Amna Jaffer

Amna Jaffer is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology at the School of Professional Psychology and Health, California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). She has served as a counselor educator in the Bay Area for 15 years, holding roles such as Graduate Fieldwork Coordinator and Undergraduate Courses Coordinator. Her work extends beyond academia, including roles as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and support for women in recovery and runaway youth.

Education:

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, San José State University
• MA in Counseling and Guidance, San José State University
• TEP (Trainer, Educator and Practitioner) in Psychodrama and Group Psychotherapy

Her research focuses on Social Justice in Education, Psychodrama Applications in Schools, and Mental Health Interventions for Vulnerable Populations. She emphasizes using psychodrama to address systemic inequities and foster resilience in educational settings.

Awards:

• Excellence in Teaching (Peer Connections SJSU, 2020)
• Ayse I. Carden Alumna in Residence (Agnes Scott College, 2013)
• Innovators Award (American Society for Group Psychotherapy, 2012)

Her publications explore psychodrama’s role in education and crisis response. She actively bridges clinical practice with community advocacy, emphasizing trauma-informed approaches in counseling.