Nancy Thacker Darrow

Dr. Nancy Thacker Darrow (she/hers) is an Associate Professor of Counselor Education at the University of Vermont's College of Education and Social Services, where she coordinates the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program. She specializes in grief theory, LGBTQ+ mental health, and culturally-informed practices across counseling and higher education.

• Education
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• B.S. in Psychology, Western Carolina University

Her research examines systemic inequities affecting minoritized individuals, particularly focusing on non-death loss experiences among LGBTQ+ and BIPOC college students. Using critical qualitative methods, she investigates:

• Queer and trans identity development in educational settings
• Intersectional approaches to traumatic grief
• Counselor education reforms for inclusive excellence
• Familial relationships in marginalized student populations

Dr. Thacker Darrow serves on editorial boards for key journals including Counselor Education and Supervision and Journal of Mental Health Counseling. Her work spans narrative inquiry, photovoice studies, and grounded theory frameworks, with recent publications analyzing LGBTQ+ POC resilience and Appalachian student transitions.