Linda K. Thompson

Linda K. Thompson, Ph.D., serves as an Adjunct Professor in Health Services Administration at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), with additional adjunct appointments at New York University and Florida Gulf Coast University. With nearly 30 years of behavioral health experience spanning clinical practice, administration, and education, she has held leadership roles across public and private healthcare sectors including gubernatorial appointments under three Missouri governors.

Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Education Family Therapy from Saint Louis University, an M.A. in Guidance Counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and a B.A. in Mass Communications from Truman State University.

Dr. Thompson's professional focus encompasses Behavioral Health, Family Therapy, Counseling, Health Administration, Senior Services, Disability Services, Public Policy, and Advocacy. Her legislative impact includes authoring Missouri's Elder Protection Act (2001) and Pennsylvania's Title Protection Act for professional counselors (2018), alongside international consultation work guiding Hong Kong and Turkey in adopting school guidance frameworks.

Though no scientific awards are documented, her policy achievements are significant. Dr. Thompson emphasizes student mentorship for systems change and lifelong learning, currently leading Drug-Free Manatee as CEO while maintaining active roles in healthcare administration education.