About Us
Sechel Ventures Partners LLC owns and operates CounselingSchools.com, which publishes guides to education and state licensure in counseling careers, as well as interviews with professionals in the mental health community and other resources. The mission of Sechel is to provide authoritative, well-researched content that helps prospective students find degree programs, certification information, and first-hand accounts of the daily lives of healthcare workers—especially in growing careers.
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Experts Interviewed on CounselingSchools.com
Abby Wilson is a dedicated social worker specializing in supporting young professional women in Texas as they navigate challenges related to anxiety, relationships, attachment trauma, and the complexities of quarter-life transitions. With a trauma-informed, person-centered approach, her practice is deeply rooted in humanistic and existential philosophy, focusing on empowering clients to find meaning and resilience in their personal journeys.
Wilson holds a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Houston, where she developed a strong foundation in therapeutic techniques and mental health advocacy. Her commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for her clients led her to establish her own private therapy practice in September 2021. Since then, she has passionately worked to help individuals overcome their struggles and build fulfilling lives through personalized, compassionate care. Her approach emphasizes the importance of understanding each client’s unique experiences and fostering growth through self-awareness and empowerment.
Dr. Alexandra Stratyner is a licensed psychologist at her Manhattan-based practice, Stratyner & Associates, she provides individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, couples and family therapy, and comprehensive assessments for preadolescents, adolescents, young adults, and adults. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness skills training, and integrative approaches, including mindfulness-based relapse prevention. Her approach is rooted in cultural competence and a strength-based philosophy that seeks to empower her clients.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Stratyner serves on the voluntary faculty of the Mount Sinai Health System and is an adjunct faculty member at New York University. Her academic credentials include a PhD in counseling psychology and a master of arts in education in counseling psychology from Seton Hall University. Her work spans diverse settings, including international experience in Trinidad and Tobago, and she remains committed to advancing mental health care through integrative, evidence-based, and culturally responsive practices.
Dr. Allison Paolini is school counseling program director and assistant professor of school counseling at Arkansas State University. She received her MS in school counseling from Long Island University – Brentwood, and her PhD in counselor education from the University of South Florida. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and is a Certified School Counselor in New York, New Jersey, and Florida.
Prior to working in academia, Dr. Paolini worked as an elementary school counselor at a Title I school in Tampa, Florida. Her main areas of research interest include social emotional learning and its impact on reducing gun violence, the impact of social emotional learning on college and career readiness, social emotional learning and its impact on amplifying academic performance and student wellness, and best practices for mitigating bullying and substance abuse amongst students.
Dr. Amanda Rumsey is an associate professor of counselor education at Clemson University, where she has been training counselors for seven years. Her previous counseling experience includes ten years in residential programs and 14 years of K-12 school counseling experience.
Dr. Rumsey’s school counseling included working in rural, suburban, and urban schools. Her research centers around trauma, addressing the needs of underserved students, and training school counselors. She has several peer-reviewed publications, including articles in Professional School Counseling, Counselor Education and Supervision, and the Journal for Child and Adolescent Counseling. She also has contributed to eight book chapters in counseling texts. She has presented more than 50 times at national, regional, and state counseling conferences and has been a member of ACA for more than 20 years.
Dr. M. Ann Shillingford-Butler is an associate professor of counselor education at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where she also serves as coordinator of the counselor education PhD program. She received her master of education in guidance and counseling from Bowie State University, and her PhD in counselor education from UCF.
Prior to joining academia, Dr. Shillingford-Butler accrued several years of professional experience as a school counselor in Maryland and Florida. Her current interests focus on exploring ways of deconstructing the educational, social, and health disparities among marginalized communities. She also serves as coordinator for the UCF National Holmes Scholar program (NHS), a mentoring program that supports students from underrepresented groups in higher education. Her co-edited book, The Journey Unraveled: College and Career Readiness of African American Students, was published in 2015.
Anne Tomlanovich is the director of student life at Odyssey School where she brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for fostering a supportive learning environment. With a background in sociology from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in school counseling, she has dedicated herself to creating a sense of safety and community within educational settings. Her belief in the fundamental importance of love and belonging as the bedrock of learning is reflected in her approach to supporting students, staff, and families. Before her role at Odyssey School, she worked as a middle school counselor in Oregon for many years.
Tomlanovich’s expertise lies in centering student strengths and guiding them through challenges by helping them access their inner resources. She is adept at nurturing emotional regulation, peer relationships, and academic independence, recognizing that students thrive when they feel a sense of safety and belonging in their educational journey. As an advocate and ally for her students, their families, and colleagues, she is committed to promoting holistic well-being and personalized growth to her students and families.
Dr. Annette Vaccaro is an associate professor and the program coordinator for the graduate counseling degree with art therapy specialization program at Caldwell University.
Dr. Vaccaro has been in private practice for more than 30 years, having an office in Livingston, New Jersey. She is on faculty at Caldwell University, ACAP, and BGSP/ICPS, specializing in supervising psychoanalysts, counselors, art therapists, and social workers. She also develops grants to provide community-based programs to assist in treatment and healthcare provision to the most vulnerable populations in New Jersey, including the aged, children and families and medically compromised. She is a consultant and lecturer for colleges, universities, non-profit organizations, and schools and presents regularly at conferences around the state and nationally.
Dr. Vaccaro is a member of the American Art Therapy Association, the National Association of Social Workers, the Society of Modern Psychoanalysts, the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis, the American Counseling Association, and the New Jersey Counseling Association. She is a Certified Social Work Supervisor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a Credentialed Art Therapy Supervisor. She is a New Jersey State Certified Psychoanalyst, Licensed Professional Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In addition, she holds a professional counselor license in Pennsylvania.
Dr. Ashlei Petion is an assistant professor in the Nova Southeastern University Department of Counseling. She earned her PhD in counselor education and practice from Georgia State University and her MA in counselor education from the University of Central Florida, specializing in clinical mental health counseling. She is a board-certified licensed professional counselor and MFT.
Dr. Petion has many years of experience in the mental health profession, ranging from the National Suicide Hotline and crisis centers to community- and school-based mental healthcare. Primarily, her clinical expertise involves working with teens, young adults, and their families to promote healthy familial relationships that contribute to healthy, strong communities. Her research focuses on generational trauma and healing in Black communities, primarily within qualitative and mixed methodology frameworks.
Dr. Petion is a two-time NBCC Minority Fellow, a former CSI Intern, and an ACA graduate student representative to the Governing Council, and currently serves as the assistant editor of CSI’s Exemplar as well as AMCD’s vice president of women’s concerns.
Ashley D. Murphy (Ms./She/Hers), a committed and empathetic marriage & family therapist associate with AMFT, CSE, and CBD credentials, has provided expert care for over three years.
With a solid educational foundation in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University and enhanced by certifications from the Dr. Rachael Institute and Best Doula Training, Ms. Murphy operates her practice Murphy’s Law & Co. in Greater Los Angeles. Her sex and relationship therapy practice is BIPOC and LGBTQ+ friendly, specializing in body image, confidence, women’s issues, depression, and trauma. Ms. Murphy employs a wide array of therapeutic techniques such as emotionally-focused therapy, the Gottman method, and trauma-focused therapy. Ms. Murphy also holds space as a postpartum doula for birthing parents and birthing partners, navigating through life after childbirth and beyond.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Ashley Wright has been an educator for the past 16 years, and a certified school counselor and licensed professional counselor for the past six years. She is a counselor at Gordon-Reed Elementary School in Montgomery, Texas. Her experience as an elementary classroom teacher helped her to realize students were having endless challenges that dealt with home, school, and peers. She later decided to become a school counselor to fully serve and connect with students campus-wide and in her community. This move enabled her to reach more students with social-emotional support and strategies/tools to enhance their resilience and relationships.
Recently recognized as the 2022 American School Counselor of the Year Finalist and 2021 Texas School Counselor of the Year, Ashley continues as a national speaker and advocate of the profession to teach students and educators to accept diversity, increase self-esteem, build character and maintain resilience. It is her divine belief that, “Every human being has the unlimited potential to make positive change in one’s life.”
Dr. Barb Daubenspeck is a distinguished program director and professor of clinical mental health counseling at Bellevue University, where her expertise shapes future mental health professionals. In 2023, she was honored as the Nebraska Counselor of the Year by the Nebraska Counseling Association.
Before her tenure at Bellevue, she served as a dedicated mental health therapist at Capstone Behavioral Healthcare, and she currently sees therapy clients at Remedy Health. Dr. Daubenspeck holds a PhD in psychology from the University of Wyoming, demonstrating a profound commitment to understanding human behavior and mental processes. Her dedication to this understanding, her comprehensive education, and her extensive experience in the field make Dr. Daubenspeck a leader and innovator in mental health counseling, instilling confidence in her clients and the community.
Dr. Beverly Smith is the President and Interim CEO/ED of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA). She has professional counseling experience in various settings including private practice, public education, corrections, community counseling, and higher education.
Dr. Smith is the owner and principal therapist of BSmith Consulting Group, LLC, and a PhD mentor at Capella University. She is a proud two-time graduate of Tuskegee University (BS-Biology, MEd-Counseling & Higher Education) and has earned counseling degrees from Troy University (EdS) as well as Amridge University (PhD). Additionally, Dr. Smith has a certificate in Administration and Leadership from Kennesaw State University.
Brandelyn Hall is the dedicated director of Upward Bound at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. With a master’s degree in school counseling, Hall brings over a decade of experience and passion to her role. She leads a comprehensive pre-college program that holistically prepares high school students for college life’s academic, social, and emotional challenges.
Hall is most proud of her profound ability to positively impact students’ lives by providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed in higher education. Through her leadership, Upward Bound not only focuses on academic readiness but also addresses the personal development and well-being of each student, ensuring a well-rounded preparation for their future college endeavors.
Briana Severine began her career working in inpatient psychiatric facilities in southern California and continued to pursue her passion for psychosocial rehabilitation in Colorado through private practice. She also served as director of marketing and admissions at a trauma-integrated intensive outpatient program. She was ultimately drawn back to clinical work, which prompted her to found Sanare to bring psychosocial rehabilitation services to the Colorado community.
Severine earned her bachelor’s in psychology from California State University, Long Beach and her master’s in developmental psychopathology from the University of Reading, England.
Brianne Kirkpatrick Williams, MS
Brianne Kirkpatrick Williams, MS is a licensed and certified genetic counselor, writer, and consultant with expertise in consumer DNA testing and genetic identity. A personal experience discovering unknown genetic relatives led her to create Watershed DNA, an online resource and consultancy offering guidance and support to those seeking biological family or making unexpected discoveries due to DNA.
Williams has written and co-authored multiple journal publications and books and has spoken widely on biological family searches and surprise discoveries since 2015. She speaks frequently with the media as an ancestry and DTC expert for the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
Dr. Candice Hargons is an associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of Kentucky and a licensed clinical psychologist. Her academic work entails the study of sex, social justice, and leadership, while her clinical practice focuses on healing racial trauma and sex therapy.
As the director of the RISE^2 Research Team and the Center for Healing Racial Trauma, Dr. Hargons approaches all of her work with a love ethic, defined by bell hooks as “the right for everyone to live fully and well.”
Dr. Hargons’ most recent scholarly work, addressing how Black students at a predominantly white college in the southeast define racial trauma, was published in Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology in 2021. Her numerous honors and awards include the Outstanding Contribution to Scholarship on Race and Ethnicity Award (2018) from the Society of Counseling Psychology Section on Ethnic & Racial Diversity.
Chris Sautter is a community engagement, nonprofit and social impact professional with a long history with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado (BBBSC). Sautter began as a BBBSC community-based volunteer in 2000 and mentored three “Little Brothers” over a 17-year period. He took on a professional role with BBBSC as program manager of the Big Literacy Corps AmeriCorps Program in 2000 and then moved on to serve as manager of recruitment and community outreach from 2006 to 2010. He assumed a leadership position as vice president of programs in March of 2020.
A strong advocate for volunteer and community service, Sautter is on the board of civil rights and social action organization Community Shares of Colorado and is a member of the selection committee for the Merkle Scholarship Program for The Denver Foundation. He completed two terms of service with AmeriCorps (1999-2001): one in his home state of Nebraska and the other in Colorado where he has lived ever since.
Cristina Leal is a tenure track professor of child development at Mission College. She teaches courses in child and adolescent development, psychology, education and family studies from a cultural perspective. She has been teaching undergraduates to approach learning and teaching using a cultural lens for the past 14 years.
She is currently a PhD candidate in Developmental and Psychological Sciences at Stanford University as well as a counseling psychology graduate student, working towards licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with an emphasis on Latinx families. She earned her MA at Stanford University.
As an immigrant and former migrant student and English language learner, she is particularly interested in studying ethnic/racial identity and the protective effects of dual cultural socialization within family systems. She is currently conducting research on the effects of microaggressions and racism on the mental and physical health of emerging adults.
Dr. Damir S. Utrzan, LMFT serves as the chief compliance and strategic development officer at Horowitz Health, where he plays a key role in ensuring compliance with industry regulations and spearheading strategic initiatives geared toward treating co-occurring disorders. With a rich background that includes managing mental health and psychiatry services across six Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation sites, Dr. Utrzan has a proven track record in enhancing provider-patient outcomes and overhauling psychiatry service lines through meticulous market and best practices research. His experience extends to overseeing an intensive residential treatment facility under the Minnesota Department of Human Services, where he managed budgets, ensured financial adherence, and analyzed legislative impacts on service delivery.
Beyond his primary roles, Dr. Utrzan contributes to the Human Services Performance Management Council and serves as an unaffiliated research scientist on the Institutional Review Board at the University of Minnesota, ensuring research compliance with federal standards. He is licensed as a marriage and family therapist in both Minnesota and Wisconsin and recognized as a board-approved clinical supervisor in Minnesota, showcasing his extensive expertise and commitment to the field.
Dr. Damon Ashworth is a clinical psychologist with over eight years of experience based in Melbourne, Australia. He completed a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Monash University and a bachelor of behavioural sciences and a bachelor of psychological science with honours at La Trobe University. His doctoral research was a randomized clinical trial that significantly reduced insomnia and depression severity in participants using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for insomnia.
Dr. Ashworth practices mostly from a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy framework, but also utilizes Existential, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Humanistic, and Positive Psychology principles where clients will benefit from such approaches.
David Longmire came out and moved to New York City in his 20s, just after the Stonewall riots of 1969, which launched a new era of resistance and revolution within the LGBTQ+ community in the U.S. He was a longtime member of the Gay Activists Alliance and of Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats. He has been a member of Identity House since the 1970s.
Longmire holds an MA in special education from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree from Yale University’s school of music. He has been in private practice since 1996, treating members of the LGBTQ+ community, providing couple’s counseling, therapy for artists and creatives, life purpose coaching, and therapy for trauma healing and resolution.
David Teachout is a licensed mental health therapist with a rich and diverse career spanning nearly 20 years. His experience as a therapist, social worker, advocate, and subject matter expert has allowed him to work with a wide range of populations, from children in foster care to incarcerated adults and veterans. With a master’s in both mental health counseling and forensic psychology, Teachout provides mental health therapy and coaching through Life Weavings and Open Mind Health. He also shares his insights and knowledge through his blog, Humanity’s Values.
Dr. Dee Ray is the director of the Center for Play Therapy at the University of North Texas College of Education. She is also a Distinguished Teaching Professor and Elaine Millikan Mathes Professor in Early Childhood Education. While she primarily supervises doctoral research, she also teaches courses such as intro to play therapy, applying quantitative research concepts in play therapy, and research in counseling. She holds a master’s in education in human development counseling from Vanderbilt and completed her doctorate in counselor education at the University of North Texas.
Dr. Ray’s current research is focused on the quantitative analysis of play therapy, with a particular emphasis on the school setting. In addition to her duties at the University of North Texas, she is also an active member of the Association for Play Therapy. She is a National Board For Certified Counselors (NBCC) National Certified Counselor (NCC), Licenced Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S), and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S). She is also a prolific author with over 100 publications to her name.
Dr. Donna Autry has been an assistant professor in psychology at East Central University since 2019. She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) since 2000 and worked in the mental health field in various settings.
Dr. Autry is a certified school counselor who worked as an elementary school counselor. She earned a doctorate degree in educational psychology from Capella University in 2021 and a master’s and bachelor’s in psychology from East Central University.
Dr. Donna Oriowo is the owner of and lead therapist at AnnodRight, LLC, a woman-focused sex therapy and education practice operating out of Capitol Heights, Maryland. She provides sex therapy focused on how colorism and texturism show up in the relationships and sex lives of black women.
Dr. Oriowo began her formalized training in mental health by earning a BS in psychology at the nation’s premier HBCU, Morgan State University, in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2012, Dr. Oriowo earned a dual master’s in clinical social work and human sexuality education at Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, and went on to earn her PhD in human sexuality at Widener in 2016.
