Deanna C. C. Peluso, PhD

Continuing Faculty

Hi, I’m Deanna. I am a Principal Faculty Member (Full Time) and Graduate Supervisor in the Master of Education in School Counselling and Master of Counselling programs at City University in Canada, as well as co-editor of School Counselling in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide.

With over two decades as an educator and researcher, and a PhD in Education, I draw on a background in psychology and education to support reflective, inclusive, and student-centered approaches to teaching and learning. I am particularly interested in multimodal approaches to learning and curriculum design that connect scholarly research, lived experience, reflective practice, creativity, and practical application.

Over the past decade at CityU, I have had the privilege of supporting students both in their coursework and through many insightful and transformative capstone projects. One of my favourite parts of teaching and supervision is working collaboratively alongside students as they explore ideas, delve deeply into the literature, and shape meaningful projects they feel proud of. I enjoy supporting a wide range of topics and approaches, and I value creating learning environments where students feel encouraged to think critically, creatively, and authentically.

I believe education is part of a continuum of lifelong learning rooted in access, opportunity, reflection, and transformation. My teaching philosophy is grounded in reflective practice, and I encourage students to engage with research and counselling through multiple lenses and perspectives. My goal is to foster supportive, research-informed learning environments that help students grow as thoughtful school counsellors, educators, researchers, and leaders.

Outside of my academic and professional work, I am passionate about spending time in nature, engaging with the arts and music, and being with my family. These experiences continue to shape and inspire my commitment to holistic and balanced approaches to education, wellbeing, and lifelong learning.

Courses
  • ECC 501 Intro to Research Skills
  • ECC 512 Research Methods
  • EGC 640 Project in School Counselling and Presentation
  • CPC 680 Capstone Research Project
Education
  • Doctorate of Philosophy (Arts Education), Simon Fraser University, 2015
  • Master of Education (Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies), University of Victoria, 2008
  • Bachelor of Arts (Psychology & Music Major), Simon Fraser University, 2006
Publications

BOOK CHAPTERS

· Peluso, D. C. C., Berynets, K., Porter, L., & Stella, M. (2025). Introduction. In K. Berynets, L. Porter, D. C. C. Peluso, & M. Stella (Eds.), School Counselling in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide. Canadian Scholars Press.

· Peluso, D. C. C., Higenbottam, W., & Stella, M. (2025). Career Counselling in Canadian Contexts: Navigating the Pathways to Graduation. In K. Berynets, L. Porter, D. C. C. Peluso, & M. Stella (Eds.), School Counselling in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide. Canadian Scholars Press.

· Peluso, D. C. C., Berynets, K., Porter, L., & Stella, M. (2025). Embracing Complexity and Charting New Paths in Canadian School Counselling. In K. Berynets, L. Porter, D. C. C. Peluso, & M. Stella (Eds.), School Counselling in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide. Canadian Scholars Press.

· Peluso, D. C. C. (2020). Musician development in an era of global networking, transfer, and multimodal meaning making (Chapter 16). In Waldron, J., Horsley, S. & Veblen, K., Eds., Oxford Handbook of Social Media and Music Learning. New York: Oxford University Press.

· Peluso, D. C. C. (2014). Musical learning within a multimodal and participatory digital age: Issues for educational practice. In S. O’Neill (series ed.) Music and Media Infused Lives: Music Education in a Digital Age, Vol. 6. CMEA Biennial Book Series: Research to Practice. Waterloo, Ontario: Canadian Music Educators’ Association.

· O’Neill, S. A. & Peluso. D. C. C. (2013). Exploring music, digital media and multimodal literacies through dialogue in higher music education. In P. Burnard (ed.) Creativities in Higher Music Education: International Perspectives and Practices (pp. 142-162). London, Routledge.

JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS

· Peluso, D. C. C. (2012). The fast-paced iPad revolution: Can educators stay up to date and relevant about these ubiquitous devices? British Journal of Educational Technology, 43(4), 125-127. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8535.2012.01310.x

· Peluso, D. (2012). Informal and participatory cultures in music education: Pitfalls and possibilities. SFU Educational Review, 5, Fall 2012.

· O’Neill, S., Peluso, D., & DeLong, I. (2011). Building a participatory culture for online dialogue. Canadian Music Educator, 52(4), 27-30