Naomi Wheeler

Dr. Naomi Wheeler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling and Special Education at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Education. She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida, an M.A. in Counselor Education, an M.S. in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Florida, and a B.S. in Psychology.

Her research explores relational stress across the lifespan, focusing on:

• Couple/family relationships
• Childhood trauma impacts
• Health disparities in vulnerable populations
• Psychoneuroimmunology mechanisms

She received significant recognition including the 2018 Charles P. Ruch Teaching Award and served as Executive Director of UCF's Marriage and Family Research Institute. Her federally funded research includes Project TOGETHER, providing relationship education to low-income communities.

Awards:

• 2018 VCU Ruch Award for Teaching Excellence
• 2017 ACES Outstanding Dissertation Award
• 2017 ACA Glen E. Hubele National Graduate Student Award
• 2016 AARC Doctoral Research Award

She mentors graduate students in counseling techniques and couples therapy while maintaining clinical practice as a licensed mental health counselor specializing in trauma-informed care.