As an AASECT-certified sex therapist, Dr. Oriowo is committed to making AASECT a better place for people of color. Dr. Oriowo currently serves as the chair of the Communications Committee and chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for AASECT. In addition to her work in sex therapy, Dr. Oriowo is an author, educator, and keynote speaker, with speaking credits that include the National Sex Ed Conference.
Dr. Donna Sheperis is a professor and the chair of the Department of Counseling at Palo Alto University and the PAU eClinic director. She earned her PhD in counselor education from the University of Mississippi. She has taught for land-based and online programs since 2000.
Dr. Sheperis is a licensed professional counselor, national certified counselor, board certified telemental health provider, and approved clinical supervisor with more than 30 years of experience in clinical mental health settings.
Dr. Sheperis is the past president of the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling. She has served as Co-Chair of the ACA Ethics Committee. She currently serves on the ACA Ethics Appeals Committee. She has authored more than 25 articles in peer-reviewed journals, multiple book chapters, and textbooks. She published and is revising Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Fundamentals of Applied Practice for Pearson Publishing and Ethical Decision Making for 21st Century Counselors for Sage Publishing. She presents regularly on various topics and has received numerous awards for her teaching, scholarship, and research.
Dr. Edil Torres Rivera is a professor of counseling and coordinator of the Latinx cluster at Wichita State University. His primary research focuses on complexity and how Indigenous healing techniques are a necessary ingredient when working with ethnic minority populations in the United States.
Dr. Torres Rivera earned his master’s in counseling psychology with a concentration in mental health counseling from Boston University, and his PhD in educational psychology with a concentration in multicultural counseling from the University of Connecticut.
His work has appeared in the Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, Journal of Counseling and Development, Journal of Addictions and Offender Counseling, and many more. He currently serves on the editorial boards of the Interamerican Journal of Psychology and the Journal for Social Action in Counseling and Psychology. Dr. Torres Rivera is also president-elect of the American Counseling Association (ACA).
Dr. Emily Messina is an associate professor and program director of the rehabilitation and recreational therapy program in the Department of Counseling, Recreation, and School Psychology at Florida International University.
Dr. Messina received her BS and MS in recreation studies, with an emphasis on therapeutic recreation, from the University of Florida. She has been a certified therapeutic recreation specialist since 2004. She completed her doctoral degree in public health (with an emphasis in social behavioral health science) at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Messina’s research focuses on the benefits of recreation and leisure for marginalized populations, particularly those within the criminal justice system, behavioral health settings, and those experiencing housing insecurity.
Dr. Eric Sparks is Deputy Executive Director for the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). He earned his master’s of education (MEd) in school counseling from North Carolina State University, and his doctorate of education (EdD) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dr. Sparks previously served as a high school counselor and as Director of School Counseling for the Wake County Public School System in North Carolina.
Dr. Farrah Greene-Palmer is the graduate program director and associate professor for the counseling psychology program at Alaska Pacific University. She brings a wealth of clinical and academic experience to the counseling psychology program. She has served as an instructor at diverse higher education institutions, including the University of Virginia, Piedmont Virginia Community College, Western Washington University, and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She was an assistant professor in the Behavioral Sciences Department at the Medical University of the Americas. Most recently, she has worked in public health for the state of Alaska. She is a specialist in suicide prevention and has done extensive scholarship and educational outreach in this area.
Dr. Greene-Palmer earned a BA from Johns Hopkins and a master’s and PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship with the suicide behavior lab at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
Fredrick Dombrowski, PhD, LMHC
Dr. Frederick Dombrowski is the president of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA). He earned his master’s in mental health counseling from Medaille College and his PhD in counselor education and supervision from Capella University. Dr. Dombrowski is also an associate professor at the University of Bridgeport.
Dr. Dombrowski specializes in transgender clinical mental health counseling and has directed several clinics for LGBTQIA+ populations. He also served as an educator for various clinical mental health counseling programs and substance use programs. Dr. Dombrowski won the Connecticut Counseling Association’s Human Services Award in 2020.
Dr. Gabriel Lomas received his BA from the University of Texas at San Antonio, majoring in history with a minor in special education. He earned his MA from Gallaudet University in the combined school and clinical counseling program. Then, he earned his PhD from Sam Houston State University, focusing on counseling and school psychology.
Before taking the position of director of the counseling program at Gallaudet University, Dr. Lomas was a full professor of counseling at Western Connecticut State University. He also works in private practice, primarily in a consulting capacity. One of his specialties is working with deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the criminal justice system. He is a certified online teaching instructor.
Dr. Genelle Sawyer is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at The Citadel. She is also the director of The Citadel’s master of arts in clinical counseling program. She joined the faculty of The Citadel in 2009 after completing a post-doctoral research fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina. Her research and teaching interests include child maltreatment, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the development and dissemination of evidence-based treatments.
Dr. Sawyer teaches courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels within the Department of Psychology and is a licensed clinical psychologist. She has a bachelor of arts from the University of Rochester (magna cum laude), an MA in psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a PhD in clinical psychology, also from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Grace Huntley is a transracial, transnational adoptee, therapist, and private practice owner. She provides telehealth counseling services in NY, CA, WA, and FL to BIPOC individuals in their twenties and thirties who identify as overachievers, people-pleasers, conflict avoiders, and anxious attachers.
Huntley has a professional background in higher education, communications, and nonprofits. She enjoys checking out up-and-coming restaurants, reading or re-reading YA novels, or binge-watching shows in her free time.
Dr. Ivy Chong, chief clinical officer of Little Leaves Behavioral Services, is a licensed psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst-doctoral (BCBA-D) specializing in assessing and treating individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities. With almost 30 years of experience working with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, she previously served as senior vice president of children’s services at May Institute, overseeing the operations of home, school, and center-based services.
Previously, Dr. Chong was the director of autism services and training at the Scott Center for Autism Treatment. She also held the associate professor position at the Florida Institute of Technology’s College of Psychology and Liberal Arts.
Dr. Chong maintains leadership roles on several advisory boards, holds adjunct appointments at Brock University and UMass Lowell, and has presented at numerous conferences nationally and internationally. She has also served as a guest reviewer for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Interventions, the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, and Behavior Analysis in Practice.
She received a doctorate from Western Michigan University in behavior analysis and a post-doctoral MBA in healthcare management from Florida Institute of Technology.
Dr. J. Scott Young is a professor and Dean’s Fellow of Innovation in the Department of Counseling and Educational Development at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Dr. Young’s education includes a PhD in counseling and counselor education from UNC Greensboro along with a master’s in education in counseling from UNC Greensboro. He also has a BS in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His research and publications topics include clinical mental health counseling, spirituality and religion in counseling, clinical supervision, and group counseling.
Jacquelyn C.A. Meshelemiah, PhD
Dr. Jacquelyn C.A. Meshelemiah is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW), as well as an associate professor and three-time alum of The Ohio State University. She earned her BSSW, MSW, and PhD from the College of Social Work. She has been an assistant professor and an associate professor in social work, teaching courses at the BSSW, MSW, and PhD levels She also serves as the Associate Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at the university.
In 2013, she taught an interactive Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Human Trafficking for a global audience of 30,200 students from 187 nations. She is also the former Chair of the Board of Rahab’s Hideaway, a safe-haven for at-risk and/or survivors of human trafficking.
Dr. James McGinn is an assistant professor and program coordinator at Eastern Kentucky University. He earned a master of arts degree in school counseling from Fairfield University in 2011 and a PhD degree in counselor education and supervision from the University of Holy Cross in 2020.
He has worked as both a clinical and a school counselor. His areas of clinical expertise include anxiety and depression, loss and grief, crisis and trauma, family conflict, separation and divorce, academic concerns and school counseling, and LGBTQ+-affirmative counseling and related issues. His areas of research interest include school counseling practice, clinical competencies and practices for best working with the LGBTQ+ population, and both academic and professional mentoring relationships.
Dr. Jennifer Holtz received her PhD in adult, occupational, and continuing education from Kansas State University. She also has a master of arts in gerontology with a clinical emphasis from Wichita State University.
Since 2016, Dr Holtz has been the director of the University of Arkansas-Little Rock’s School of Counseling, Human Performance, & Rehabilitation. She is an award-winning professor who received the Graduation and Retention Advocate Award from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the Women of Spirit and Action Award from DePaul University, She has published numerous refereed articles over her career along with refereed books and book chapters, and refereed scholarly presentations and technical reports.
Dr. Jenny D’Olympia is an experienced clinician in the field of psychology, specializing in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders. She is an assistant professor and associate chair in the Counseling and Behavioral Health Department and the director of the Military Veteran Psychology and Train Vets to Treat Vets Programs at William James College. She is also an Air Force veteran with nine years of service and three tours of duty.
