Melissa Wheeler

Dr. Melissa Wheeler is an adjunct instructor in the Counseling Program at RMUoHP. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and maintains certifications as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). Her professional background includes extensive experience in career services, academic advising, and college student success initiatives.

Dr. Wheeler's research focuses on humanistic approaches to counseling and education, with specific expertise in:

• Career development and counseling methodologies
• Retention strategies for first-generation college students
• Practitioner-focused research in career counseling
• Mentorship frameworks within the counseling profession
• Distance learning pedagogy for counselor education

She maintains active memberships in multiple professional organizations including the American Counseling Association, National Career Development Association (where she serves on the Research Committee and Diversity and Inclusion Committee), and Association of Counselor Education & Supervision. Previously, she served as President of the Virginia Career Development Association.