Grounded in clinical mental health practice and counselor education, this expert holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University, a Master of Social Work from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the College of Charleston. With more than 10 years of experience in psychotherapy, social work, and behavioral health, clinical work includes providing individual, group, and family therapy, with a strong focus on trauma, anxiety, addiction, and stress-related conditions. Experience with the Department of Veterans Affairs involved treating veterans affected by combat exposure and military sexual trauma, including conducting psychosocial assessments, developing treatment plans, and facilitating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)- and anger-focused therapy groups.

The expert’s academic responsibilities have included serving as a professor and former department chair in a counselor education and family studies program, with teaching at the graduate level in counseling theory, diagnosis, addiction, and crisis intervention. Additional work has involved supervision of practicum and internship students, program development, and participation in research initiatives, including leadership of a military-focused research team. Scholarly contributions and presentations address trauma, resilience, grief, and mental health in military and veteran populations, reflecting integration of clinical practice with research and education.