With a background in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions, she is dedicated to helping individuals navigate through their mental health challenges. She has contributed to the field through her work as a faculty member at William James College, where she shares her expertise with future mental health professionals. He is committed to evidence-based practices and passionate about promoting mental wellness.
Dr. Jodi H. Manton is an associate professor of professional practice at Louisiana State University, working with students in both the clinical mental health counseling and school counseling tracks. Additionally, Dr. Manton is a licensed professional counselor supervisor, a former certified school counselor in Louisiana, and a nationally certified counselor. She has practiced in a variety of settings, including inpatient, community, and university facilities. She has also served as a school counselor for six years, providing academic and social-emotional support for students in grades 9 through 12.
Currently, she owns and operates a private practice where she uses a transtheoretical approach grounded in a humanistic-existential orientation to assist adolescents and adults with a variety of presenting concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression and mood disorders, relational challenges, identity exploration, and phase of life difficulties.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Manton supervises provisionally licensed counselors. Dr. Manton’s professional interests include school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, counseling adolescents and emerging adults, counseling service members and veterans and their families, family counseling, wellness-based approaches to counseling, trauma-focused counseling, identity development, counseling across the lifespan, multicultural counseling, social justice and advocacy, research and professional publication, and counselor education and supervision.
Dr. Joe Campbell is a licensed professional counselor, a national board certified counselor, and a national board certified telemental health provider. He is currently the counseling education coordinator at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He attended Concordia University in Illinois, where he received his master of arts degree in school counseling along with a bachelor of arts degree in communications from Marquette University in Wisconsin.
In his role as education coordinator for the counseling department, Dr. Campbell trains and orients new faculty and adjuncts to department procedures and processes and helps develop course content to meet the needs of accreditation and state board requirements. He spends a lot of time guiding students through the national credential and licensure application process, helps students develop interview skills, and mentors and advises students on managing anxiety and stress during their clinical training experience.
Previously at Henderson State University, Dr. Campbell was the department chair and associate director of the online teaching academy and the health, education, and social sustainability program coordinator. Dr. Campbell was also core faculty for counselor education and supervision at Capella University in Minnesota, in addition to his role as a doctoral mentor for counselor education and supervision. From 1919 to 2021, Dr. Campbell was Henderson State University’s practicum and internship coordinator. He also worked in various roles at Argosy University in Illinois, primarily as director of training for master’s and doctoral students and as an assistant professor.
Joel Miller is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), where he leads over 7,200 clinical mental health counselors (CMHCs) on the mission to enhance the mental health counseling profession through advocacy, professional development, education and licensing. He is the publisher of AMHCA’s Journal of Mental Health Counseling (JMHC) and its Advocate newsletter, and also serves as a member of the AMHCA Foundation Board of Directors.
Miller has held previous positions at the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). He has published over 50 articles and reports on behavioral health and healthcare delivery and financing, new delivery models aimed at integrating mental health and physical health, healthcare reform strategies, Medicare and Medicaid policy, health workforce issues, and information technology implementation.
Dr. John Kiweewa is an associate professor of counselor education at Fairfield University. He joined the faculty after more than 12 years as a counselor educator. He is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in New York State. After a BA in philosophy from Makerere University in Uganda, he attended graduate studies at the University of Scranton, where he obtained master’s degrees in theology and community counseling. After briefly working with therapeutic foster care children and families, he went to Syracuse University, where he obtained a PhD in counselor education and supervision and a master’s degree in international relations from the Maxwell School of Citizenship.
Dr. Kiweewa’s multidisciplinary scholarship focuses on group work processes, mental health, and school counseling systems in international global contexts, and the interface of public and mental health. Similarly, he brings an interdisciplinary approach to counselor preparation and clinical practice that engenders culturally and trauma-responsive counseling practices to the developmental needs of diverse populations. His teaching interests include counseling theories and strategies, multicultural issues in counseling, crisis and trauma counseling, group processes and dynamics, clinical internship, group work, and advanced counseling skills.
Dr. Jonathan B. Singer is a clinical social worker, researcher, and associate professor of social work at Loyola University Chicago. He earned his bachelor’s from Earlham College, his master’s from the University of Texas at Austin, and his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Singer has dedicated his 25-year career to working with families in crisis. He has 75+ publications, including the co-authored book Suicide in Schools. He is the founder and host of the award-winning podcast series, “The Social Work Podcast.”
Dr. Singer’s research on suicide and cyberbullying has been featured in Time Magazine, NPR, and other national print and radio outlets. He is a frequent guest expert in local news about youth suicide and cyberbullying. He has three children and the most amazing wife ever.
Dr. Jordan McCoy is a recent doctoral graduate of the University of Cincinnati counselor education and supervision program. She was a graduate research assistant for the UC Evaluation Services Center. She also received her master’s degree in mental health counseling from UC and is a licensed professional counselor in Ohio.
Dr. McCoy’s previous clinical experience includes working in agencies, jail-based therapy, halfway houses, and private practice. She has conducted assessments and provided individual and group counseling. She has worked with clients surrounding addiction, prison-based issues, anger management, and others. Her research interest includes inmate and offender populations struggling with mental health, substance abuse, and suicide.
Dr. McCoy is currently working as a counselor with clients in diversion programs (drug, mental health, veterans’ court) diagnosed with mental health, substance use, and other co-occurring disorders while also doing community and jail-based assessments and mental health sessions. She completed her dissertation focusing on the perceptions of mental health treatment in incarcerated settings at a male facility within the Ohio region.
Dr. Josh Briley is a licensed psychologist. He earned his doctorate in 2003 from the University of North Texas and worked in direct patient care until 2019.
In addition to operating a private practice, Dr. Briley spent many years working with veterans through the US Bureau of Veteran Affairs and inmates through the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Dr. Briley is now the clinical education director for Electromedical Products International (EPI), a company that manufactures and distributes alpha-stim devices to treat anxiety, insomnia, depression, and pain. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Stress (AIS) and a member of the organization’s Daily Life and Workplace Stress Board.
Dr. Kari Dyer is an assistant professor in the school and professional counseling program and the school counseling advisor for the school and professional counseling program in the Donna Nigh Department of Advanced Professional and Special Services at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Dr. Dyer has more than 20 years of experience in education, spanning from PK-3 to higher education. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Central Oklahoma and her doctorate in education (EdD) in school administration from Oklahoma State University. Her dissertation was entitled “My Name is on the Door: The Transition from the Classroom to the Office.” She is involved in her profession and her community as a foster parent and foster parent mentor.
Dr. Karrie Swan is a licensed mental health counselor (WA), licensed professional counselor (MO), a child-centered play therapy trainer/supervisor, a child-parent relationship therapy trainer/supervisor, and a certified K-12 school counselor.
Dr. Swan specializes in expressive modalities, including play therapy, expressive arts, transpersonal counseling, and dream work; approaches that are congruent with an Indigenous worldview as she is an enrolled tribal member. She is an experienced rural-based counselor with specific experiences in working with Native American children, teens, adults, and families on a western state reservation.
Dr. Swan received her BS in politics, philosophy, and economics from Eastern Oregon University. She earned her MEd in counseling with a school counseling emphasis from the University of North Texas. She then went on to earn a PhD in counseling with an emphasis in clinical mental health counseling and play therapy from the University of North Texas. She has been the counseling program director at Missouri State University since spring 2022. Her published work ranges from play therapy for children on the autism spectrum to dream work with children, and child-centered play therapy.
Katie Mahan is a licensed professional counselor based in Virginia and licensed in Vermont and other states. She specializes in individual online therapy with young-ish adults who aren’t feeling it (or who are feeling all of it).
Mahan holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and gender studies from the University of Virginia and a master of arts and master of education in psychological counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Kelle Sparta is a transformational shaman who trains spiritual coaches to create high-ticket businesses that support their lives and change the world. She has spent 26 years coaching spirit-based entrepreneurs and marketing her own coaching programs.
Sparta is the host of the Spirit Sherpa Podcast, which has over 300,000 downloads in 147 countries worldwide, and the author of The Over-Achiever’s Guide To Nailing Your Spiritual Growth In Record Time.
Dr. Kelley McNichols is the assistant program director for the master of arts in counseling programs at Waynesburg University, an assistant professor of counseling, and the grant advisor. She serves as assistant director of the graduate counseling programs and as core faculty in the program following an extensive work history in the field of community behavioral health, which includes working with individuals across the lifespan in various settings and levels of care. Much of her work has focused on addictions and justice-involved individuals advocating for fair and just treatment of marginalized populations.
