much of yourself, struggles included. After more classes than I can now remember, I felt supported in finding the courage to do the same.

When it all felt like too much, and I wanted to quit, you took the time to chat and remind me that we truly contain multitudes, and that UPR was meant to be extended to our own selves as well.

I was really looking forward to years of checking back in.

Your kindness, humor, expertise, and advocacy were an inspiration, and my love and care…

Throughout my time at Antioch, Dr. Z felt like that rare, perhaps only, person who truly saw me. His ability to notice and gently call forward parts of me, always with sweetness and humor, was unmatched. At the same time, he empowered me with an honesty that never felt harsh, only supportive. I came to see him as both a mentor and a friend.

Before meeting him, my experiences in graduate school had been pretty discouraging. He single handedly transformed that and helped me feel excited and inspired to keep going and enter the  field, with a desire to be a counselor like him. 

Thank you, Ernie, you were one of a kind.

https://youtu.be/PqJ248LPwZs?si=BYN08Q-xCjToP7gB

"I had Dr. Z for many of my classes during grad school. He made me feel welcomed, understood and safe. Especially when I was dealing with grief my senior year. I truly appreciated his guidance and support throughout my time at Antioch. He will be deeply missed." TBaker

Dr. Zullo interviewed me for the program, as well as taught my foundational skills class. I found his presence comforting, his humor refreshing, and his unwavering steadiness rare. I felt better knowing people like Dr. Z were in this world. I will be a better counselor thanks to his example. May he rest in peace and may comfort surround all who are grieving this tremendous loss.