Jonique R. Childs

Jonique R. Childs is an Assistant Professor in the School Counselor Education program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Iowa, with minors in Multicultural Education & Cultural Competency. Her roles include academic advising, clinical supervision, and curriculum development in counselor education. Dr. Childs is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), with prior experience as a school counselor, career counselor, and mental health counselor on suicide prevention hotlines.

Her research focuses on psychosocial needs of first-generation college students of color, examining the interconnectedness of mental well-being, career development, and academic success. Key themes include help-seeking behaviors, multicultural education, and social justice advocacy. She emphasizes culturally responsive practices in counseling and institutional equity.

Dr. Childs' academic qualifications include B.S. (2008) and MSEd degrees (2012, 2013) from Northern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa (2018). Her work bridges theory and practice, addressing systemic barriers faced by marginalized student populations. She actively contributes to policy discussions on equity in career development and postsecondary transitions.

Her recent publications analyze microaggressions in academia, antiracist counselor training, and the career trajectories of Black immigrant students. She advocates for systemic change through faculty learning communities and culturally humble supervision practices.