Dr. McNichols is passionate about addiction counseling and emphasizing trauma-informed care. She is committed to advancing counselor education and supervision. Her research interests include advocacy for justice-involved individuals focusing on addiction, co-occurring conditions, and trauma-informed care initiatives. She received her BA from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her MSEd and PhD degrees from Duquesne University.
Kelly Driscoll is a fierce advocate for mental health after spending nearly 30 years as a teacher, guidance counselor, and administrator. She supports educators’ mental health and wellness through professional development, coaching, and consulting to empower individuals and school communities to embrace a culture of balance and wellness that allows education to be sustainable. Due to her years in this industry, she is an expert on educator mental health and wellness, school culture, and the connection between educator wellness and student outcomes/student experience.
Kevin Moragne is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with a robust academic and professional background. He earned his bachelor of arts in psychology and African American studies from Guilford College. Driven by a passion for mental health and community service, Moragne furthered his education with an MS in clinical mental health counseling from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
With extensive experience in various clinical settings, Moragne currently serves as an LCMHC at Agape Psychological Consortium, supervising interns. He also provides counseling services through Headway and runs his private practice, New Sun Counseling. His diverse roles highlight his dedication to supporting clients’ mental well-being and fostering growth within counseling.
Dr. Kirk Honda, a marriage and family therapist based in Seattle, has 25 years of experience working with couples, families and individuals on issues like personality disorders, trauma recovery, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, domestic violence, among other issues. He is also the host of the “Psychology in Seattle” podcast and a professor within the School of Applied Psychology at Antioch University.
Burnout is something that Dr. Honda helps his supervisees and students tackle on a regular basis, but with the limitations of social distancing, certain remedies Dr. Honda would recommend for de-stressing are no longer on the table.
Dr. Kirsten LaMantia is an associate professor, counseling clinic director, and mental health counseling program coordinator for Southeast Missouri State University. She is also the chapter faculty advisor for Chi Sigma Iota.
Dr. LaMantia has published extensively, including research on white privilege, campus diversity, and ally development through feminist pedagogy focusing on intersectionality. Courses she teaches include group counseling, social and cultural counseling, counseling skills, counseling practicum, counseling orientation and ethics, counseling theories, developmental theories, and internship-mental health.
She earned her PhD degree in counselor education and counseling from Idaho State University, an MA in community counseling from Saint Xavier University, and a BFA in acting from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.
Dr. Krista Chronister is a professor and researcher at the University of Oregon in the College of Education. She earned her doctorate at the University of Oregon in counseling psychology and is a state of Oregon licensed psychologist. Her research primarily centers on how partner violence in both adults and adolescents influences future career development and the economic impacts that it carries.
Since 2005, Dr. Chronister has published seven papers about her research in domestic violence. In 2013, she published research on a new method of intervention called ACCESS, which is a community-centric approach. ACCESS is now utilized nationally, both in English and Spanish.
Dr. Kristin L. Kellen is an associate professor of biblical counseling at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Her courses focus on various aspects of biblical or Christian counseling, such as counseling for women, cross-cultural counseling, and counseling for parents and children.
Before joining the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Kellen taught at Liberty University and served as a subject matter expert at Liberty and Grand Canyon University. She is the author of several books on the subject, including The Gospel for Disordered Lives and Counseling Women: Biblical Wisdom for Life’s Battles. Her PhD dissertation focused on medication referrals by practitioners of Christian counseling.
Kristyn Roth is the chief marketing officer at the Autism Society of America, the largest grassroots autism organization in the United States. The Autism Society of America annually serves more than 600,000 individuals and families affected by autism. She joined the Autism Society staff after serving on the national Board of Directors for two years as the organization’s youngest board member, where she also chaired the Marketing Committee.
Roth also co-founded Make Waves Family Foundation, a nonprofit that supports adults with autism by funding initiatives focused on neuro-diverse employment, replicable housing models, and social engagement programs to allow autistic individuals to achieve a happy, quality lifestyle.
Roth is a Boston College Eagle and alumnus of the Carrol School of Management. Born and raised on the South Shore of Massachusetts, she made her way to California for year-round beach days, where she lives with her husband, Alex, and her golden retriever, Mahi.
Dr. Larry Wright is a leading expert in suicide prevention who has dedicated his career to helping others lead full and healthy lives. He is the center director for Forefront Suicide Prevention at the University of Washington School of Social Work.
Previously, as the CEO of MENTOR/the National Mentoring Partnership, Dr. Wright worked with states to close America’s mentoring gap while also serving on various boards, including those for Washington State University’s College Success Foundation. He earned his PhD in journalism and mass communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, his master’s of arts in mass communication, and his bachelor’s of arts in English from Washington State University.
Lauren Chatalian is CancerCare’s Women and Children’s Program Manager. As an oncology social worker at CancerCare, Chatalian provides supportive services to individuals and families impacted by a cancer diagnosis, and coordinates programmatic activities and outreach related to the Women’s Cancers Program and CancerCare for Kids.
Chatalian also participates in local and national presentations, workshops, and advocacy boards. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers (APOSW).
Dr. Leslie Bennett is a graduate of Russell Sage College and earned her doctorate in occupational therapy from Creighton University. Her doctoral research, “A Question of Ethics: Productivity standards and their impact on patient quality of care outcomes” is linked to her work in completing her master’s certificate in health care ethics at Creighton University. She has an interest in ethics, community health, and wellness. Her primary teaching has been in neuroscience, community occupational therapy practice, and adult occupations.
Dr. Bennett is the chair of the American Occupational Therapy Association Ethics Commission and is an associate professor and the academic fieldwork coordinator for the occupational therapy program in the School of Health Sciences at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York.
Dr. Lindsey Nichols is an associate professor of counseling and the master’s program coordinator for the University of Wyoming’s Laramie campus.
Dr. Nichols received her PhD in counselor education and supervision from the Pennsylvania State University, her MEd in school counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an MA in secondary education from the University of Connecticut, and a BS in history from the University of Connecticut. She researches various topics related to cultural approaches to wellness, primarily focused on rural school mental health, including school counseling and educator engagement. She is committed to community-based participatory research, particularly in collaborating with American Indian nations and reservation communities.
Dr. Lori Erby is the director of the Johns Hopkins/National Institutes of Health genetic counseling training program. She also maintains a position at the National Human Genome Research Institute while fostering collaborative relationships with colleagues at Johns Hopkins and contributing to the training program’s educational initiatives. Her research revolves around communication dynamics in the genetics/genomics field, aiming to identify optimal communication strategies tailored to different individuals’ needs, timing, and delivery methods, specifically emphasizing how communication variations in genetic counseling influence client outcomes.
Dr. Erby’s work also delves into customizing communication approaches for populations with limited literacy levels. It includes significant contributions to a comprehensive study on routine genetic counseling communication alongside Debra Roter. She holds a master’s of science and a PhD, both from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Dr. Madiha Jamil is an assistant professor and director of the school counseling program at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. She is currently leading the development of an innovative online graduate program in school counseling designed to address the nationwide educator shortage. This program aims to equip future school counselors with the skills to support Hawaii’s diverse student population.
With a career spanning over 13 years, Dr. Jamil brings extensive experience to her role. Her professional journey includes serving as a school counseling specialist in Loudoun County Public Schools, Virginia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in education with a focus on school counseling from George Mason University, complemented by a doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision from Hampton University.
Prior to joining the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Dr. Jamil held faculty positions at Arkansas State University and Texas A&M International University, contributing to her broad academic perspective. As an innovative researcher, Dr. Jamil is exploring the potential of mindfulness techniques to alleviate stress among educators and school counselors. Her work also examines how exposure to these practices might encourage educators to implement mindfulness techniques with their students, promoting overall wellness.
Madison Hollar is a doctoral candidate in the counselor education and supervision program at the University of Cincinnati and is the director at Court Clinic Treatment, a non-profit treatment agency in Cincinnati, Ohio. Hollar received both her bachelor of science in substance abuse counseling and master of arts in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Cincinnati. She is a licensed professional clinical counselor supervisor and serves justice-involved individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
Hollar’s research focuses on clinical work with justice-involved individuals and supporting individuals post-incarceration through interdisciplinary collaboration. She has spent the last six years working with justice-involved people in a clinical setting and is very passionate about advocacy and leadership within the field.
Maria Rheba Estante is a highly experienced licensed marriage and family therapist at Open Mind Health, practicing in California, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Virginia. She is also a registered out-of-state telehealth provider for residents of Hawaii and other states. With a comprehensive background in community mental health, mobile crisis intervention, and substance abuse counseling, Estante has extensive experience working in various clinical settings, including county outpatient clinics, veterans service organizations, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs at methadone clinics.
