Kristina Henderson

Dr. Kristina Henderson serves as Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for the Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling within Mercer University's College of Professional Advancement. With over 22 years as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Georgia Licensed Professional Counselor since 2001, she bridges extensive clinical experience from roles at the Department of the Army, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, and University System of Georgia with academic leadership. Her mission focuses on preparing future leaders to address environmental and attitudinal barriers faced by people with disabilities through evidence-based rehabilitation practices.

Her educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Development (Counselor Education & Supervision), Kansas State University (2009)
• MA in Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Kentucky (1995)
• BA in Psychology, University of Kentucky (1993)

Professional credentials encompass Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist (2023-2028), Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (2014-2026), and active Certified Rehabilitation Counselor status (1995-2025).

Research centers on critical intersections of ethics, disability competence, and marginalized populations. Recent investigations address transgender dementia care, organizational ethics conflicts, and pandemic-era service adaptations using qualitative and mixed-methods approaches. Her scholarship directly informs curriculum development across 15+ courses including Ethics for Human Services Professionals and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Internship Supervision.

Recognition includes:

• Excellence in Advising Award, Penfield College (2018)

As Program Coordinator, she mentors all M.S. students through personalized career development and clinical supervision, leveraging her role as CACREP Accreditation Team Member (2021-present) to maintain program excellence. Current initiatives include the Rural Telemental Health Counseling Program for children and disability competence integration frameworks validated through National Council on Rehabilitation Education partnerships.

Professional leadership spans the Board of Directors for NCRE (2020-present), grant reviewing for the Department of Education/Rehabilitation Services Administration (2019-present), and active roles in American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia.