Danielle R. Harrell

Dr. Danielle R. Harrell is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington. She holds a PhD in Social Work from Louisiana State University (LSU) with a minor in Educational Research, an MSW from LSU, and a BS in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her research focuses on racial equity in K-12 schools, school climate, child and adolescent mental health, and the role of school social workers in addressing disparities. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas and Louisiana with seven years of practice experience in child welfare and school social work.

Dr. Harrell's work emphasizes culturally responsive mental health services in schools, family-school-community partnerships, and reducing educational disparities through evidence-based interventions. Her recent grants include studies on suicidal behavior in Black children, transportation equity for client mobility, and family engagement in education. Notable awards include the IMMERSE Fellowship (2024) and NIMHD Health Disparities Research Scholar designation (2022).

She teaches courses in research methods, statistics, and school social work. Key publications explore school discipline's impact on suicide risk, neighborhood violence effects on adolescents, and implicit bias among teachers of color. Her presentations address systemic barriers in school social work and post-pandemic educational strategies.