Joann Heaney-Hunter

Joann Heaney-Hunter is an Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, St. John’s University. She holds a B.A. (1978) and M.A. in Theology (1981) from St. John’s University, a Ph.D. in Theology (1988) from Fordham University, and an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling (2005) from Long Island University. She is a Board Certified Counselor (NCC) since 2005.

Her academic leadership includes directing the University Core Curriculum and Discover New York Freshman Experience since 2001. Her research focuses on marital spirituality, family theology, and pastoral counseling. Notable publications explore Eucharistic spirituality in family life, domestic church dynamics, and forgiveness in family systems. She has secured significant grants including a $424,000 American Red Cross award for post-9/11 mental health initiatives and a $175,000 FADICA grant for marriage preparation programs.

Dr. Heaney-Hunter has been honored as Professor of the Year (2004), inducted into the Counseling Honor Society (2004), and listed in Who’s Who in America multiple times. She actively serves on university committees such as the Core Curriculum Counsel and Title III Grant team. Professional memberships include College Theology Society and American Counseling Association.