Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the School Counseling Masters Program at Stephen F. Austin State University - Nacogdoches, TX

Regional Academic Director for the Southern Appalachian Region

* Hazard Community and Technical College (KY)
* Southeast Community and Technical College (KY)
* Mountain Empire Community College (VA)
* Southwest Virginia Community College (VA)

Resident Supervisor for: Mountain Empire Community College & Southwest Virginia Community College

* Graduate Student Advisor
* Graduate Student Practicum & Internship Group Supervisor

Southern Appalachian Regional Office Administrator & Supervisor

Faculty & Adjunct Faculty Mentor

Course Steward: Ethics & Professional Issues

Smith, R. L., Maroney, K., Nelson, K.W., Abel, A. L., & Abel, H. S. (2006). Doctoral programs: Changing high rates of attrition. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, Education and Development, 45, 17-33.

I grew up in the Midwestern culture of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma with a B.S. in Education I began teaching in inner city Houston, TX working with predominantly low socio-economic students. After Houston I moved to the beautiful beaches of Padre Island and Corpus Christi, TX to teach and earn a M.S. in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M University. Upon graduation I began working as a High School Counselor at the Flour Bluff Independent School District in south Texas. As a school counselor I began a Doctoral Degree in Counselor Education at Texas A&M University. I love the fact that I still receive letters/emails from former students who are now graduating from college. Before joining Lindsey Wilson College in 2006 I was an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the School Counseling Masters Program at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. Currently, I am enjoying living in Kentucky with my two cats Pickles and Superman. At Lindsey Wilson College School of Professional Counseling I am an Assistant Professor and Regional Academic Director for the Southern Appalachian Region. These positions require a strong commitment to student success, which is something that has always been a personal life focus and mission.