Estante holds a master’s degree in psychology from Golden Gate University and is certified in multiple therapeutic disciplines. She is a certified level one solutions-focused therapist, a certified level 2 clinical trauma professional (CCTP), a certified grief informed professional (CGP), a certified clinical anxiety treatment professional (CCATP), and a certified CBT clinician (CBT-C).
Additionally, she has specialized training in exposure and response prevention (ERP) for OCD and habit reversal training for repetitive body-focused behaviors, such as trichotillomania and excoriation. She offers telehealth services to residents across the states she is licensed and registered in, providing accessible mental health care to many clients.
Dr. Marianne Miller is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) specializing in treating eating disorders. With more than 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals struggling with eating disorders reclaim their lives and develop healthy relationships with food.
Based in San Diego, Dr. Miller offers in-person and online therapy sessions, supporting adults and teens in Scripps Ranch, Mira Mesa, and Miramar. She is renowned for her compassionate approach and commitment to providing personalized, evidence-based treatments.
Dr. Miller’s expertise extends beyond traditional therapy settings. She is an active educator on binge eating, regularly offering her insights and knowledge to wider audiences. This passion for education led her to launch virtual binge eating recovery programs, where she discusses various aspects of eating disorders and shares coping strategies for recovering. Her work continues to impact countless lives, guiding individuals toward recovery and fostering a healthier relationship with food.
Dr. Mary Andres is a professor of clinical education at the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Her areas of specialization have been in the treatment of substance abuse; working with couples and groups; sexuality and the treatment of sexual dysfunction; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered concerns; and clinical supervision. Her research interests include experiential modes of learning and best practices in training and the development of therapists.
Dr. Andres volunteers as an external supervisor for doctoral candidates at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. She received her master’s in rehabilitation counseling and her doctorate in clinical psychology from Wright State University. She was a staff member at USC Counseling Services for 10 years, during which she was an adjunct faculty member in the USC School of Social Work from 1999 until 2005. She has been teaching for the counseling psychology program since 2000 before joining the faculty full-time in fall 2005.
Dr. Andres has also been a psychologist for Semester at Sea and the American Pavilion Student Internship Program at the Cannes Film Festival. She has been on the USC Lambda Alumni Board and is a past co-president. She is a current member of the Steering Committee for the Los Angeles County MFT Consortium, an organization dedicated to the training of MFT practitioners to serve competently in the LA County Public Mental Health System.
In partnership with faculty work, Dr. Andres has a private practice in Venice, California, specializing in couples work and working with adults on various identity and sexuality concerns.
Melissa Tract specializes in child and young adult behavioral and mental health. With over eight years of experience, she has established herself as a compassionate and knowledgeable licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
Tract holds a BA in psychology with a minor in child and adolescent studies and a master’s degree in social work from New York University (NYU). Her commitment to professional growth is evident through her numerous trainings and certifications, which she actively pursues to stay updated in her field. Her therapy practice, Mindful with Mel, focuses on helping children and young adults navigate the complexities of their emotional and psychological well-being. She employs various therapeutic techniques tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.
Dr. Michael Roberts is the program director of Regis College’s Occupational Therapy Master’s Degree Program and the host of the I Love OT Podcast. He graduated from the occupational therapy program at Tufts University in 1994. Since then, he’s worked in short-term rehab, long-term acute care hospitals, inpatient rehab, hospitals, and home care.
Over the years, he has also taught at the University of New England, Lasell College, and held the position of academic fieldwork coordinator at his alma mater from 2008 to 2015. He left that role to start the OT program at Regis College and has been the founding director ever since.
Dr. Roberts’ current research is focused on outcomes in fieldwork performance and the practice of academic fieldwork coordination. His past research was focused on the use of next-generation gaming consoles (Nintendo Wii) for health and wellness purposes.
Michelle Fritsch is the project coordinator at Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Centers. Currently, she assists families and staff to identify educational resources and information about supportive resources in pediatric hematology and oncology. She is actively involved in several quality-improvement initiatives and leads the Family Advisory Support Team for the Centers.
Fritsch is the President-Elect of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers (APOSW). She developed a guidebook of local, national, and online resources that are available to patients and families who are facing a cancer or blood disorder diagnosis.
Dr. Mitchell Eisen is a professor and director of the forensic psychology graduate program at Cal State LA. He also serves as the research liaison for the partnership between CSULA and the Juvenile Court and is a member of the Coordinating Council for the California Forensic Science Institute (CFSI).
Renowned for his expertise in eyewitness memory, Dr. Eisen frequently serves on the panel of experts for the Los Angeles County Superior Court. His teaching interests span psychology and the law, human memory, assessment, and psychopathology. His research delves into areas such as eyewitness memory, lineup decision-making, witness conformity, and juror decision-making.
Dr. Mylea Charvat is the CEO and founder of Savonix, a digital cognitive assessment company. She completed her PhD fellowship training in clinical psychology and neuroscience at Stanford University School of Medicine, a clinical internship at Napa State Hospital, a doctorate in clinical health psychology from Palo Alto University, and a BGS in psychology from the University of Kansas.
Dr. Charvat has authored peer-reviewed publications on mental health and neuroimaging; written for Psychology Today, TechCrunch, and The Huffington Post; and been a lecturer at Stanford University, the University of San Francisco, and San Francisco State University.
Dr. Nancy Fowler is the admissions counselor and an instructor in the Ivester College of Health Sciences within the School of Occupational Therapy at Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. She received her bachelor’s in social sciences and master’s education in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. She received her master of science in occupational therapy and doctorate in occupational therapy from Brenau University.
Dr. Fowler’s practice expertise is in promoting health, independent living, and fall prevention for older adults. Her research interests include maintaining independent living in older adults, fall prevention, and interprofessional education. Her published work includes Upstream Living: Occupation-Based Health Promotion for Community- Dwelling Older Adults, a special interest publication published by the American Occupational Therapy Association to promote productive aging.
Dr. Nathalie Mizelle is an associate professor and director of the rehabilitation counseling program at the University of the District of Columbia. She has a PhD in rehabilitation psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a MS in rehabilitation counseling and vocational evaluation from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. She also earned a BA in psychology from the North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina.
Dr. Mizelle has 25 years of experience working as a therapist and clinical supervisor in the mental health field with adolescent and adult populations with physical, mental, and academic disabilities. She has 16 years of experience teaching in graduate and undergraduate counseling (CACREP/CORE) programs. She has an active research agenda and has published articles, book chapters, and in two edited books.
In addition to scholarship, Dr. Mizelle has presented at academic conferences both nationally and internationally. Her areas of expertise are race, equity, diversity, faculty development, and student success. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, music, and watching Netflix.
Nikki Pagano is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) at BASE Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a mental health private practice based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Pagano previously worked at the Columbia Center for Eating Disorders at New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI) as the Director of Adolescent Eating Disorder Services. During her time there, she helped co-author preparED, a free, online eating disorders education program for the next generation of clinicians.
Pagano gained her master of science in social work at Columbia University School of Social Work in New York and her bachelor of arts in economics from Davidson College in North Carolina.
Nina Batista earned her master of social work from Florida Atlantic University. Nina strives to create a safe, empathetic environment for clients to express themselves without judgment, providing honest and direct feedback. She believes trust is essential for an effective therapeutic relationship, ensuring her clients feel respected, supported, and heard.
Committed to continued education and growth, Batista is certified in trauma-informed care, internal gaming disorder, narcissistic abuse survivor treatment, and treating survivors of coercive control. She is also intensively trained in DBT, Experiential/Psychodrama, and Attachment Theory. Nina employs various therapeutic interventions from a trauma-informed perspective, including CBT, DBT, Gestalt, and Attachment Theory, to create individualized treatment plans tailored to each client’s specific needs.
Olivia Carter is a school counselor at Jefferson Elementary School in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She was named the 2021 School Counselor of the Year by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) for her ability to create lasting change within the profession through leadership, collaboration, and advocacy.
As a member of her school’s leadership team, Carter used behavior data to encourage implementing a more trauma-informed approach. She taught teachers about trauma and trauma responses, sparking interest among staff members for further training in anti-biased and antiracist teaching, restorative practices, and self-regulation. She also created Trauma-Informed Tuesdays, a newsletter focused on teacher wellness and best practices related to building resilience.
Carter received her master’s degree in school counseling and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southeast Missouri State University. She is a member of ASCA, the Missouri School Counselor Association, the Missouri State Teachers Association, and is a member and president-elect of the Southeast Missouri School Counselor Association.
