Emily Brown

Emily Brown is an Associate Professor in the Counseling program within the College of Education at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL). She serves in multiple leadership roles, including Director of Faculty Success and Engagement, School Counseling Internship Coordinator, CACREP Liaison, and Director of the Play Therapy Institute @ ULSM.

Education:

• Bachelor's in English and Religion, Wake Forest University
• Master's in School Counseling, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Graduate Certificate in Grief, Loss, and Trauma

Dr. Brown's research focuses on counseling interventions related to loss, crisis, and trauma, with specialized expertise in ambiguous loss, suicide prevention, and play therapy. She is a licensed professional counselor (since 2010), a National Certified Counselor (since 2008), and a credentialed Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor. Her work bridges clinical practice and academic training, emphasizing school-based mental health and counselor development.

She is co-Principal Investigator on a five-year, $3 million U.S. Department of Education grant aimed at expanding mental health services in the Riverview Gardens School District, highlighting her commitment to community impact and systemic support in education.

Scientific Awards:

• The Gerald and Deanne Gitner Excellence in Teaching Award (2017)

Dr. Brown advises students in the Counseling program and teaches core courses such as Foundations of School Counseling, Counseling for Loss, Crisis, & Trauma, Introduction to Play Therapy, Advanced Play Therapy, and Advanced Theories and Practice of Counseling. She is actively involved in grant-funded research and professional training, shaping future counselors and advancing school mental health practices.

Labs and Teams: She leads the Play Therapy Institute @ UMSL, which serves as a hub for training, research, and clinical service in play therapy. This institute supports graduate students, school partners, and community stakeholders in building trauma-informed counseling practices.