J. Richelle Joe

Dr. J. Richelle Joe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counselor Education and School Psychology at the University of Central Florida (UCF), within the College of Community Innovation and Education. Her work prioritizes cultural responsiveness to address holistic health needs, particularly for historically underserved populations. She has extensive experience as a teacher, counselor, and behavior specialist in diverse educational settings. Dr. Joe leads the HIV Education, Awareness, and Research Team (H.E.A.R.T.), focusing on HIV/AIDS advocacy and community-based research. Her research interests span counselor education, school counseling ethics, and intersectional health disparities.

Dr. Joe holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the College of William & Mary, an M.S.Ed. in School Counseling from Old Dominion University, and a M.A.T. in Social Studies Education and B.A. in Psychology from the University of Virginia. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and holds a post-graduate professional license in Virginia.

Her research emphasizes culturally responsive practices in education and mental health, with a focus on marginalized groups such as Black women, LGBTQ+ youth, and low-income communities. She actively serves on committees for the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD) and the National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation (NBCCEF), mentoring minority fellows. Her recent work addresses HIV/AIDS through community engagement and policy analysis, reflecting a commitment to systemic change and social justice.