Rachel Marmor is a compassionate and experienced licensed mental health counselor based in South Florida with over 10 years of experience. She is the chief wellness officer and PAIRS Foundation in Hollywood, Florida.
Marmor specializes in supporting clients through anxiety, family conflicts, and depression, using evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual’s unique needs. She is deeply committed to empowering her clients by helping them develop coping skills and emotional resilience, guiding them toward healing, hope, and personal growth.
Ramon Diaz Jr. is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and national certified counselor (NCC) dedicated to providing compassionate and effective mental health care. With a robust specialization as a clinical complex trauma specialist (CCTS-1), Diaz has extensive experience in helping individuals navigate and heal from traumatic experiences. He is also a certified dialectical behavioral therapist (C-DBT) and a certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor (CADC), bringing a comprehensive approach to treating a variety of mental health and substance use issues.
Diaz is affiliated with Well Mind Therapy Services in Joliet, Illinois, where he utilizes his diverse skill set to support clients in achieving their mental wellness goals. His commitment to advancing his expertise is reflected in his current pursuit of a PhD in neuropsychology and theoretical psychology. He is a proud child of an immigrant family from Mexico, who holds a master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Adler University in Chicago.
Dr. Richard Sheridan is the chair of the psychology department at William Carey University, where he has been since 2014. Throughout his career, Dr. Sheridan has provided therapeutic services to diverse populations in various clinical contexts across Nevada, Louisiana, and Mississippi. His doctoral studies focused on Milan Systemic therapy, the MRI group, and the theories of classic marriage and family researchers.
He holds a PhD in marriage and family therapy from the University of Louisiana Monroe, a master of arts in marriage and family counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a bachelor of arts in biblical studies and psychology from William Carey College. Additionally, Dr. Sheridan is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in the State of Mississippi.
Dr. Rob McKinney is an associate professor in the Department of Counselor Education at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He earned his MS in clinical mental health counseling from Eastern Illinois University and his PhD in counselor education and supervision at Kent State University.
Dr. McKinney is proud to be a member of ACA, ACES, SAIGE, and CSI, the latter of which he is a Chapter Faculty Advisor at Gonzaga University. He is also a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington. His professional interests and research interests include multicultural counseling considerations, LGBTGEQIAP+ considerations, spirituality in counseling, and counselor preparation.
Dr. Ronald Riggio is a professor of leadership and organizational psychology and former director of the Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College. He’s a regular contributor to Psychology Today and has written over 150 books, book chapters, and research articles in the fields of leadership, assessment centers, and organizational and social psychology.
His most recent book, published in 2020, is Daily Leadership Development: 365 Steps to Becoming a Better Leader. It features best practices in leadership grounded in research and offers self-assessments to develop leadership skills.
Ryan Culkin is the chief counseling officer at Thriveworks, overseeing operations and ensuring clinical excellence for talk therapy services. With over a decade of experience as a child and adolescent counselor, Culkin deeply understands the rapidly evolving mental health field. He is dedicated to equipping clinicians with the tools and skills they need to deliver the highest standard of care.
Having personally experienced the challenges of burnout, Culkin is passionate about creating a supportive culture that allows clinicians to thrive without being overwhelmed by the demands of their roles. He works closely with the executive team to implement strategic initiatives, shape future objectives, and ensure the success of both clinicians and clients. He is a licensed professional counselor in Virginia and holds an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.
Dr. Sarah Budd is an organizational psychologist specializing in helping teams and organizations increase their effectiveness. She is an executive and leadership coach (ICF PCC), certified in CliftonStrengths, Hogan Assessments, Kantor Structural Dynamics, and Whole Person Coaching.
Dr. Budd holds a master’s in organizational psychology and a PsyD in leadership psychology. Her background is in management operations. She is a coach, facilitator, and principal for Gambit Coaching & Consulting and adjunct faculty for William James College. She has created and led numerous workshops from one hour to three days, emphasizing a collaborative, customized, action-oriented approach. She serves on the board of Oregon’s Organization Development Network. In the evenings and weekends, she enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, two chickens, and one dog.
Dr. Sheri Bauman is a professor of counseling at the University of Arizona. She earned her PhD in counseling psychology from New Mexico State University.
Before starting a career in higher education, Dr. Bauman was a teacher and school counselor for more than 30 years. Her research centers on bullying, cyberbullying, and peer victimization. She is a well-regarded expert in this field with over 65 publications and seven books. She is a frequent presenter on this subject and attends conferences and workshops nationwide. She is also on the board of trustees of DitchtheLabel.org, an anti-bullying charity, and serves as their research consultant.
Stephanie Larsen is a seasoned psychotherapist, sex therapist, couples therapist, yoga instructor, and workplace coach. Her mission is to break down difficult-to-understand relational and psychological dynamics to lead people through transformative change in themselves, their relationships, and their workplace culture.
Larsen is interested in facilitating transformative change by helping clients understand themselves and the patterning they carry into personal and professional relationships. She started out working and training at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospitalization Program. She created and ran a wellness program for the doctors and nurses at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She has advanced sexual training and supervision through the University of Michigan and currently owns and runs a private practice in Racine, WI.
Stephanie Rivera-Beltre is a college and career counselor at KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from SUNY Binghamton University. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and has worked in education for over 16 years. She is currently in her third year as a counselor at KIPP. Before coming to KIPP, she taught at MCSchool, an international HS in the Dominican Republic, as well as sociology at UNIBE (a university in the Dominican Republic).
Suzelle Marques is a dedicated licensed professional counselor and certified trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy expert. With a rich background working in outpatient mental health centers and diverse school environments, she has honed her skills in providing individual counseling and support services across various age groups.
Marques brings extensive expertise in working with children and adolescents, instilling confidence in her ability to address a wide range of mental health issues. Currently, she operates her own private practice in New Jersey, offering individual and family counseling sessions in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. She is passionate about the potential of mental health education and resources to shift perspectives, believing that even a small change in understanding can spark a significant positive impact in the community. Suzelle has an MA in clinical mental health counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Dr. Taryn Akgul is an assistant professor and the counseling program coordinator for the College of Education & Human Services at Minnesota State University – Moorhead.
Teri Wilder is a licensed mental health counselor (LHMC) who has 13 years of experience in major mental illness, as well as addiction counseling, coping skills, and stress. Teri has worked with teens and adults who are dealing with many concerns that vary from family dynamics, work-related concerns, eating disorders, personality disorders, and ADHD.
She holds two master’s degrees in mental health and counseling and is currently pursuing her PhD in counseling education and supervision at Capella University.
Dr. Thomas Field is an associate professor in the College of Education at Oregon State University. He has taught graduate counseling students since 2011 and previously worked as a faculty member at Boston University School of Medicine.
Dr. Field’s research focuses on integrating neuroscience into counseling practice, and professional and social justice advocacy. During his academic career, he has published more than 30 peer-reviewed articles. He has also authored two books on the topic of neuroscience integration. He has received grant funding from agencies that include the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). His research and teaching has been recognized nationally. In 2019, he received the Counselor Educator of the Year award from the American Mental Health Counselors Association. He is also a current standards revision committee member of the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the recognized specialized accreditation body for counseling.
In addition to faculty responsibilities, he has actively helped clients with mental health concerns since 2006. He has counseled over 1,000 clients and currently maintains a small private practice where he sees adolescents and adults. He is board-certified as a counselor and clinical supervisor by the National Board of Certified Counselors and affiliates.
Meet the Team
Jocelyn Blore
Writer, Editor, Chief Content StrategistJocelyn Blore is the chief content officer of Sechel Ventures and the co-author of the Women Breaking Barriers series. She graduated summa cum laude from UC Berkeley and traveled the world for five years. She has degrees in psychology and sociology, and worked as an addiction specialist for two years in San Francisco. She’s interested in how culture shapes individuals and systems within societies—one of the many themes she writes about in her blog, Blore’s Razor (Instagram: @bloresrazor). She has served as managing editor for several healthcare websites since 2015.
Seth Restaino
Co-Founder, Sechel VenturesSeth Restaino co-founded a web design and development company in 1996, the predecessor to Sechel Ventures, and sold it in 2004. He devoted the next several years of his professional career to educational web publishing and software consulting. In 2013, he co-founded Sechel Ventures, where he wears many hats, including production and engineering. He continues to work across several healthcare and education sites.
