Services will be held this week for Ethan Schafer, PhD, (GRS ’01, ’04, psychology), an adjunct assistant professor of psychology who died unexpectedly Aug. 8 from a ruptured aortic aneurysm. He was 39.
Schafer, a licensed child psychologist, specialized in treating children and adolescents with anxiety disorders and depression and had experience working with parents to reduce their child’s defiant, angry and irritable behaviors.
At Case Western Reserve, he regularly taught, trained and supervised clinical students in evidence-based assessment practices for children and adolescents. Over the past nine years, Schafer and postdoctoral candidates conducted nearly 300 psychological evaluations for local families.
“He was a highly regarded and much-loved colleague, teacher, mentor and clinician,” said Lee Thompson, professor and chair of the Department of Psychological Sciences. “Our department and the mental health profession have suffered a great loss.”
In addition to his work at Case Western Reserve, he served as a consulting psychologist at The Lawrence School and University School and maintained a small private practice. He also consulted with summer camps and local schools, conducting training and educational workshops for parents, teachers, camp counselors and staff, day care staff and other child care professionals.
“Ethan was a colleague, teacher and friend and dear to so many of us. He had a long, warm history in our department,” said Norah Feeny, professor and director of clinical training in the Department of Psychology. “Ethan was a generous, energetic, funny, kind man. Those who know him will never forget him.”
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Billows Funeral Home in Akron (85 North Miller Road). The funeral service will be held Thursday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Akron (2726 West Market St.).
Schafer is survived by his wife, Kelly, and two young sons, Andy and Adam.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made toward a college fund set up for Schafer’s sons. To contribute to the fund, visit gofundme.com/bhsgnr6c.