Marsha Vaughn

Dr. Marsha Vaughn is a Professor in the Department of Couple and Family Therapy at Adler University's Chicago campus. She contributes to the academic and clinical training of future family therapists with a focus on systemic approaches and global perspectives.

Education:

• Ph.D., Marriage and Family Therapy, Texas Tech University
• M.MFT, Marriage and Family Therapy, Abilene Christian University
• B.A., Human Resource Management, Harding University
• Graduate Certificate, Advanced Quantitative Methods in Education, Northern Illinois University
• Residency, Clinical Pastoral Education, Covenant Health System, Lubbock, TX

Dr. Vaughn's research centers on global issues in family therapy, therapy education and pedagogy, and the interplay between family systems and organizations such as religious institutions and family businesses. Her work integrates spirituality, systemic thinking, and cross-cultural contexts, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and residential care settings. She emphasizes holistic models that consider psychosocial, nutritional, and spiritual dimensions in therapeutic practice.

The recent publications reflect a strong trend in systemic therapy, clinical judgment, and family dynamics in entrepreneurship. Her research bridges clinical practice with organizational behavior, particularly in how religious beliefs and social obligations influence work-family balance. There is a consistent focus on empirical validation of therapeutic models and enhancing caregiver competence in diverse settings.

Scientific Awards:

• Best Unpublished Paper Award, Family Enterprise Research Conference (2005)

Dr. Vaughn serves as a board member for Refuge for Women-Chicago, indicating active community engagement and leadership beyond academia. While no formal advising roles or grants are listed, her presentations and publications suggest mentorship and scholarly influence. She has contributed to national and international conferences, including the National Council on Family Relations and the Family Enterprise Research Conference.

She is professionally affiliated with the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the International Family Therapy Association (IFTA), maintaining active participation in key disciplinary communities.