Barry Franklin
Co-Founder, Sechel VenturesBefore co-founding Sechel Ventures Partners LLC, Barry Franklin was a VP at a Silicon Valley software company. He is an investor and advisor for DataSimply and Impellia. Barry believes that education and lifelong learning are paramount. Barry met his wife at Carnegie Mellon University and they have two beautiful daughters. He also volunteers for various committees at his kids’ high school.
Alex Stitt, LMHC
Writer & Contributing ExpertAlex Stitt is a nonbinary author, queer theorist, and licensed mental health counselor living in Hawaii. As a proud Queer Counselor, they work to educate professionals in the mental health field interested in working with LGBTQ+ populations. Their textbook, ACT for Gender Identity: The Comprehensive Guide, demonstrates how to apply Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to gender self-actualization.
Ali Hickerson
WriterAli Hickerson is a strategist, multimedia journalist, and writer based in Brooklyn, New York City. She has worked extensively in non-profit and health communications in Melbourne, Australia, and New York City. She has also worked in video production and the tech industry, most recently at Waze.
Andrea Vale
WriterAndrea Vale is a writer and filmmaker, focusing on biodiversity and conservation. She has reported for National Geographic, USA Today, Oceana, The Oxford Scientist, The Oxford Climate Review, and many other publications. She’s covered wetlands along the India-Pakistan border, community-based salmon conservation in the U.S, and seabirds in the Pacific, among other topics.
Previously, she worked as a Human Story Specialist at the National Geographic Society, and producer on the Oxford University Anthroposea Expedition. She has a BA in English and creative writing from the University of Notre Dame and an MS in biodiversity, conservation, and management from the University of Oxford.
Becca Brewer, MEd
WriterBecca Brewer is building a better future on a thriving earth by healing herself into wholeness, divesting from separation, and walking the path of the loving heart. Previously to her journey as an adventurer for a just, meaningful, and regenerative world, Becca was a formally trained sexuality educator with a master of education.
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Bree Nicolello
WriterBree Nicolello is an urban planner and freelance writer based in Seattle, WA. She has worked on land use and housing policy issues throughout the Pacific Northwest. She previously led Run Oregon Run, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Oregonians run for office and apply to boards and commissions. When not writing, she is lovingly tending to her cast iron
Catherine Mosley
WriterCatherine Chapman Mosley is a writer living in central Virginia. She’s written extensively on healthcare topics for various outlets and also works full-time in communications, marketing and community engagement. She is the proud parent of a son who is focused on a healthcare career and often seeks his editing help.
Cevia Yellin
WriterCevia Yellin is a freelance writer based in Eugene, Oregon. She studied English and French literature as an undergraduate. After serving two years as an AmeriCorps volunteer, she earned her master of arts in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Cevia’s travels and experiences working with students of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds have contributed to her interest in the forces that shape identity. She grew up on the edge of Philadelphia, where her mom still lives in her childhood home.
Dom DiFurio
Writer & Contributing ExpertDom DiFurio is a writer covering money, the economy, business trends, real estate, mental health trends, and more.
He’s published reporting in The Washington Post, USA Today, and ESPN Magazine as well as local and regional newsrooms across the country. He has been recognized by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors, and Columbia University.
Elena Cox
Elena Cox is a senior data reporter at Stacker. She holds a master of science in data journalism from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, and she previously worked for Realtor.com, CBS News, Bloomberg TV, and NY1. She has volunteered at the Bowery Mission, which serves the unhoused in New York City, since 2016.
Farheen Gani
WriterFarheen Gani has researched degree programs and salaries in counseling since 2020. She has written about topics such as genetic counselor salaries and family and human development bachelor’s degrees. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).
Jill Jaracz
Jill Jaracz is a Cleveland-based writer who has covered a number of topics including bridal, financial services, and local news. She’s also the co-host and executive producer of Keep the Flame Alive, a podcast for fans of the Olympics and Paralympics. Jaracz covered the Beijing 2022 Olympics and Paralympics from the closed loop in China, where she saw some amazing sports moments, geeked out about curling ice, and ate bao every day for six weeks.
Johannes Stitz
WriterJohannes Stitz is a freelance writer and researcher based in the Southwest. He’s written about various topics in engineering careers. Before turning to freelance writing, he spent nearly a decade in the arts as a booker and event manager.
Kenneth Parker
WriterKenneth Parker is a feature writer, poet, and musician living in the Pacific Northwest. His writing on healthcare, remote work, education, and technology has been published widely. His poetry, short fiction, and album reviews have appeared in Scifaikuest, Nanoism, and No Clean Singing. His background includes time spent as an associate editor, proofreader, private grammar instructor, freelance content editor, medical claims agent, and SEO consultant. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon, where he studied literature and worked as a composition tutor.
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAt CounselingSchools.com, Kimmy Gustafson’s expertly crafted articles delve into the world of counseling and mental health, providing valuable insights and guidance to readers since 2020. In addition to feature pieces and interviews, she keeps the state licensing tables current. Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.
Laura Freberg, PhD
Writer & Contributing ExpertLaura Freberg serves as professor of psychology at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she teaches introductory psychology and behavioral neuroscience.
Dr. Freberg is the author or co-author of several textbooks, including Discovering Psychology: The Science of Mind, Discovering Behavioral Neuroscience, Applied Behavioral Neuroscience, and Research Methods in Psychological Science. She served as President of the Western Psychological Association (WPA) in 2018-2019.
Lisa Hutchison, LMHC
Writer & Contributing ExpertLisa Hutchison, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She works for professionals who want to treat and prevent compassion fatigue. With over 20 years of psychotherapy experience, she helps her clients assert themselves, set boundaries, and increase their coping skills. Her specialty is decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression while increasing realistic methods of self-care for those who help others. Ms. Hutchison’s psychological advice has been featured in Reader’s Digest and the Huffington Post. Her articles have been published in numerous magazines, including Grief Digest and Today’s Caregiver.
Lisa is the bestselling author of I Fill My Cup: A Journal for Compassionate Helpers and a faculty member writer for NetCE. Her latest continuing education unit publication is “Setting Ethical Limits for Caring and Competent Professionals.” She has taught creative writing in colleges and presented on boundaries for the compassionate helper; the use of expressive art to heal grief, anxiety, and depression; inspirational and motivational topics; and creative writing techniques.
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2020, he’s written extensively about how counselors and other behavioral health professionals are working to address the nation’s mental health and substance use crises, with a particular focus on community-driven and interdisciplinary approaches. His articles have included detailed interviews with leaders and subject matter experts from the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Mental Health Counselor Association (AMHCA), the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Melissa DeCapua, DNP
WriterDr. Melissa DeCapua is a nurse practitioner working at Microsoft on organizational behavior and culture change. She began her career in psychiatry and fine arts, and these skills fuel her passion for user experience (UX): building programs, conducting qualitative research, and designing services. By night, she continues to advocate for nurses through lobbying efforts, blogging, and volunteering. For more about Melissa, check out her website and follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@melissadecapua).
Nathan Stevens
WriterNathan Stevens is a reporter, musician, and native Texan living in Austin. He received his degree in journalism from the University of Oregon and has worked in broadcast for over a decade. His website, the2010s.net, is a collection and retrospective of the best music of the 21st century.
Nina Chamlou
WriterNina Chamlou is a freelance writer from Portland, OR. She writes about healthcare, psychology, economic trends, business, technology, digitization, supply chains, education, aviation, and travel. You can find her floating around the Pacific Northwest in diners and coffee shops, or traveling abroad, studying the locale from behind her MacBook. Visit her personal website at NinaChamlou.com.
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterRachel Drummond has used her expertise in education and mindfulness to guide aspiring counselors since 2020. Her work emphasizes the importance of integrating reflective mindfulness into counseling techniques, helping readers understand how mental and physical well-being can enhance their professional practice and personal development in counseling.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.
Rebecca Atkins, MEd, NBCT
Writer & Contributing ExpertRebecca Atkins serves as the central office leader for school counseling in a large southern school district. She served as a school counselor for 12 years and is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences.
Along with Alicia Oglesby, she authored the book Interrupting Racism: Equity and Social Justice in School Counseling in 2018. She shares her ideas on her blog CounselorUp.
Vanessa Salvia
WriterVanessa Salvia is an Oregon-based freelance writer and editor with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. As fun as rigorous studies in math and science were, Vanessa took an independent path and developed a prolific career covering lifestyle and healthcare topics for magazines and newspapers, important industries such as concrete construction and building waterproofing, and even hard science. You can get in touch at Sage Media and Marketing.
Wade Zhou, MS
WriterWade Zhou is an experienced senior data journalist who covers education, economic trends, healthcare, and more.
He previously wrote for The Economist and received his BA from the University of Miami and his MS from Johns Hopkins University.